Minutes
Albany Area Chamber of Commerce
General Membership Meeting
May 15, 2013
12:00 p.m. @ Grace Alive! Evangelical Free Church
Twin Pines--$6
Members present: Tim Jopp, Joe Williquette, Laurie Dingmann, Aaron Smith, Kevin Oslin, Sean
Artley, Lisa Groetsch, Melissa Gerads, Steve Dooley, Gaylene Hanson, Kathleen Magel, Ashley
Anderson, Kitty Eickhoff, Mary Sauerer, Jennifer Komis, Evelyn Budde, Lynn Jenc, Paul Tomczik,
Ozzi Carbajai, Josh Arneson Jr., Renee Thelen, Cindy Nienaber, Mary Johnson and Susan Iverson.
Meeting called to order by Chamber President, Laurie Dingmann @ 12:07 p.m.
Introductions by all chamber members present were made.
The general membership reviewed the minutes from the April 17, 2013 meeting. No changes or
corrections. Motion to approve the minutes made by Melissa Gerads and seconded by Evelyn
Budde
Treasurer report including January through April was presented by treasurer, Aaron Smith. April
had minimal activity. A check from the Lions Club for $1571.70 was a nice deposit—balancing
the Santa Day account “THANK YOU” to the Lions Club for once again helping us out. $1475 was
paid as the final payment on the website. Motion to approve the treasurer’s report was made by
Kathleen Magel, seconded by Mary Sauerer.
Albany Buck Report was available to see. Melissa Gerads comment on the activity as being
normal for this time of year.
OLD BUSINESS
RR Ave updates—Laurie Dingmann updated the chamber. Everything is moving along as
expected. Temporary sidewalks are in and utilities are presently being put in as well. Steve
Dooley asked how the businesses are being affected? The general consensus is that it is OK for
those businesses with a back door. Cindy Nienaber commented on how the new stop signs are
making a huge difference. Ozzi, Chief of Police, reported that traffic is for the most part under
the speed limit throughout the residential detour areas. The Police Department is out patrolling
these areas.
Heritage Day Committee—the next meeting will be at 7 pm, Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Paul’s
Par-A-Dice. Anybody interested in being a part of this committee, please let Susan know.
Meetings are the last Thursday of each month up until Heritage Day. Parade and Vendor
applications are out. They are available through Susan (albanycc@albanytel.com) or by stopping
in to City Hall. A few changes are being made—such as moving a few things around. After the
next meeting, more information will be available. New this year—we are opening up to outside
vendors, not just local. If you know of someone interested in becoming a vendor for Heritage
Day, be sure to have them get in touch with Susan.
NEW BUSINESS
Scholarship Recipient—This year’s Albany Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipient was
Mason Kruize. The amount of the scholarship, the same as past years, was $250.
Albany Police Department—Ozzi Carbajai introduced himself as the new Chief of Police. He
started 1 week ago, coming to us from Melrose. He stated it will be a little transition, but he
doesn’t think many changes will be made. He will be out and about to say Hello! He bought a
house here in Albany and is enjoying gold and the warmth of the people.
OTHER BUSINESS
Evelyn Budde—Evelyn is retiring at the end of the month. A big ‘THANK YOU’ to her for being
such an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. She has been a rock around here and will
surely be missed. Kevin Oslin, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, gave Evelyn a retirement survival kit as a
gesture of his appreciation for her being the first person to welcome him, years ago.
Mother of Mercy—Evelyn thanked everybody for supporting the Wine & Dine—it was very
successful.
Steve Dooley, Albany Area Schools—senior honors banquet is tonight. The school appreciates
the scholarship. May 24th is graduation. All others at the school will be done on the 31 st. The 2
snow days are free, the fun stuff got shelved and curriculum will go to the end. The end of next
week should bring an answer to all the funding questions.
Flower Pots—Melissa Gerads contacted the Jaycees about helping to sponsor the flowers this
year. We will hear from them shortly. Mary Sauerer volunteered to water the flowers!
Lake Wobegon Marathon—Cindy Nienaber reported that the marathon was successful and
smooth. Renee Thelen from the Hospital reported that they sponsor a water station and they
are out there each year. This marathon brings quite a few extra people to the Albany area.
Renee Thelen, Albany Area Hospital—the 14th Annual Golf tournament will be June 10th.
Registration forms are available as well as posters to hang in your business if you would. May is
Mental Health month—if you have any questions or concerns, there are free sessions available.
Simpli Mary’s—Mary Johnson was available to tell us a little about her upcoming business. The
location will be across from Mother Seaton, behind Smoke-in D’s BBQ. It will be a specialty store
to include sweets, snacks, gift baskets and lean towards the healthier side with unique products,
including gluten free items. She also plans to sell photography from the area. They are currently
fixing up the building and shooting to open up August 1st.
Announcement of June meeting: Noon, June 19, 2013 at Hillcrest Family Restaurant—back
room, order off the menu.
Winner of the Drawing—Tim Jopp
Meeting adjourned at 12:50pm
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Iverson - Executive Secretary