Chester Chamber of Commerce meeting held at Chester Welcome Center
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Chester Chamber of Commerce's monthly board meeting was held at the Chamber Office at the Chester Welcome Center on Tuesday, September 21, 2010. The many attendees were able to tour the facility and see the new "state of the art" displays.
Golf Tournament Co-Chair Ron Woodworth reported that teams and hole sponsors may still sign up for the annual tournament on October 9. For information, contact either Ron Woodworth at 826.5086 or Ron Pechacek at 826.3340.
The Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce has invited the Chester Chamber to participate in a Chili Cook Off which takes place during their fall festival. If any chamber member is interested in entering the contest, please contact the chamber office at 826.2721 for information. The chamber will reimburse the participant for food items purchased.
This year's annual BBQ at the Chamber Knights of Columbus Hall is scheduled on October 15 from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Grilled chicken breast or brats, potato salad and slaw will be served. The Tourism Commission will partner with the Chamber for this year's fundraiser. You can eat in/out or call ahead and carry outs will be ready for pickup.
The Directors voted to approve a $100 sponsorship of the Regional Leaders Breakfast which will be at the Chester VFW Hall on October 21, 2010. The keynote speaker is Scott Winter, Marketing Manager for the Tourism Bureau of Southwestern Illinois.
SIU-C Chancellor Rita Cheng will be the guest speaker at the chamber's lunch meeting on October 19 at the Chester Eagles Club. Ms. Cheng has visited a number of towns meeting people and reaching out to the community. Reservations are not necessary. The one hour meeting will begin at noon. Lunch may be ordered from the menu.
Director Carole Abernathy reminded everyone about the "River is Life Tour" this Friday, September 24, at the Chester Eagles Club. There will be a FREE viewing on a twenty foot screen of the adventures of two men who kayaked 2,300 miles in 2009, the length of the Mississippi. Food will be sold outside and inside dining will also be available. Everyone is urged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a great evening. Music will be by "Hound's Tooth Harmony" beginning at 8:30 p.m.
The Chester Police Department received authorization to begin purchasing to fulfill the Law Enforcement Technology Program Grant of $100,000.00. The money will be used for the replacement of all office computers and software, several narrow band compliant police car radios, and other police equipment.
Chris Martin, Randolph County's Economic Development Coordinator, reported that he will be meeting with the USDA Rural Development Program Committee this week. They will be discussing a "Gap Financing Program" geared toward helping businesses that might need additional funds to operate.
Director Don Welge thanked Chris Blechle for giving the chamber a "home" the past few years. Several years ago, the chamber had to relocate from an office by the Gazebo Park. Chris and the Randolph County Board leased office space to the chamber which was certainly appreciated. The office at the Welcome Center provides additional visibility due to the location.