Preparations for Applefest, improvements to member communication and procedures for leadership transitions dominated the Weston Chamber of Commerce’s September meeting, as the organization also continued efforts to welcome new businesses to the community.
Applefest organizers reported that planning was largely on track, with food and craft vendors secured, about 20 parade entries and arrangements underway for parking, volunteers and entertainment. Organizers said parking would be provided at Snow Creek, with buses transporting visitors to town.
A new chamber tent is also planned during the festival to promote businesses that may not benefit directly from Main Street foot traffic, including lodging, restaurants and attractions. Organizers discussed assembling giveaway packages featuring combinations of lodging, dining and activities. Board members emphasized that all chamber members in the applicable categories should be given an opportunity to participate rather than businesses being selected individually.
That discussion led to a broader examination of how the chamber communicates with its members.
Vice President William McQueen said the chamber needs a consistent system using both email and text messages so merchants receive the same information. Members described instances in which businesses or even committee members had not received chamber emails. McQueen volunteered to begin work through the membership committee to reconcile membership information and contact lists.
The chamber also will consider formal procedures for board members leaving their positions. Board member Angie Vasquez presented a proposed exit policy addressing the transfer of passwords, accounts, committee information and other materials when officers and board members depart. The board voted to review the proposal and return to it at a future meeting.
Financially, the chamber reported $60,860 in its operating account, $3,105 in its sales tax account and $15,089 in savings. The treasurer’s report listed total funds of $107,134.
The board also discussed adding a commercial printer as a service for chamber members. The proposed machine would accommodate color printing up to 11-by-17 inches and would cost approximately $125 per month between the lease and service contract. The board agreed to invite the vendor to make a presentation before moving forward.
Marketing remains focused heavily on Applefest. The chamber reported a $2,000 September advertising budget dedicated to Applefest, followed by another $2,000 allocation split between Applefest and general fall promotion.
The chamber’s business-development efforts were visible Wednesday, Sept. 16, when members gathered at LaBella Cucina for a ribbon cutting welcoming owners Jonathan and Marlo Phillips.
The Phillipses have made changes inside the longtime Weston kitchen shop while retaining much of its familiar character. They widened portions of the sales floor, repositioned fixtures and moved a back wall to create additional room. The changes were intended in part to ease congestion during busy shopping periods.
During the ceremony, the chamber formally welcomed the family to the Weston business community. The Phillipses were also told they would receive a Weston brick, described during the ceremony as a traditional “badge of honor” presented to businesses.
The chamber meeting included discussion of additional ribbon cuttings. Members said a ribbon cutting for Walnut Creek had not yet been held because the business was waiting for completion of its back deck.
The board also reported that approximately 250 visitor bags were distributed during Pear Day and said passports associated with the chamber’s tourism promotion were still bringing customers into participating businesses. Members discussed updating outdated chamber signage and adding collected visitor email addresses to the organization’s marketing database.
The chamber’s next several months will center on Applefest and Weston’s holiday season, with planning underway for the Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting and the annual Weston Homes Tour.
