February Meeting Minutes:
In attendance: Sharon Hassett, Mike Walker, Elizabeth Freeman, Elaine Salter, Alden Porter III, Jackie Perrydore, Elaine Fleming, Natalie Thurmond, Joe Bartley.
9:02 am call to order
Guests:
Alden Porter III runs a small business coaching service. A 12 action step program that helps small businesses increase revenue. He was invited today by Elaine Fleming of Bookkeeping Made Simple.
Approval of January minutes. Joe Bartley 1st, Mike Walker 2nd motion approved
Treasurer's report
$7115.21 starting balance
$550.00 1income
$415.20 expenses
$7250.23 ending balance
As always, our books are open to anyone that would like to review them
March 7 will be an evening meeting at Radcliff Center 6pm - 8pm 6:30 - 7:30 Dylan Wegela will update us on what is going on in our state. This is open to the public. Flyers will be posted. There will be no Friday 9:00 am meeting on March 8.
Ongoing business. Proposed budget is being brought up for review - Motion brought by Elizabeth Freeman, 2nd Mike Walker. Motion to accept proposed 2024 budget. All approved.
June 20 July 18 August 15, All Thursdays MITP plus Bizzbee Vendor show. Sponsorship chairs are Mike Walker & Wendy from Liberty tax. The registration forms have been finalized and they will start sending them to previous sponsors first and then the general membership after.
Bizzbee Vendor show is chaired by Claudia Bellew & Lisa Clark. Last year's rain meant we had to move all the vendors to the pavilion, and the vendors all liked that setup. We will do the same this year as space allows. All vendors have to bring their own tables, chairs and tents if needed.
Food & bands. Elaine S will get with Hogz to see if they are able to offer smaller portions for kids and families.
Membership drive - Part of our budget is attempting to increase our membership with networking and direct mail. Jackie got a list of all businesses that are licensed in GC. We are sending out a thank you letter for doing business in GC, along with an application to see if there is any interest in joining us.
Welcome packets. We previously made up bizzbee bags that were hand delivered to businesses. This worked ok, but not as successful as we hoped. The bag included a membership app, a Bizbee sticker and button and some information about the GCBA. We are changing the focus to have the Bizbee bag be a welcome packet that will include information from the city as well that will be handed out at City Hall when a business comes in to apply for a license.
Facebook - As a bonus to our business members, Jackie is posting a member’s business alphabetically on Facebook promoting the business. She is googling the information and picking information from the business website to post on Facebook. If any member thinks Jackie has missed something important you want included on your ad, please reach out so she can adjust.
Proposed projects. Business to Business open house/expo will be May 13 at Radcliff. This will be an opportunity for businesses to promote their service business to other businesses. Anything related to running a business. This is not a vendor show. Tax preparers, Insurance agencies, business consulting services, business realtors, POS systems, etc. Please reach out to Joe Bartley if you’re interested in attending. Joe will reach out to other businesses that are not members as well, to hopefully have them join the GCBA, or at least offer services to our current business owners. There is no fee to attend, and no charge for your space if you are a current member of the GCBA.
We are happy to promote all our businesses, but the business owners need to promote themselves too. Reach out, participate, get involved. It all helps.
Member spotlight - Mike Walker - General Manager at Liberty Tax on Ford / Middlebelt. Jan 1 2024 the Corporate Transparency Act went into effect. Anyone that has 25% or more ownership in their business has to report financial crimes and enforcement. Some businesses are exempt. See Mike at Liberty Tax if you need help in filing this report.
Natalie Thurmond, Independent Associate for Shaklee, is working on being a health educator. She has a new Facebook page and online newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter if interested. https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=movinup2health
Alden Porter of Alden Executive Advisors, works with small businesses and individuals on increasing their income and improving their businesses to increase their annual revenue & profit. He holds a Profit Acceleration Workshops at Fellows Creek in Canton. Breakfast is included. February 22 is the next workshop. Facebook page for more information is below.
https://www.facebook.com/AMP3LLC
Elizabeth Freeman - Elmwood Blessing Box. They just opened their 3rd box which includes fresh products and snacks. They are working with other community organizations to offer more resources and options. They are now state certified 501c3 and are working on their Federal classification. They are an emergency food supplier. If you are in need of more than 2 days worth of food, they will help you reach out to other organizations. Everything is donated. Baby items are not typically put in the boxes to keep them out of the elements, but they do sometimes
have a small amount available.https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=elmwood%20blessing%20box
Adjourn 9:48 am
