Yorktown Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Meeting
November 21, 2017
Mellott Family Center
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Cindy Buchanan, Keith Gary, Leslie Baim, Matt Anderson, Kallie Sulanke, Rick Yencer, Megan O’Connor, Mary Ann Stroeh, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Brendon Comp, Chris Day, Barb Baker, Al Baker, Maura Hoff, Ryan Ballard, Jonathan Taube, Greg Hinshaw, Dustin Humm, Chris Turner, Fran Bullock, Joni Farmer, Todd Blevins, Carly Acree-King, Rich Lee, Rachel Tucker, Cameron Grubbs, Tim Williams, Dan McDonald, Roger Smith, Starr Manning, Sarah McCord, Ed Armantrout, Maureen Walby, Mark Goodpaster.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is your favorite Thanksgiving dessert? Many enjoy pumpkin pie with whipped cream while pecan pie, and cheesecake are also favorites.
SALVATION ARMY: Jonathan Taube – The organization is looking for new locations for collection buckets due to the closing of the Marsh Supermarket stores. Also, challenging businesses to make matching donations. For further information visit the Website at samuncie.org.
BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Oak Tree Ministries, Inc. – Fran Bullock – Brochures were provided about the organization whose primary goal is to promote Christian education in the community. The group offers Bible study, church supplies, audio and video rental and a full Christian library.
MEMBER APPRECIATION DRAWING: Rick Yencer won the gift provided by Oak Tree Ministries.
SECRETARY REPORT: Approved as submitted.
TREASURER REPORT: Approved as submitted.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT: Chris Day – Slate of officers – approved as submitted, President – Keith Gary; Vice president – Mark Goodpaster; Secretary – Maureen Walby; Treasurer – Ed Armantrout
LUMINARY FESTIVAL REPORT: Barb Baker – Jugs are cut and ready to be set up and figurines are in place. If anyone would like to participate in the parade, you are welcome to do so. The snow balls are ready for the snowball fight following the parade. Belle, the Disney character, will be at the Hide Out family room from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Vendor list is full. Baker will need assistance in passing out tickets for the door prize events. There is a possibility there will be a chili supper, sponsored by the Yorktown Band Boosters, but it is not finalized at this point.
AWARDS COMMITTEE: Sarah McCord – Accepting nominations for awards. Please provide your nominations by December 9, 2017. Awards Luncheon will be held December 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at YMCA Sports Complex, 200 S. County Road 600 W., Yorktown.
SCHOOL REPORT: Greg Hinshaw –The Fall sports season ended well with girls’ volleyball going to semi-state. Tiger Paws PTO is in place and doing well. The school board will be reviewing the demographics report and will be looking at bonding capacity and other issues.
TOWN REPORT: Todd Blevins – Have begun moving dirt for the new trail expansion on River Road. The Fire and Ice 5K is still taking registrations. Four for the 4th registration will begin the day after Thanksgiving. Kudos to the Yorktown maintenance and street department for their efforts in the clean-up following the tornado in early November.
BRE (Business Retention and Expansion) – Meeting to follow the Chamber meeting. BRE Training sessions will be offered as follows: All will be held on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Mr. Mouse Catering Room. First session – January 25, 2018 – Peggy Cenova – Goal Setting; February 22, 2018 – Arrick Garringer – Sales; March 29, 2018 – Dustin Humm – Cyber Security; April 26, 2018 – Mitch Isaacs – Difficult conversations with Employees. These sessions are free for Chamber members and $10.00 per session for non-chamber members.
PROGRAM – Whitinger and Company – T. J. Bush and Linn Crull – Year End Tax Planning – Crull indicated that currently there are two tax reform bills moving through Congress, both would be effective in 2018. It is important to monitor the progress of tax reform and its potential impact on year-end tax planning. It was further suggested that investments should be reviewed with your financial planning advisor to look at losses that would offset capital gains. Donating stocks to charitable organizations was suggested in order to deduct the full value of appreciated securities, as well as donations that can be made directly from an IRA. T. J. Bush suggested that businesses review and update accounting policies for expensing small-dollar equipment and fixed asset purchases. Bush also discussed the advantages of purchasing a business vehicle before the end of the year in order to obtain the maximum deduction for its usage. Other tips included review of health insurance costs, managing adjusted gross income, and estate and gift planning.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Small Business Saturday – November 25, 2017 – Visit local small businesses to support their contribution to the community.
TIP OF THE DAY: – Mark Goodpaster – Goodpaster thanked the ladies of the church for the preparation of the delicious breakfast. Tips offered – Wrap the stem of bananas to keep them fresh for a longer period of time; place pillows in the sun to freshen and fluff them; place a paper clip on the end of a tape roll; place a magnet on a paper cup and stick it on the refrigerator so it will be readily available; place cell phones on airplane mode for faster charging.
MEETING ADJOURNED
NEXT MEETING – December 19, 2017- BRING A GUEST!