By Nicholette Carlson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The two main topics of discussion at the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce’s meeting Monday, Oct. 12, were the upcoming tree lighting and suggested changes to the chamber bylaws.

Tammy Waliczek, secretary and head of the tree lighting committee, updated the chamber on the great response she has received from area businesses looking to participate in the revived tree lighting tradition. Currently, various businesses have helped with donations including a fire pit, hot chocolate, chili, cookies, hot dogs, luminaries, popcorn, face painting, a strolling trumpeter and more. Cap’n Bob also volunteered to provide live entertainment throughout the evening.

Paula Miller suggested checking on additional parking options, such as the church parking lot. Since not all participating businesses are right in the downtown area, the chamber plans to put a map on the back of the event flyer listing all area businesses who are participating in the event with their giveaways or special deals.

Chris Trowbridge

Working with suggestions given from last year’s tree lighting, Waliczek announced they will be using a PA system to pipe in Christmas music. There will also be a countdown leading to the tree lighting.

Due to COVID-19 and board member seats up for re-election, chamber members thought it would be prudent to review the bylaws and see if any necessary changes needed to be made.

One item reviewed was when membership dues would be billed for the next year and when they would be due. It was suggested to make chamber membership dues due at the end of January. Changes were noticed in the number of seats for the chamber board of directors between 2004 and present. It was suggested flexibility be worked in based on membership numbers. Criteria for small businesses and large businesses for Business of the Year were also reviewed.

Ballots for chamber board member seats are ready to be sent out. However, it was discussed whether ballots should be distributed and returned via email or mail. The majority of members believe ballots should be both emailed and mailed ballots to members, so that will be done with the current ballots. Votes are planned to be counted at the November meeting. The time frame for nominations, sending ballots and counting votes was also discussed.

Waliczek plans to create a draft of the chamber bylaws with suggested changes to present at next month’s meeting.

Chris Trowbridge with Maverick Promotions was welcomed to his first chamber meeting on the board of directors. He took Amanda Meerzo’s empty seat and will be on the upcoming ballot for re-election. Sue Ward, who was not present, was thanked for her quick work in getting mums out. Linda Land, also not present, was recognized and thanked for delivering the chamber’s town fall flags.

A letter Mindy Scaggs wrote in support of Lyn Crighton’s request to bring the Smithsonian’s “Water/Ways” exhibit to North Webster was read aloud by Waliczek. All board members agreed it is well-written and did not suggest any changes.

The secretary report and treasurer report were quickly reviewed and approved by the board members.

Membership invoices for next year will be sent out in November and are due at the end of January.

The next chamber meeting will be at noon Monday, Nov. 9, at the Tippecanoe Township Building, 102 S. Morton St., North Webster.