Submitted by 

Rita Larson, Secretary 

Our December meeting had all 7 board members in attendance plus 3 visitors.  A few showed up in ugly Christmas sweaters, Dan in full camo including Davy Crocket’s fur cap, and the Mayor in a super crazy tie.  Ann Beuckens wins my vote for the best.  Her get-up included a full sock to sweater extravaganza.  Way to be courageous and fun at once, Ann!

Old business discussion was an optimistic look at our “small” city of Starbuck and its “big” activities this holiday season.  The Lighted Parade, trolley rides and Santa visit on Nov. 25th was record breaking with the most floats and nearly 100 visitors to Santa’s stop at the Nutcracker Café and Bakery.  We promise to have more drivers for the trolley rides next year, and hopefully heat lamps as well.  Thanks to all of you who waited in line in the cold!

The Lighting contest was super challenging to narrow down with so many gorgeous lights displayed in your yards and on your businesses.  Not only did it seem like there were many more homes that were beautifully decorated, but the blown-up Christmas characters were everywhere!   THANK YOU everyone for going to the work of providing us all with Christmas spirit.  How can one not love the colorful lights; the romance of them shining in the dark?  What a gift you give those of us driving by.

New business included the Chamber Annual Banquet coming up on Jan. 27th.  After confirming the meal plan to be provided by Water’s Edge and table decorations to be provided (and for sale) by No Place Like Home, we made plans for the 3 award winners; Grand Marshall, Volunteer of the Year and Community Service which are honored each year.  Once again, many of you give selflessly to our community, so there is a large selection of deserving candidates.  The winners are a secret until the banquet-stay tuned for their announcement!

Our last focus of the Dec. meeting was to talk about our board position changes for the next year.  I want to take this opportunity to give a more personal shout out to our existing board members as I leave the role of secretary after three years.   I’m so grateful for these years-the first being in 2021 with everyone in masks.   I still remember my surprise of seeing the board members’ faces for the first time when masks were no longer required.  It was a weird (creepy?) start for a new person to town!    I must say we have fun in our meetings and working together has been inspiring, sometimes frustrating (been on a committee lately?!) but truly a joy.  This is a group of people who give of their time.  We have 4 business owners: retail, hotel, and restaurant/bakery owners, one teacher, and three community volunteers.  Amongst us are four long time Starbuck residents, and four newbies having arrived 3 years or less ago.  We also had 2 women participating on the board this year who left for the very legitimate reason of family and work demands but are still offering their time to help with our social media presence and support.  

Starbuck hosts 10 events each year with the Depot making many of them happen.  These activities bring visitors to town and hopefully support each of your businesses and families.  What an amazing achievement for our size town and chamber board.  A Starbuck resident told me they moved here because there was so much for their family to do.  

Would you consider helping us this coming year?  Jump into this fun group of folks, the water’s fine!  A meeting once a month, your ideas and input being valuable every time, and the wisdom and support of experienced folks helping on each task.  Happy 2024 from the Starbuck Chamber!