The Philip Chamber of Commerce met on May 11th at 7:00p at the 73 Bar. Eleven members and five officers were in attendance.

Matt Reedy gave the Treasurer's Report. The Chamber currently has $1,274.99 in its general fund and roughly $14,000 in its Centennial Fund. The Treasurer's Report was approved as read.

Discussion was entertained on how or if to utilize the Centennial Fund. Matt reported that he had talked to bank President Ray Smith and it was Ray's recmmendation that the money be used as a special events' fund. If made into a special events' fund, the money could go towards this year's Festival Days' Celebration.

Glen Parson, who is the chair for the Festival Days' Celebration, said that at this time he had a solid $8,500 that would be needed to cover the cost of the current celebration activity lineup.

Mike West motioned that the Centennial Fund be used for special events with any profit from those events funneling back into the account. Corky Thorson seconded the motion.

Glen Parson is to present a budget to Matt Reedy for the funds that will be needed to be given towards the upcoming celebration.

Glen Parson also made mention of Chamber of Commerce t-shirts that he had stumbled upon and wondered if workers at the events shouldn't be wearing them to help designate the Chamber workers. He was going to check and see how many were available.

Codi Vallery gave the Secretary's Report and it was approved as read.

Under old business:

  Glen Parson gave another update on the Festival Days' activities. Great progress has been made on the events. Philip Motor has agreed to clear at least one of its lots to help with downtown parking and the Firehall has willingly given use of its lots to help with downtown parking on Saturday afternoon for people needing a place to rest in the shade or visit.

  The list of activities include:  5K Walk/Run, Breakfast, Parade, Ping Pong Fly-Over(?), Vivian Hansen Burger Feed, Water Fights with the Fire Department, Poker Walk, Kids' Games, Square Dancing, Kids' movie at the Gem Theater, Karaoke Contest.

  Branden West gav an update on the Saddle Bronc Match Ride. Twenty-five (25) contestants will be riding in the event. At this time, local cowboys and national winners, J.J. Elshere, Chad Ferley and Jeff Willert have enrolled. Deadline for cowboys to enter is May 25.

  In between Round 1 and 2, there will be a miniature pony-riding event for children put on by Kevin Pinney. More details will come later.

  The Burger Feed will start at 4:30pm and he beer concession stands will also open at that time.

  Tickets for the Saddle Bronce Match Ride will be availabe for sale at the First National Bank, Motel West and Ravellette Publications prior to the event.

  Matt Reedy as to check with Jankord's to see about processing the steer that has been donated for the event.

  Marsha West reported that the Ambulance Hall has been reserved for the 50's Reunion that is to be held in June of 2010.

  Discussion was held on the Fire Department's requestfor money to help wth the fireworks display during the Fourth of July.

  It was made clear that the Fire Department does ask residents for businesses for monetary funds for fire services but not for the fireworks display.

  Matt Reedy reported that last year the Chamber gave the Fire Department $100. Boyd Waara motioned to give $200 a it was noted the fireworks expenses had gone up from last year. Glen Parson seconded.

  After more discussion, Branden West made a motion o amend the motion by striking the $200 and saying the Chamber would pay 5% of the Fire Department's expense. The motion was not seconded and failed.

  The original motion was put to a vote and passed. The Philip Chamber of Commerce will donate $200 to the Philip Fire Department Fireworks this year.

Under new business:

  Chip Kemnitz has had inquiries about the office space the old Chamber of Commerce office inhabits. Milo Zeeb asked members what their thoughts were and if the Chamber should again rent the space, move somewhere else or put everything in storage.

  At past meetings it was mentioned that Vickie Petersen had volunteered to route the phone and email through the Petersen's store office.

  Boyd Waara also mentioned that the bank currently has 3 office spaces available and the equipment could be moved to there along with the phone line and email so it could be a common place for the board members (specifically Matt and Codi) to check on Chamber items.

  Boyd made the motion to house the equipment and put it into use by routing the Chamber phone through to the bank office rather than put it into storage elsewhere. The motion was seconded and passed.

  Marsha West reminded downtown business owners that they had been asked to decorate their windows for the Relay For Life coming up in June.

  Mike West said the Crooner's vocal group is seeking a place to practice. They would like to find a place large enough to fit twelve (12) people and be able to store their equipement.

  Kent Olson said there would be a marketing group meeting this coming Wednesday, May 13, at the Philip Hospital. Everyone is invited to attend. No set plans have been made yet.

  Milo noted that the free City Rubble Site weekend was this coming weekend, May 15th and 16th. Everyone was encouraged to utilize the free weekend and clean up yards and discard unwanted items.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held June 9th at 7:00pm at the Steakhous.