The Bushnell Chamber of Commerce is shifting priorities toward promoting local businesses and exploring new fundraising strategies, according to meeting minutes from May 12.
The group, which met at 5:30 p.m., decided to pause plans for mouse races, a quarter auction, and a Beautify Bushnell contest to concentrate on highlighting Chamber member businesses through social media and local newspapers.
“We really need to focus on and promote the Bushnell businesses at this time,” the minutes state.
The Chamber will begin by featuring businesses celebrating anniversaries. Members passed around a questionnaire to gather information about local companies and plan to refine the form before the next meeting.
The Chamber also plans to revise its Bushnell Bucks letter and personally deliver it to businesses to explain how the program works and encourage participation.
Recent wins and operational moves May Play Days was a great success for Boden’s Amusement and with 16 yard sales participating. The Bushnell Women’s Club, McDonough County Police Auxiliary, and the B-PC after prom committee provided coverage, though some shifts ended at 8 p.m. due to rain.
The April 14 Bushnell Business Social drew 10 businesses and was deemed successful, though members want to boost future attendance. Suggestions included reminding the community to follow the Chamber on social media.
The Chamber’s checking account has moved to Raritan State Bank in an interest-bearing account. Rene Ford will activate the debit card. The seal for Bushnell Bucks has arrived.
Looking ahead
Members discussed a music bingo night as a potential fundraiser, with January or February as possible dates.
Rene Ford has attended similar events and has the necessary materials.
The group also discussed aligning all Chamber dues to September, which would require pro-rating dues for the next year or so. The topic will be revisited at the next meeting.
The Chamber will meet again June 9 at 5:30 p.m.
