Chamber-of-Commerce October Luncheon - 2009

The monthly Chamber-of-Commerce luncheon was held this past Thursday, October 29, at Kat's Kitchen on Main Street. The luncheon was opened by President Randy Allmon with invocation offered by Speakers Chairman Paul Blevins.

Allmon welcomed new Chamber member Scott Shepherd of A & I Studio Architectural Firm. Shepherd has offered to redo the plans for the gazebo remodeling. Allmon also announced that the new, treated lumber for the gazebo has dried out and they are ready to begin work.

A date for the annual Holiday Installation Dinner will be set at the next Board meeting. That meeting is scheduled for November 10. It will be announced as soon as it is determined. Election of the 2010 officers will be held at the Board meeting.

Parade Chairwoman Vickie McCombs announced the Christmas parade will be December 12 starting at 6 P.M. at Village Hall. The line-up will begin at 5 P.M. The parade will go from Village Hall up Main Street to the gazebo at the 4th Street Square. McCombs offered an open invitation to anyone wishing to have an entry in the parade. Entry forms can be picked up at Center Pharmacy or by calling McCombs at 330-532-4149. There will be trophies awarded for the best float, marching group, band, fire truck and car or truck. McCombs cautioned that the Parade Committee has invited Santa and ask that no "substitutes" be included in your entry. Donations are being accepted to sponsor Santa with his sleigh, toward the cost of the prizes and for candy for the children.

Holly Development will be hosting a Taste of the Holidays at their place of business on Main on November 7 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. There will be crafts, baked goods and holiday decorations. Tables are available for anyone wishing to participate. Contact Holly Development at 330-532-4339 for details and prices.

Guest speaker at the luncheon was Mrs. Lynette Rawlings, MPA. Mrs. Rawlings was filling in for Dr. Jeff Nolte and is the Academic Program Director of Justice Studies at Kent State EL & Salem campuses. A former State Trooper Mrs. Rawlings earned her bachelors and masters degree from Kent and is currently enrolled in studies for her doctorate in Sociology. She was one of Paul Blevins students at KSU when she first got started with her college work. She also has a Wellsville connection. Her in-laws are ville residents Mr. & Mrs Dave Rawlings.

Mrs. Rawlings stated the Kent State is now in their 100th year of existence as an educational institution. Over the years both the EL and Salem campus have shown a steady increase in student population. With their variety of health care courses nearly 80% of their students stay in the area once they graduate. There is a strong demand for health care workers. Average starting salaries for KSU graduates in this area is $40,000 per year. The two regional campuses will soon be offering courses for a full bachelor's degree eliminating the necessity of students moving to the main campus.

With Thanksgiving coming the last Thursday of November the next Chamber luncheon will be held November 19 at Kat's Kitchen.

ole nib