Chamber discussses new businesses coming to Chester Center
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Chester Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting was hosted by Memorial Hospital at the hospital's Physical Therapy and Wellness Center. Hospital Administrator Steven Hayes provided a brief tour of the new state-of-the-art facility. Misty Conway, Physical Therapist, explained all the ins and outs of the SwimEx therapy pool where patients are able to perform exercises that they might not be able to perform on land. Deb Rohlfing, Director of the Center, explained the BTE Eval Tech ER system, a state of the art science system that provides a comprehensive and effective approach to work injury management. The Eval Tech provides employers and insurances the most legally defensive and effective evaluations by assessing an individual's physical capacities.
Following the tour, chamber members enjoyed a delicious breakfast. The meeting called to order by President Tom Welge.
The chamber's annual "all you can eat" chicken dinner is Friday, November 19, at the Chester Knights of Columbus Hall from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Carry outs are available by calling at 826.3316 after 4:00 p.m. on the 19th.
Plans are underway for Chester's Christmas on the River weekend, December 3, 4, and 5. The chamber will again co-sponsor "a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus" at the Chester Boat Club following Santa's arrival by barge on Saturday, December 4.
A $100 donation was approved for the annual Quilt Show which will be coordinated this year by the Chester Tourism Commission. The donation by the chamber is made in memory of Ed Crow.
Chester's home lighting contest will be judged on Thursday, December 2, by members from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce. Anyone wishing to enter their home should sign up by November 29 by calling 826.2721. Prizes are: 1st - $100, 2nd - $80, 3rd - $60, 4th - $40 and 5th - $20. Winners will be announced during the Christmas Concert at Juergen's Gym on Sunday, December 5th. Chester Chamber members will judge Sparta's contest on December 16.
Rent One, located at Chester Center, has undergone a major remodeling and updating. The chamber will hold a "grand re-opening" ribbon cutting at the store on December 9, at 1:00 p.m. Several other businesses will soon be located at Chester Center: Domino's Pizza, Edward Jones and Verizon.
The chamber directors approved $2,000 to cover any expenses that might be incurred with fees to qualify for an exempt organization under Section 501 C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The purpose is to raise funds and submit grants to improve economic development, aesthetic improvements to depressed or declining business districts, preservation and recognition of historic structures and districts, and assist in obtaining local, regional, state and federal resources. If the application for a 501 C (3) is approved, the corporation shall be a nonprofit public benefit corporation that is not organized the private gain of any person.
There will be no monthly board meeting in December, 2010.