Philip Chamber of Commerce
General Meeting Minutes
April 14, 2008 - 7:00 PM

73 Bar

Kent Olson called the meeting to order
20 Members were present

OLD BUSINESS:

The Matched Bronc was the first item on the Agenda. A discussion of what the Chamber was to serve for the free dinner that they were providing for the event was opened for debate. Buffalo was mentioned, but it was brought to our attention that this is beef country and a good quality beef burger would better denote our part of this AG country. Jan Hewitt and Boyd Waara felt that a good hamburger and chips would be more economically feasible and just as tasty for the meal. The meal is to be included in the price of the admission ticket. Corky Thorson will check on the price of hamburger with the local suppliers.

Kent Olson gave a report of the Horizons Meeting held on March 26, 2008 at the 73 Bar. It was well attended and a lot of good ideas were suggested for different ways to ‘BRAND' Philip so as to make us more recognizable. The ‘brain-storming' produced lots of different input and lively conversation and ideas.

Corky shared that he had acquired the blow up games for the Festival (at no cost to the Chamber). They will also furnish the manpower to run the games. Prizes were discussed and Corky will check into different prizes and costs.

Doug West, Ray Gibson & Terri Pelle are the committee for the Festival Days. The contract for the DJ is already in place and other avenues explored.

NEW BUSINESS

Governor Michael Round's letter was shared with the members. He is in favor of Exit 131 and he thanked Kent Olson & Corky Thorson for their letter of support regarding Philip Chamber of Commerce's input on the site. They asked that the National minuteman be asked when we will be made aware of their final decision. The Coordinator will try to obtain this information.

Kent shared that it had been suggested that the General Meeting day and time be changed to a more convenient time. Tuesdays at 8:00 PM was suggested, but due to a conflict of leagues at the Golf Course, this will not be feasible. So for the summer of 2008, the day will stay as the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM.

Gay Tollefson asked for the privilege of introducing our guest speaker for the evening. Her voice was charged with emotion as she introduced Officer Kelly Stern with the South Dakota Highway Department. Gay & Officer Kelly both are very deeply involved with the ‘TRI-COUNTY DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS PROGRAM'. She shared that he and ALL the various Law enforcement disciplines have been and are working hard to reach our YOUNG people and their PARENTS. He and all his fellow constituents share the thought that ‘ if one young person is saved' it will be worth all their long hours spent in putting this program on. This is the third year that they have been doing this. ‘THEY' are comprised of the Highway Patrol, Local Law Enforcement, Life Flight, EMT's, Firemen, Sheriff's Office, MADD, and approximately 45 volunteers. The scheduled event is May 7, 2008 starting at 8:15 am.

I apologize deeply for the misspelling of Officer Kelly's last name. He is OFFICER KELLY STERN and a very pleasant and caring representative for the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the ‘Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program.

Kent Olson took the floor and announced that Terry Henrie, our PA at Philip Health Services, has completed his Advanced Training Course in 9 months instead of the usual 12 months and will be back at PHS the last of May or the first of June.

He also invited anyone that had not seen the new CAT scanner at the Hospital to come view it. It can accomplish 16 slices versus the old 1 slice. He also commended the local contractors that assisted in the installation of the scanner. He stated they were a tremendous asset to the endeavor.

Kent then announced that the May Guest Speakers will be Mike & Marcia West.