May Board Meeting Minutes

Cassopolis/Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Minutes

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Council on Aging 

Board Members’ Present: Billie Hires, Darren Williamson, Ted Gogol, Tracy Mast, Julie Hartman, Melinda Stockwell, Breanne Lee and Dianna McGrew 

Board Members Absent: Jeff Nelson, Eugene Wagner, Laurel Ward

Member(s)Present & Guests: Kait Bullock; Brian MacGregor. Edwards Jones; Eileen Crouse, E. Crouse Consulting; Corey VanBuskirk, YMCA @ Greater Michiana; Jeniffer Gilliam, MEC; Lizzy Curran, Hydro; Chris Cole, JC Advertising; Joan Murphy, Helping Hands

Call to Order at 12:070 p.m., by President Hires

Roll Call; noted above

Public Comments: 

Linda Stockwell thanked all for supporting the SMC Career Fair in March.

Breanne Lee is desperately seeking volunteers for the Community Garden. Volunteers can sign-up on the website: CassGarden.com

Ted Gogol informed that the Village of Cassopolis is holding a meeting this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. regarding the ‘Master Plan’ for the Village.

Minutes: April’s minutes. Motion by Tracy and supported by Darren to approve April 15, 2026, minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurers Report Breanne emailed to the board the Account Transactions, Trial Balance sheet, Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet. Motion by Dianna and supported by Tracey to accept & approve as received and place on file the treasurer’s reports as emailed.  Motion carried. 

New Business:

Eileen Crouse presented a sample of the cover for the Chamber magazine/directory.

Business After Hours will be held at Holden Green on Thursday, May 28^th between 4-7 p.m.  Would 2 Board Members to volunteer to be greeters and should be there by 3:45 p.m.  Moved by Tracey and supported by Ted to set a budget of $500.  Motion carried.

Ribbon Cutting for Jonesy’s Auction tentative set for Friday, May 22^nd at 4:00 p.m.  They are located next to the Cass Fitness Center.

Old Business:

Golf Outing: Tracy reported 16 teams have confirmed, leaving 4 opening for additional terms.  Would like to have a few more sponsorships.  Still in need of ‘Swag’ and ‘Raffle’ items.   

Senior Tumblers recap: 68 graduating and 18 sponsor to receives a tumbler; cost $1,720.  Income from sponsors ($200 each) $3,600. Golf & Tumbler sponsor discount -$275; leaving a Chamber profit of $1,605. A list of sponsor are on the ‘Chamber’s’ website.

Proposed new Chamber LOGO was emailed & a vote was taken on May 7^th.  We will need new shirts. Which leads us in to one of our new businesses becoming a member.

Chris Cole, JC Advertising (Printing-Apparel-Signage) introduced himself and his company to the Board and provided a handout about the company and what all they can provide. 

Chairperson Hires adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.

Dianna K. McGrew, Sec’y

New Member(s): Chris Cole, JC Advertising; Corey VanBuskirk, YMCA of Greater Michiana; Eleen Crouse, Designer of Chamber Magazine/Directory

Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, at Cass County Council on Aging, Noon

***Meeting Minutes subject to Board approval in June***