BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
April 16, 2013
12:00 Noon / Robinwood Retirement Community
2795 Kirby Whitten Parkway
Chairman Natasha Donerson called the meeting to order welcoming John Churchill, the Executive Director of Workforce Development, Southwest TN Community College.
Financials were presented by Randy Henry reviewing the income statement and balance sheet. While the income is below budget, the expenses are in line with the income.
Membership Report presented by Joe Incardona showing 8 new members, 95 renewals and 24 non-renewals for the period of February 1 thru April 15, 2013.
Guest Speaker John Churchill, Executive Director, Workforce Development of Southwest Tennessee Community College, presented an overview of the Industrial Readiness Training (IRT) program. Churchill shared insight into the Shelby County workforce stating companies locating or expanding in the Memphis area have a difficult time finding qualified candidates. The IRT program is funded by government agencies and by companies looking for employees. The program takes candidates with an interest in manufacturing careers and prepares them in basic industry work skills to prepare the candidates for hire. The program began January of 2013. Many of the program graduates had previously been rejected for employment but the IRT has proven very successful in providing the candidates with a clear focus of what is needed to be hired.
Governmental Affairs and Alliance Report presented by Jon Crisp. Crisp reported the school bill allowing for individual municipal schools passed on April 15, 2013. Crisp also reports work is continuing on the Memorandum Of Understanding with the Chamber Alliance and The Greater Memphis Chamber.
EDGE Report - Tom Dyer presented an overview of the EDGE funding for the chambers formerly provided by Shelby County Government.
President’s Report was presented by John Threadgill, reporting the 385 Corridor Study on-going with a public meeting in June. The Medical Device Initiative is moving forward however the training platform needs acceptance from the BIG Three OEM’s. The BACC Golf Tournament will focus on the life sciences; all board members are encouraged to sponsor or play in the tournament. Lamar Alexander is tentatively scheduled to speak to the Medical Community, Golf Sponsors, and Board of Director’s on May 2, 2013 at a special lunch. Senator Alexander is a champion of the medical device industry.
Departmental Reports were presented as follows:
Resource Efficiency:
Clayton Poff yielded to Chris Ewing. Ewing reports he is working closely with John Threadgill on the business plan to make Team Green Zone self-sufficient. Clayton Poff reported TGZ is working closely with Shelby Farms to provide educational forums and with Southwest TN Community College to create accreditation courses in Resource Efficiency.
Community Development:
Presented by Debra Malone-Reeve. The three main programs that fall under the Chamber Foundation are Youth Leadership, Leadership and Leadership Bartlett Alumni. An overview of each program was presented with emphasis on the upcoming donation campaign for Youth Leadership Bartlett.
Economic Development:
Presented by Phil Johnson. 22 business licenses were issued for February and March with 14 existing business calls made. There are two prospects currently in progress for new development in the Bartlett area. The Farmers Market will run May through October 2013; the Market Manager is Kim Dyer.
Membership Development:
Presented by Jerry Dupree. JD invited everyone to the Business After Hours at Stonebridge Golf Club sponsored by Commercial Appeal/Bartlett Weekly and Stonebridge Golf Couse on Thursday April 18, 2013.
Marketing & Communications:
Presented by Krista Antonuk. KA reviewed upcoming events. The second part of the Constant Contact Communication Seminars, ‘The Power of Email Marketing’ will be held Wednesday April 17, 2013 form 9:00 – 11:00 AM at Holiday Inn & Suites. The Golf Tournament continues to accept sponsors and teams and the June issue of Suburban living will be published June 9th, ad sales are underway.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda which included February Minutes, Financials and New Members was presented to the Board. Randy Henry made the motion to approve with a second by Joe Incardona, the motion passed without a quorum, the information will be sent via email to the absent Board members for their approval.
The new items included a reminder of Shelby Farms earth day on Saturday April 20, 2013 and Shred it day with city of Bartlett and First Citizens Bank Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
The meeting adjourned at 1:30
Attendees:
Christi Kelly / Lisa Johnson / Jerry Dupree
Debbie Morrison / Natasha Donerson / Phil Johnson
Gene Woods / Randy Henry / Debra Malone-Reeve
Holli Weatherington / Ron Parr / Clayton Poff
Joe Incardona / Terry Emerick
John Threadgill / Tom Dyer
Jon Crisp