Chamber Meeting

August 5, 2020

Andrew County Museum

Mary Ingersoll welcomed everyone to the meeting. The Savannah Reporter sponsored the meal.

Wakefield Hare gave the blessing.

Introductions and announcements from members

Andrew Hoffman and Jayne White, Andrew County Health Department, They reported that there are currently 13 active COVID 19 cases in Andrew County. They have been meeting with schools about how to re-open safely. Trying to keep all their other programs going besides COVID. They have received money from the CARES Act in phase I for immediate needs. They would like to get some COVID 19 test kits to make sure they have the ability to test.

Jerry Baker, City Councilmen, Right now the City is listening to all departments about their budget concerns.

Joe Hegeman, Loan Officer with Farmers State Bank, He is interested in seeing if an economic package will be offered to vote on for the forgiveness of PPP loans.

Keli Morris, Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitator, Please see her if you need any help with PPP money, loan applications, budgets or marketing ideas.

Jan Glenn & Eleanor Cobb, Andrew County Museum , They have been open since the end of May. Jan invited everyone to check out the exhibits today. The Farm Life exhibit has been ongoing since 2009. They have a lot of items in their collections downstairs that they rotate into the displays.

August 18th - Ratification of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. They will have a new exhibit about women who have made an impact in Andrew County. They will be showcasing Andrew County women monthly through the next six months. On August 11 to August 18, they will have pre-recorded presentations on the Andrew County Museum Facebook page, please like and share.

The museum is looking for residents to send in pictures of what life is like during this pandemic for future reference.

They are trying to think of safe ways of social distancing to hold their annual December event.

Dean Kratochvil, DK Pharmaceutical and DK Veterinary Supplies, His online business has been fantastic, one of their best years. Dean would really like to see the internet sales tax pass. Ivy Cottage should be opening soon by appointment only.

Mary Kay Lyle, Re-Max Realty, Mary Kay reported that the real estate market is booming. At this time they have buyers and low inventory.

Kristi Smith Stevens, Heaton Bowman Savannah Chapel, During this time they are doing more cremations. The services they are holding are social distanced and live streamed. There has also been an increase in graveside services.

Cindy Esely, Andrew County Treasurer, The Clerk's Office did an amazing job with the recent elections, there was a 38% turn out. County has been busy with wrapping up the levy repair program. The Cares Relief Fund Money has been received. The County received two million dollars in a matter of ten days. The money was used for the major concerns of health and education. Phase 1 was for items that were immediately needed by the Andrew County Health Department and the Savannah School District. Phase 2, is for items they will need to continue through this year. Phase 2 will also work with small businesses. There will be guidelines to follow, such as expenses not in your budget, lost revenue, expenses incurred because of Covid 19, and the use of PPP money. The County will have applications at the Courthouse or on their web page. A committee of five will look over all the applications.

Jen Edwards, Sunshine Factory & His Princess Boutique, The Sunshine buses are up and running although there are fewer riders, about 70% of their clients.

The Opportunity Workshop is going to a four day work week. Jen is trying to help families who need help for care for that 5th day. His Princess Boutique is being remodeled by Wakefield Hare.

Leigh Spicer, The Sports Page, Asked everyone to read about The Sports Page in an article by The Savannah Reporter.

Stacy Cole, Creations Embroidery and Engraving, They are working at returning to normal.

Dean VanSchoiack, VanSchoiack Realty & Auction, Dean has been elected as the Republican candidate for 9th District Representative. The Candidate Forum was very helpful in getting his message out. Campaigning in these times has been challenging. He has campaigned a lot on Facebook. Dean would like to see the Chamber have another Candidate Forum. Dean would like to see a bill passed that would make online sales taxable, which would help our county and state. Dean also introduced his wife Mary Ann and said she had been his number one supporter.

Wakefield Hare, Greater Than Financial, He is happy to be a part of the business page with a column for The Savannah Reporter. He is a Chamber Board member.

Ken Rosenauer, The Savannah Reporter, Ken had a hand out on tips on how to get your business covered in The Savannah Reporter. Some of the tips were to be proactive and not wait for them to call you. You don't have to advertise in the Reporter to get coverage. The Savannah Reporter 8/13 edition will be the back to school issue. They will be sending everybody in the county a newspaper free. Give them a call to get in this issue. They are thinking of giving free papers about three times a year.

Mary Ingersoll, Inspirations Dance Center and Bloom Fine Arts Preschool, Inspirations will be bringing kids back in September. They are adding additional classrooms and will be hiring a new piano teacher. They are excited to be coming back. Bloom preschool will also start in September.

Mary Ingersoll, Chamber Director, The Chamber recently provided lunch to the Andrew County Health Department for appreciation of all the hard work they have been doing with COVID 19. The Chamber will also be honoring the Savannah School District with a welcome to new hires lunch and breakfast for the opening day convocation. The school district has 15% of students opting for virtual learning. The welcome signs are still in progress, waiting on bids. Mary asked if anyone would be interested in a page on Facebook where businesses could do a group support of one another.

Sign up for text alerts. Link at the top of this newsletter.

September Chamber Meeting will be sponsored by Fulton Construction, still need a host.

No American Legion Breakfasts until further notice.

Let us know if you need more Chamber Directories (we have plenty).

Takeover Tuesdays - Contact us to reserve a date for Facebook Take Over Tuesdays.

Need hosts and sponsors for the remaining 2020 Monthly Chamber Meetings. Cost is $350 to provide the lunch. We appreciate all of our sponsors making this so convenient for our members!