BEAR LAKE RENDEZVOUS CHAMBEROF COMMERCE

Minutes of the monthly meeting

January 3, 2008

  The January meeting was held at Harbor Village Convention Center at 12:00 noon.  Those present were:  Richard Droesbela and Brian House (State Park), Angie McPhie (Bear Lake Lodging), Judy Holbrook (Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau), Barbara England (Chocolate Bear), Bill England (Bear Trapper Steak House) Steve Allred (Zions Bank), Suzy Wright (Bear Lake Bed & Breakfast) Loretta Fidler (Secretary), Cherie Henderson (Speedy Clean & Treasurer), and Jackie Meads (President).

  The meeting was called to order by President Jackie Meads.  Minutes of the meeting of December 7, 2007  were discussed and approved unanimously on motion of Judy Holbrook, seconded by Bill England.

  Discussion and planning followed for the Chocolate Festival and Craft Fair to be held on February 16 and 17.  The hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. The charge being made for craft booths will be $30 each.  Distribution of the brochures is under way and there will be two venues this year; Harbor Village Convention Center and the Chocolate Bear.  It was pointed out that there are quite a few local vendors interested in booths this year.  The “chocolate forest” will be at the Chocolate Bear, or possibly could be set up in the Steak House. Other committees are:  Raffle: Loretta Fidler and Suzy Wright.  Angie McPhie will handle the signage and Judy Holbrook and Steve Allred will work on advertising, Jackie Meads will take care of the front table.  It was brought out that there should be a chocolate theme in each craft booth.  Judy Holbrook  suggested that the Chamber contact lodgings to see if special rates and/or package deals could be set up with them.

  Richard Droesbela and Brian House reported on the proposed marina expansion.  The project is on the Governor’s desk with a price tag of $12 million.  They reported that the marina will not be shut down while expansion to the south is being accomplished.  The community wants a plan that will not shut down the marina, as it would be disastrous to the summer economy of the area.  Mayor Hanson and Bryce Huefner are trying to set up a meeting with the legislators.  Petitions stating the desires of the community will be circulated for signatures and presented to the legislators.

  Jackie Meads reported on the progress of the new Chamber office and it was shown to those present.  It has a lock on the door new, a desk, a new computer, new carpeting and new paint and will be ready for use very soon.

  Judy Holbrook reported on upcoming events.  The Cisco Disco will be held at Cisco Beach on the other side of the lake on January 26 and quite a few calls are coming in regarding this event. 

  Other possible events could be the Dog Sled Race (January 18 & 19).  There was some question as to whether or not it would be held this year.  Bill England reported that there is a possibility of holding a  “Wings Over the Water” para sailing and hang gliding event in September.  The officials have visited and found Bear Lake to be an ideal spot regarding calm lake conditions at that time of the year, along with the incredible beauty.  This could last up to 10 days and there is a possibility of future events to come.  The Maverick Country Store   was here filming last year and this will be aired soon.  They like Bear Lake .

  Discussion was had regarding the new rental ordinance being studied by the Town.  There will possibly be a public hearing next month.

  Bill England brought up the new facility at the entrance to Hodges Canyon .  It was reported that the restrooms have been completed.  The roadways are bad and cannot be accessed by cars right now.  Bill commended Judy for working so hard to get funds for this project.  Judy told the members that she had gotten approval from the Rich County Commission for grants for the 2008 year.  Garden City received $2,500 for an OHV Brochure and $29,000 for the parking lot in Hodges Canyon .  Among other grants awarded were for the operation of the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau, Advertising, Randolph and Bear Lake Overlook visitor centers, Laketown Arena project, Randolph and Woodruff parks projects.

  Suzy Wright asked if the “Skiing” signs had been done.  There are two signs that are up.  Discussion regarding cross country ski trails and grooming followed. 

  There being no further business to come before the meeting, on motion made by Bill England, seconded by Steve Allred, the meeting was adjourned.