Chamber Reviews Holiday Programs

By Linda Kor
   The Holbrook Chamber of Commerce met on Dec. 9 to discuss the outcome of recent holiday events and to plan for upcoming chamber events.
   Chamber president Amber Hill reported that this years’ Holiday Showcase brought in 35 vendors and a count of 235 people that attended the event.
   “What we will be doing is contacting each of the vendors and ask them what they think worked, or what didn’t, then implement any changes for next year,” explained Hill.
   The capital tree event was deemed a huge success by the chamber.
   “Tons of people volunteered for this event. I want to express how grateful we as a chamber are for all of their work,” stated Hill.
   It was also noted by Hill that individuals who still have ornaments that they would like to have put on the community tree can bring them to the chamber office and they will be hung on the tree on Christmas Eve.
   The Parade of Lights was well attended with what was estimated as 800 to 900 people attending and 33 vendors at the courthouse for the festival. Chamber Executive Assistant Tara Cheney, noted that next year they would like to be able to provide photographs of the children who visit with Santa for parents.
   “Perhaps the high school’s photo club would like to participate and charge a small fee for a fund raiser,” suggested Cheney.
   Regarding upcoming events, Hill informed the chamber that she would like to see more done for the Hashknife Posse send-off. The annual send-off dinner is scheduled for Jan. 26 with the riders departing from Holbrook on Jan. 27. The determination of the board was to have a committee organized that would include posse members to see how that event may be better promoted.
   The Man and Woman of the Year is coming up and there is concern that interest in the event appears to be dwindling.
   “We really need to make a big push on this event and I would like to remind people in the community that nominations for this event may be submitted year round,” stated Hill.
   In other business, the chamber executive board:
    * Approved the transfer of $4,000 from the billboard fund into the marquee fund.
   * Approved a draft for a grievance policy.
   * Approved a records request form, with individuals to be charged for chamber records that require research.
   * Accepted the resignation of Demsh Kanjana from the executive board.
   * Approved the removal of the position of past president from the bylaws and added the position of treasurer.