Scott City chamber wants to boost membership numbers

Gaining members was the main topic discussed at Scott City's Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday night.

With two of the town's biggest events past, Summerfest and Spirits in the Park, the chamber is planning its ribbon-cutting and open house for Aug. 4.

Since establishing a new location at 1508 Main St., the chamber's latest goal is increasing membership. About 20 people on average attend its monthly meetings. But Wednesday night, attendance fell short.

"Our goal is to create some positive new memberships before that time," chamber president Mary Ann Farmer said. "I am challenging everyone to go out and bring in some sponsors."

Inclement weather put a damper on the Spirits of the Park festival this year, and attendance and fundraising suffered. Farmer said the event brought in about $2,500, some of which goes back into the chamber and some is allocated to a planned amphitheater.

Members at Wednesday's meeting floated new ideas for next year on how to improve, including earlier advertising and creating more awareness with wineries and sponsors for the event.

Chamber members also discussed the Beautify Scott City project, and said the next cleanup would be after grass along Interstate 55 was mowed again.

So far, three days were spent cleaning ditches and hillsides near the interstate, with about 30 trash bags of garbage collected each time, member Dale Ferguson said. After the city receives its mowing equipment the city council recently approved, Ferguson said he hopes the chamber can do more to keep Scott City attractive.

"In the time I've been here, which has been short, I think things are definitely improving," Ferguson said of the group's cleaning efforts.

Aaron Eades suggested a free way to gain more members is to increase the chamber's Facebook presence. Members discussed taking more photos at events and asking Facebook friends to get more involved with the organization.

Dues for the 2015-2016 year will be collected in July, with fees ranging from $50 to $600.

Farmer also mentioned the next Boys and Girls club meeting for Scott City will be July 15 at the chamber office.

Dwana Leible also mentioned possible fundraisers the chamber could add to its schedule, including hosting mouse races. Mouse-race tracks can be rented from a company in St. Louis, and she said such events have been popular for other organizations.

For more information about the chamber, visit its Facebook page or website at scottcitymochamber.com.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

1508 Main St., Scott City, Mo.