The August Chamber-of-Commerce Luncheon was held yesterday at the Dairy Queen on 3rd Street. Chamber President Randy Allmon opened the luncheon welcoming new members Glasgow Storage, Sell's Auction & Mrs. Linda Surace. The addition of these three new members brings the Wellsville membership to over 70 members. Allmon remarked the C-of-C membership was around 50 at the beginning of the year and said his personal goal was to increase that number to 80. Allmon went on to introduce Tom Wyckoff of the EL Motor Lodge. Wyckoff joined a few months ago & this was the first luncheon he was able to attend.
Allmon went on to explain a county program & business plan called "Building a 20/20 Vision" stating there is a crying need to entice new industry to set up shop in Columbiana County. According to Chamber statistics only 7.4% of our county residents have Bachelor degrees and over 50% of the households have an average annual income under $30,000 a year. In comparison neighboring Beaver County has 14% of their residents holding at least a Bachelors degree.
EL Chamber V.P. of Economic Development Scott Shepherd explained the program to Wellsville members at the August Board meeting telling them a Business Plan is necessary. The cost to get this plan started is $120,000 and they are presently soliciting donations. Anyone interested in donating are encouraged to contact Connie Bauer at 330-532-5069.
It was announced there will be a benefit spaghetti dinner and evening of entertainment September 12 for long time Chamber member Vickie Cataldo McCombs. The benefit will be hosted by the Roberts family - Vicki, Bill & Erin at Wellsville's SOI. We'll have more about this event later but in the meantime circle that date on your calendar.
Also announced was the Chamber joining up with the "angels" of the Alley Cat Aid Brigade(ACAB) to help put on this falls' Howlin' Harvest Moon Festival. The all volunteer ACAB is the group that does the ville's trap-neuter & release program for cats and frequently have pet food give aways. Member Connie Carmichael explained the festival will be held October 3 at their facilities on Commerce Street from 11 A.M. - 7. We'll also have more on this later but Carmichael explained it's an event for the whole community to enjoy with things for both children and adults. A howling good time is guaranteed. Vendors interested in setting up for this are encouraged to contact either Carmichael at 330-532-9064, Connie Bauer at 330-532-1057 or Randy Allmon at 330-843-3475 for details no later than September 30. Electric is not available.
Allmon updated the gazebo renovation project stating all material has been ordered and they are only waiting for the treated lumber to arrive to get the project started. The ultimate goal is to have it in pristine condition well in time for next year's 5 Year All-Class Reunion. The project is being funded with money raised at a Chamber auction in early July. Union members of the Western Reserve & Construction Trades Council are donating the expertise & labor to do the renovation.
Allmon also advised he has been receiving requests from all across the nation for copies of the new Wellsville Visitor's Guide & Map that was printed up and made available by the Chamber earlier this year. It's a beautiful brochure that really shows off the village and all it has to offer. If you are in need of one contact Allmon at 330-843-3475. Supplies are available all around town in various places and are free of charge.
Chamber President-elect Diana Spencer talked about the new CC Chamber Visitors Guide & Business Directory brochure that is being developed. It will be an 8-1/2X11 glossy booklet designed by the same company that put the Wellsville brochure together. Anyone wanting to place ads in the new publication should contact Spencer at CF Bank at 330-532-5062.
Guest Speaker for the luncheon was EL Municipal Court Judge Melissa Byers-Emmerling shown above to the left. Next to her is Chamber Historian Marjorie Dysert & Speakers Chairman Paul Blevins. Byers-Emmerling is a Wellsville native & Alumni of WHS. She holds degrees from Miami of Ohio & Akron Univ. She has been a judge since January, 1990 and before that was an Assistant County Prosecutor.
Her topic was the Litter Program and how she uses it as a behavioral change program in lieu of sentencing actual jail time for non-violent offenders that come before her bench. It's a community service program that in many instances is learning tool for those assigned to the program. Since starting the program for the EL Muni Court 105,620 hours of free work has been performed from its inception in 1991 through 2008. It is an alternative punishment that in many cases turns into a networking opportunity for some of the offenders to meet and get acquainted with many community business people and public officials. Byers-Emmerling went on to explain that the Litter Program is not restricted to offenders passing through her court. Many public service organizations such as the C-of-C have started like programs with volunteers with projects such as "Adopt A Highway". All that is needed is garbage bags, reflective safety vests for the participants, a rider on liability insurance, plans for disposal and a form to keep track of the hours of each volunteer. It would be an ideal inexpensive way to help a cash strapped village keep its streets free of litter not to mention a great public relations opportunity.
Next luncheon is September 24 at noon at the Dairy Queen. There will be a Business-After-Hours hosted by Holly Development September 8, from 5:30 - 7:30 P.M., at their offices on Main Street. That's where Perpetual Bank use to be located.
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