Randolph County's Economic Development Coordinator intorduced
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The Chester Chamber of Commerce's monthly board meeting was held at Reid's Harvest House, Tuesday, August 17, 2010.
Chris Martin, Randolph County's Economic Development Coordinator, was welcomed. Chris was born in Wabash County, Indiana. He is an accomplished musician, author, writer, and ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church. He has a diversified background having practiced economic development in his native Indiana, Arizona, and now in Illinois. His initial focus is on regionalism. He also plans to build a good website.
Color's Edge Salon owner Jennifer Lochhead was also welcomed to the meeting. Jennifer's full service salon is located at 2449 State Street in Chester.
Vice President Ron Woodworth reported on the 13th annual four-person golf scramble at the Chester Country Club which will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The chamber's largest annual fundraiser offers the opportunity to advertise a business by a hole sponsorship which will include a sign on a hole, recognition in the scramble program, and recognition in an advertisement in the Randolph County Herald Tribune. A hole sponsorship is $50 and an exclusive hole sponsorship is $100. Teams are also encouraged to sign up for the scramble as soon as possible. The cost is $225 per team and $20 per cart. If there are questions about the golf scramble, Ron Pechacek, 826.5015, or Ron Woodworth, 826.5086, may be contacted.
Approval was given to sponsor a team to play in the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce's golf tournament on September 16. The participation in Sparta's tournament is reciprocal, Sparta plays in Chester's tournament and Chester enters a team in Sparta's tournament. Director Mike Ritter will again coordinate Chester's participation.
Plans are underway for the chamber's annual BBQ which will be held at the Chester Knights of Columbus Hall on Friday, October 15.
Directors approved a $500 donation to this year's Popeye Character Trail addition, Sea Hag and Bernard. The two colorful cartoon characters' statue will be unveiled following the Popeye Parade at Chester Wal Mart. The Chamber will again participate in this year's parade.
On October 19, 2010, SIU Chancellor Rita Cheng will be the guest speaker at the chamber's lunch meeting at the Chester Eagle's Club. Ms. Cheng is very interested in the community and would like to meet with chamber members and people from Chester. Mark your calendars for the 19th of October and watch for upcoming details.
President Tom Welge, Chris Blechle, Tonya Robbins and Linda Sympson met recently with a group of Murphysboro citizens who are active in historic preservation efforts in that city. The old Liberty Theater in Murphysboro was recently accepted as a local landmark. The meeting was held at the theater which is like a "walk in the past". The Chester group, representing the River City Main Street project, shared ideas and goals with the group from Murphysboro. The Chamber will continue to work toward the establishment of a board consisting of members from the Tourism and Beautification Commissions, the Chamber, and several others from the community.
This year's annual banquet, at the Chester Country Club, was a casual evening, and very well attended. The entertainment was by a "Jimmy Buffet" look alike and singer. The highlight of the evening was the
announcement of S.F. "Bus" Brown as Citizen of the Year. Bus was presented the award by his friend and business associate Don Welge. He and his wife, Maev, were very touched by the presentation and award.
Director Carole Abernathy talked about the city's two grant applications to the Illinois Department of Transportation for ITEP grants to fund a sidewalk and streetscape/beautification project in downtown Chester and a proposed bike and pedestrian trail that would connect Cole Park to the historic Stone Bridge and travel adjacent to the historic Menard Home, and provide a linkage to the Chester Walking Trail at Cohen Park. The existing sidewalks in Chester's business district are in many areas hazardous and handicap ramps need to be either added or improved in many locations. Additional walking trails and bicycle trails will enhance tourism in the Chester area as well as provide an excellent recreational out let for local citizens.
Police Chief Ryan Coffey was pleased to report he received approval from the city council to purchase a new police vehicle that will be a four wheel drive, very necessary in Chester during the winter storms. He also reported that the city approved the purchase of a used police vehicle. Three vehicles will be retired from the fleet. Chief Coffey said to watch for a new link to the Attorney General's Office which will soon be on the Chester Police Department's website, ChesterPoliceDepartment.com. He will continue to alert the public of any "crime alert" and/or dispositions.
Alderman Schwent reported that the city has again been given permission to close a portion of State Street during the Popeye Picnic Weekend, September 10, 11 and 12. She mentioned that Officer Terry Knop, after twenty-two years of service, retired from the police department. Good luck Terry, the chamber appreciates many years of dedication to Chester.
A suggestion was made by Director Don Welge that an upcoming board meeting be held at the chamber's office located in the Welcome Center. This is a great idea and hopefully details will be worked out by the next meeting on September 21.