Summer 2003 Chamber Newsletter

In this issue:

  • New Home
  • Membership Meeting Report
  • Dues Restructuring Proposal
  • Pay to Play Programs
  • Election Results
  • ITC Grant

Past Issues of the newsletter:

Check-out Our New Home – As you may recall from our Winter and Spring Newsletters, the Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center was forced to relocate do to space constraints experienced by the City of Stanley. The city had offered us space for a kiosk, which we utilized, until another location could be found. In fact, we opened the Visitor Center in our closet like location on May 15th. In the interim, the Chamber Board of Directors and key chamber members began working all angles to find us a more suitable location. After much discussion and a presentation to the Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association and the Forest Service an agreement was reached to relocate the Visitor Information Center in the log structure near the museum. With a fresh coat of paint, relocation of signs, and other touch up details we relocated and opened on June 20th. Thus far traffic has been good and we’ll report a comparison of visitor numbers in the fall.

Membership Meeting Report – Approximately twenty members showed up to the June 5th membership meeting. Those present heard a financial recap from treasurer Tom Stuart, along with a presentation from Greg Edson and sales representatives of Citadel Broadcasting host of our radio show. The chamber currently represents 104 businesses, organizations and individuals. We have approximately 15 members utilizing the low cost banner ad program and another 20 members utilizing the Special Occasions rack card piece. Over the winter months the chamber responded to nearly 1,200 phone calls, 1,800 emails, and 2,500 requests for information. Our weekly radio program has provided a broad, effective communication link with our customers, web site, and community individuals and organizations. The chamber offers members low cost advertising opportunities beyond what the chamber is already spending for them. In addition, inquiries are handled seven days a week twelve months out of the year directing potential customers to your door.!

Chamber Board
of Directors:

Pres: Charlie Thompson
VP: Ken Klusmire
Treasurer: Tom Stuart
Ben Forsgren
Jeff Clegg
Dee Williams

Dues Restructuring Proposal – Over the course of the winter chamber board members Tom Stuart and Jeff Clegg formed a task team to evaluate our chamber membership structure and dues. Chamber members have enjoyed stable membership fee’s for approximately ten years. At the June 5th membership meeting the following proposal was submitted for member input.

General Business (Voting)

$195

Lodging Business Membership (Voting):

1-8 Rental Units

$195

9-16 Rental Units

$245

17 Rental Units or more

$295

Additional Business Listing for General Business:

Members (non-voting)

$90

Supporting Members (non-voting)

$90

Non-profit organizations (non-voting)

$20

Photo on Chamber web site (add at any time)

$25

Banner ad on Chamber web site (3 month minimum)

$20 per month

Special Occasions Rack Card

$25 per listing

Please contact and chamber board member or Greg Edson with your feedback. The board will vote on this proposal in August prior to the fall membership drive.

Pay to Play Programs:

Banner Ad Program – As reported to members at the June membership meeting our banner ad program continues to grow and develop. When you check out the site you will find some member businesses already participating in the program. Its cheap and easy to get done! At the affordable price of $20 per month its hard to go wrong. Contact Greg Edson at gedson1@mindspring.com, or (208) 733-1921.

Special Occasions Rack Card – The rack card was finished this spring and has been distributed to many businesses in the basin. If you would like a supply please stop by the visitor center and we’ll get you some. Thus far we have sent out hundreds of these cards to those customers planning their family reunions, weddings, and special events. Let us know if you interested in becoming involved.

Election Results – As part of the business portion of the June meeting Board of Director elections were held. This year three positions were available with only two candidates expressing interest, Ben Forsgren and Dee Williams. Needless to say, the aforementioned were unanimously elected to serve a two year term. Chamber by-laws allow for the appointment of board members in such instances as we currently face. If you are interested the position, know someone who is, or would like more information, please let us know. The Chamber Board of Directors puts in a great deal of time and effort on members behalf. They work hard and always keep member interest at the forefront. Thanks to all who have volunteered their efforts.

ITC Grant - June 1, 2003 was the day...the day we submitted our application for the 2003/2004 Idaho Travel Council Grant. With the incorporation of a few new programs, reported to members this past winter and spring, we will present an application for nearly $35,000.00. The Idaho Travel Council will meet in July where Marketing Consultant Greg Edson will formally present the grant, with awards given following the meeting. The application includes newspaper and print funding. Funds for a weekly radio program and radio advertising dollars for all seasons, a continued update and maintenance contract for the web site, reprint of brochure materials, and much more. The application reflects an effort to direct more dollars towards all seasons with specific elements geared towards enhancing our shoulder seasons and specific target market groups. The application also includes funds to better fulfill and respond to requests for information. Stay tuned...we’ll let you know what the council decides!