New Bloomfield Area Civic Association

President Aaron Shaefer called the regular meeting of the New Bloomfield Area Civic Association to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Bank Star One Meeting Room with an attendance of 14 as shown on the Member and Visitor Sign In Sheets.

Members         12
Visitors              2
TOTAL           14

Members of the Executive Committee in attendance were President Aaron Shaefer, Treasurer Fred Case, and Secretary Jane Hurtt

SPEAKER

President Shaefer welcomed the members and visitors and asked Program Chairperson Gracia Backer to introduce Joe Driskill, President of the Midwest Development Company speaker for the evening. 

Mr. Driskill stated that he was from a small town in the south Ozarks and was glad to come to our organization to discuss economic development with us.  He said the focus for economic development has changed.  The emphasis now is on community development.  The quality of life in a community is currently the attractor for business.  He stressed that we should concentrate on a high quality of life so that businesses will want to settle in our area. 
He listed 3 factors involved in making a community a success. 
1.    Plan what needs to be done and prioritize goals.
2.    Ensure that the leadership of the community, businesses, and organizations support the plan
3.    Work to get financial assistance from various agencies to help fund the plans

He concluded by saying that our organization has shown that we have expertise and desire.  These two elements should help us to succeed.

President Shaefer thanked Mr. Driskill for speaking to our group.

MINUTES AND TREASURER’S REPORT

Copies of the minutes of the March 23, 2006 regular meeting were distributed prior to the meeting.  The President asked that the minutes be examined and additions or corrections be made.  There being no corrections or additions the minutes were approved by unanimous vote.

Treasurer Fred Case distributed copies of the treasurer’s report. Balance on hand as of April 27, 2006 was $1170.20.  The report was received and filed for audit.  A copy is attached to the original of these minutes.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Standing Committees

Executive Committee
President Shaefer reported that the Executive Committee had met at his home on April 17, 2006.    He announced the upcoming events were discussed.  They are as follows:
1.    Bike Awareness    May 20, 2006
      The Special Events Committee will meet May 2nd to plan this event.  Volunteers are needed to assist with this project.
 
2.    Hillbilly Day in August 2006

3.    October Circus
The President stated that a motion was needed to allow the NB Civic and Business Association to work with the Lions Club on the October Circus project. 

A motion was made by Gracia Backer to have our organization pay ½ of the expenses for the Circus project.  This amount would be $145.00.  We would then receive ½ of the profits.  The motion was seconded and passed. 

Budget &Finance Committee
Committee Chairperson Fred Case announced the budget needs ed to be revised.  The committee will meet at Aaron Schaefer’s May 18, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to make the revisions. 

Special Committee
Fred Case Adopt A Highway Chairperson reported that the group worked April 22, 2006 from 8:30 a. m.  until 2:00 p.m.  50 bags of litter were collected.  The committee will work every 2 months.  The next pick up date will be June 24, 2006.  More volunteers are needed for this project. 

NEW BUSINESS

Program Committee Chairperson asked the group for ideas for programs to bring to our organization. 
Derina Shelton suggested we have a program for the June 22, 2006 meeting. 

MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Martha Siegel was the member in the spotlight for this meeting.  She reflected on her life in New Bloomfield and said she felt only a life lived for others is a worthwhile life.  She said she had much encouragement during her years in New Bloomfield.  She said she feels community spirit is sustained by hard work, but just as important is commitment and the necessity of encouraging each other and those in our community. This includes neighbors, family, friends and even strangers.  She concluded her comments with the following statement, “Who is your encourager? Be and encourager”.

The member in the spotlight for the May meeting will be Debbie Austeel. 

President Shaefer welcomed new member Bonnie Lawson to the meeting.   He also welcomed visitors, Marge Williams, and Mr.& Mrs. William Shaefer.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned by the President at 8:15 p.m.



Jane A. Hurtt
Secretary
April 27, 2006

Approved May 25, 2006