1. Meeting was called to order.   

2. Introduction of new members

A. Greenwoods and Aaron Presley of AJ Service were recognized.

3. Previous minutes:  Motion to accept by Steve Wilson seconded by Tom Lane; non opposed and Motion carried.

4. Treasurer Report:

A. February 2006 report given to membership by Jim Segreto.

B. Dues and Sign fees report given to membership

5. Executive Director Report – Waived, Ethyl not in attendance.

A. March/ April Newsletter have been sent out.

B. Committee assignments have been completed and all members have been assigned to at least one  committee. Please see Ethyl if you would like to be included in more. Current assignments list distributed to membership.

C. Chamber Directory – ads will be finalized this week. We have 12 new businesses joining the chamber and the directory this year. We also have 5 who will not be rejoining.  We have 5 new individual members this year also.

D. Warren County Economic Development web site is being updated with info from the Carlisle Area.

6. Old Business – 

A. Committee Reports –

1. Government / Community Affairs -           

a. Highway Signage-no report

b. Partnership and City Leaders are meeting at City Hall at 10:15am on March 30^th.

2. Membership –

a. Hartford Businesses – Tom W. is setting up a meeting

b. Name Change -

3. Program / Community Events

a. Partnership event – 11^th Annual Best Ball Tournament will be held at Echo Valley Country   Club on Thursday May 25^th, 2006

b. Chamber Night at Principal Park – scheduled for August 8^th, 2006.

c. GDSM Partnership Golf Outing - Scheduled for August 18^th, 2006 at the Willow Creek Golf Course.                                        

d. Bike Event – Planning committee meeting will be held on Thursday March 16^th, at 10:00am in the Great Western Board Room.

e. Community Event – Celtic Event on Saturday May 13^th, at County Line Road and Hwy 5.

4. Nominating –

  5. Fundraising –

a. Chamber Directory – underway and nearing completion

6. Finance –

a. announcement made by Neil Ruddy regarding a Downtown Improvement plan by the City of  Carlisle. City has made a contract purchase of a run down home and a lot located at  100 Garfield St. The house is still standing and needs to be demolished. The city has applied for grants for the destruction of the home with the plan to turn the area into temporary parking for the Downtown district. There has also been a proposal to erect at structure at the site that could serve as a park shelter.  The design of the structure is to resemble the train depot that was by the railroad tracks. Early estimates puts the cost of the structure at around $5000. Neil requests the Carlisle Chamber support for the project either by letter form to further the funding of the project or financial contribution.

b. Membership held discussion regarding the implications of this project  benefiting the community and the businesses within it. Motion was made by Larry Watkins to make a donation of $1000.00 toward the project.  Seconded by Bob Betzer, vote held none opposed. Motion Passed.

7. Greater Des Moines Partnership report –

8. Announcements –

• Central IA Celtic Festival on May 13^th, 2006 at County Line Road and Highway 5.   There will be lots of food and fun.   

• Dickie Doogans will be holding a Dollars for Scholars night with 50% of profits   going to Carlisle Dollars for Scholars fund.

• Fun Night at the Carlisle Schools on Friday March 17^th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm

9. Guest Speaker: Robert Clements : E-Myth