Under old business  the Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce board at its Oct. 18 regular meeting further discussed updating the chamber website.  The present host and one other web designer were interviewed to discuss fees and suggestions to improve the site.  More information will be presented at the November meeting.

Details of a Bike Share program were presented.  This a self-contained bike rental program that could be located somewhere downtown. The bicycles would be available for anyone to use for a minimal fee.  Possible sponsors were discussed along with the benefits of being a sponsor.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the chamber.  There is a discount if the bikes are ordered by early December.  

The Nite to Unite was reviewed.  It was held on a cold evening, so the discussion centered on suggesting moving the date closer to the August National Nite to Unite and change the starting time to 4:00 pm.  These suggestions will be presented to the sponsor.

The chamber will sponsor a page in the 2023 edition of the Visitor’s Guide.  An updated ad is being designed.

The annual Christmas Extravaganza will be held on October 28th in the Community Center.  Volunteers are needed to set up the vendor spaces on Friday afternoon, be present at the chamber table selling Starbuck T-Shirts, Mugs, Note Cards, Cookbooks, etc., and help is needed to tear down the setup on Saturday afternoon.

The chamber is one of the sponsors honoring Rolling Forks Vineyard at the Salute to Business on October 20th.  President Karen will represent the chamber at the luncheon.

The Discovery Days Preschool was presented a check for helping with the Vintage and Artisan Market that was held in August.  A photo will appear in the Starbuck Times/Pope County Tribune when space is available.

Under New Business the board discussed the Annual Banquet set for January 28th, 2023.  The caterer, table decorations and business presenter were discussed, along with the annual award winners and the silent auction.

The chamber membership renewal letter for 2023 was reviewed and updated.  This will be mailed in early December.  Possible new members were discussed.

The chamber is always looking for new board members and several names were mentioned.  Please consider becoming a board member if you are asked or notify the chamber if you are interested in becoming a board member.  Local businesses are encouraged to have a representative on the board. 

The Christmas Lighted Parade will take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 26th  beginning at 6:00 p.m.  There is no entry fee and there is no preregistration required.  Just be at the city offices by 5:45 with a lighted entry.  Also, trolley rides will be given from the Depot and Santa will be at the Nutcracker Café from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. that day. 

The residential Christmas Lighting Contest will be sponsored by the Chamber again this year.  A suggestion to not require preregistration was supported.  Judges will tour Starbuck December 15th and select 2 winners.  Starbuck Bucks will be given as prizes.  $100 for 1st place and $50 for 2nd place.  

Eight board members and three guests were present.  One board member was absent.