Wagner Chamber of Commerce

Boys & Girls Club

Monday, March 11, 2019

Meeting was called to order by President, Laura Wright. President Wright also welcomed one guest, Kari Rucktaeschel who is the assistant manager at Apparel WorX.

Shout Outs: Buches-tearing down a building by their administrative offices, City of Wagner for their prompt removal of snow, Becky Brunsing’s title being changed to City Administrator/Finance Officer.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Marla Hewitt, second, Kara Frei.

Approval of Financial Report: Motion by Rachel, second, Jeff Doom.

Wagner Area Growth Update: Kelsey Doom informed the group that she has resigned from her current position to take a Chamber Position in Brookings. Her last day will be March 28th. Wagner Area Growth is looking to hire for a full time position that includes half-time work for the Chamber of Commerce. Laura Wright as the Chamber President will serve as Interim Director for the Wagner Area Growth until the position is filled. A farewell open house for Kelsey is scheduled for March 22nd from 3:30-5:30 at Leah Insko Photography.

Membership Update: Kelsey reported that Chamber is currently at 99 members with goal still to hit 110 members for this year. The Chamber posters and business directories will be ordered yet this month.

Farm, Home, Garden & Sports Show: Kelsey reported that no one from this committee was able to attend but a handout of information was provided. FHG&S Show is only a couple weeks away, there are 71 spots for vendors and at this time there are still spots available for vendors. Set up will be Thursday, March 28th from 5-7 pm. Any help would be appreciated for set up and taking down on Saturday after the event. The committee will be putting together welcome bags to hand out with Chamber info and items from local businesses. See Shay Mednansky at Commercial State Bank for more information.

Chamber Fundraiser: Kelsey reported that the committee couldn’t find a date for this event so they are looking to maybe combine with the RASDak event in June.

RASDak Update: Kelsey reported that this event will be the last night of the RASDak (Race Across South Dakota) bike tour and they are expecting between 200-250 people. Chamber will need volunteers to help that day. The committee is looking at a variety of ideas for activities/games ending with a band that evening at Wagner Lake. Lori DuFrain reported that RAS-Dak is also sponsoring a one-time scholarship for a Wagner Community School Student since they are coming through our community this year.

East Egg Hunt: The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at McCormick Field on April 20th. Kelsey will be purchasing 3000 pre-filled eggs as she did last year. Rachel Woods volunteered to Chair this event in Kelsey’s absence this year and she will talk to the Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts if they are able to help.

Community Clean up: Kelsey reported that the Annual Clean Up is scheduled for Friday, May 4th. The Senior Class from Wagner Community School will again be assisting the volunteers that day. Jeff Doom volunteered to take over as the Chairman of this event. Kelsey will be providing him with the map that divides the town into sections for the section leaders to oversee each group. Discussion was held on start time-depending on when the students can be available-will report back at next meeting.

Racey Days: Kelsey reported that Racey Days will be held on Main Street on Saturday, May 4 with activities for kids and race cars on display.

Motion to adjourn by Samantha Dvorak, second by Marla Hewitt.

The following businesses were represented at this month’s Chamber Meeting: Wagner Building & Supply, R&R Excavation, Henke Piedmontese, Wagner Community School, Buche Foods, Ifix Device Repair, Frei Insurance Agency, Bures & Associates, Commercial State Bank, City of Wagner, Apparel Worx, and Wagner Area Wellness Consortium.