Chamber elects officers, plans for new year
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The Ripley County Chamber of Commerce held a planning meeting on January 14. Jason Smith was welcomed as a new board member. Officers were elected for 2005. Shirley Franklin was again elected president, Rick Gilland, vice president; Cathy May, secretary, and Bill Foster, treasurer. George Rae was elected as a new board member.

The board looked at responses of the Events Survey that was mailed to each member evaluating all the events the Chamber sponsors each year. The most popular event is the Chamber Night at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood. It will again be held this year on Friday, July 1.

Other events that will continue are the Annual Dinner, Business Recognition Luncheon, Easter Egg Hunt, Ripley County Fair Booth, Golf Scramble, and Walk-Run. In response to the survey, a committee will be formed to look at providing training opportunities needed by chamber members. Also suggested was a Business After Hours program and having a member business come to each board meeting and give a presentation on their business.

Marianne Wiggers reported that the committee working to bring an Inn to the Versailles State Park recently met with representatives from the Department of Natural Resources. This group has been trying to get an Inn at the park for the past 16 years. Wiggers was very positive about the meeting. She said the state will be sending out Request for Proposals for the Inn project.

The Chamber board meets the second Friday of every month at member restaurants. The next meeting will be held on February 11. For more information on the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber Office at 812-689-6654.