Attendees: Cheryl Hill, Al Stevens, Steve Clinkenbeard, Mark Young, Steve Woods, Derald Clover, Linda Clinkenbeard, Pat Green, Jack Armstrong, Kathy Carson, and Gary Perkins.

Absent: Gabe Mosteller, Jerry Long, Carol Corley, Denise Bain, and Kathy Perkins.

Meeting was called to order at 11:30 by 2010 board president Cheryl Hill. The first order of business was a review of the chamber financials, by Chamber Director Gary Perkins. Gary indicated that the chamber was on solid financial footing, with total assets of $12,136, as compared to $11,625 the same time last year. Gary also explained that approximately $3,000 was still due from the Wings Organization of Cherokee Nation for their participation in the August 5K Run. That payment was expected later this week.

There were no unusual payments or expenses this past month, and all expenses were inline with expectations. Gary also indicated that current sponsorship funds for the upcoming barbecue and music festival, were $4,050, with other sponsors committed but not yet paid.

A complete comparison of Y-T-D income and expense numbers, alongside last year’s figures, was presented. Steve Woods made the motion to accept the chamber financials, as presented, and was seconded by Al Stevens. A positive vote was unanimous.

Gary then covered the final update on the annual chamber banquet, scheduled Oct. 22. Everything was ready for the event, including the solicitation of items for the silent auction, and invitations for the various parts of the banquet. Special thanks went out to Tonia Cooper, Pat Green (and her crew at Fort Gibson State Bank), Cheryl Hill, and Kathy Perkins for their part in securing the items. Also special thanks to Kathy Perkins for the purchase of all the decorations and door prizes, to be used at the banquet. (Since this article will go out after the banquet has taken place, I will include a recap of it at the end of this board report.)

We then briefly discussed the upcoming “Smokin’ the Fort BBQ & Bluegrass Festival”. Gary explained that all the preparations were going well, and all seemed to be set for a great event. Several other members of the chamber board are on the committee planning this new event, and they echoed the same. The chamber will sell barbecue sandwiches on Friday evening as a fundraiser. Steve Woods is in charge of getting the brisket smoked, and several of the board will help in the sale of the sandwiches.

We also discussed plans for the upcoming Starlight Christmas Parade. A flyer has been prepared, and will go out this month. Different this year, will be the start of the parade being moved from the school drive-thru area, to the Church of Christ parking lot, on South Lee Street. Parade start time is 7 p.m., with lineup starting at 6 p.m. Grand marshal this year is Dick Farot, TV 6 weatherman.

The final order of business, was a review of the renewals to 2010 chamber membership. Gary indicated that the renewal process was going very well, and many of the members had already mailed their sponsorship in. Meeting was adjourned at 12:10.

BANQUET RECAP: Our Annual Chamber Banquet, held this past Thursday evening, was a great success. The always-fun silent auction generated a lot of activity, as participants went through the tables of goodies, picking out the special ones they wanted to bid on. Next week, I will list all the sponsors. In all, the silent auction took in nearly $600. Also popular was the sale of the 2009 Fort Gibson Christmas Ornament.

Sale of ornaments brought in $370, and that is just the beginning of this year’s season.

Special thanks to all those who took part in this year’s banquet. After the welcome, by Gary Perkins, Budo Perry offered the opening prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Carrrigan Bradley. Following a superb dinner, prepared by the school cafeteria staff, under the direction of Kathy Reich, we enjoyed some entertainment by the Fort Gibson Music and Drama Group, under the direction of Melanie Wicks. They performed numbers from their upcoming presentation of “Footloose.” The group of approximately 50 students, were phenomenal and had the entire house rocking.

Following them, we enjoyed the classical guitar of Jonah Corn. Jonah has a special touch on the guitar that makes it come alive. Our guest speaker was Dwayne Briley, CEO and president of Armstrong Bank. Mr. Briley spoke of the economic challenges we are all facing, including the banking industry, and the excitement his bank has in the opportunity to come to Fort Gibson. He gave personal stories and examples of being true to one self in accomplishing any task that might be in front of us, by working hard and staying focused on the ultimate goal. He also said that he believes that … ”as a school system goes, so goes the community.” In that regard, we are truly blessed for our Fort Gibson school system.

Following his remarks, we gave out the Teacher of the Year awards, with the help of school Superintendent, Derald Glover. This year’s recipients were: Early Learning Center — Liza Simmons, Intermediate Elementary — George Kunsman, Middle School — Linda Arnett, and High School — Beth Brannon. In addition, Liza Simmons and Beth Brannon were selected to be Co-District Teachers of the Year. Derald also pointed out that Beth Brannon was also awarded a Rising Star award by the State Department of Education.

Final order of business at the banquet was to draw for door prizes, and announce the winners of the silent auction. It was a great night of fun, food, entertainment and education.