Staunton's Monthly Chamber Of Commerce Meeting Minutes

Staunton Chamber of Commerce Meeting June 4, 2024. The meeting was called to order at the Community Hospital, by President Carrie Borgini.

Larry Spour, President of Community Hospital of Staunton, thanked everyone for the community support the hospital receives. Spour discussed a community health needs assessment to obtain feedback to gain direction to push community needs forward. Spour attended an economic summit meeting in mid-May that focused on what the hospital can do for the community.

Another focus shared was a community food education program through the U of I extension office. Examples of recipes were discussed and shared how people with food insecurities can be supported.

The Staunton Area Emergency Management Council/Coalition, which focuses on disaster preparedness, was also discussed. Fire Chief, Rick Haase shared it’s a wide-ranging group and invited the members to come to the next meeting at the fire station on the last Wednesday of July.

Shari Ferry of Associated Bank shared some tips on how to deal with difficult people/customers. She started by asking the group for reasons people get angry. Answers included: expectations vs.. reality, not being listened to, anything involving money (example: fees, paying more than expected), confusion/not understanding the product or service.

Some tips Shari offered to successfully manage difficult people/customer interactions: listen, do not multi-task, do not think about your response while the person is talking, don’t offer a solution until you have a full understanding of the situation, give the person time to talk, offer empathy, take accountability, circle back with the person to verify the solution is in place, make expectations clear, and plant positive seeds for future interactions.

Balloon Glow will be August 17. Past food vendors have been sent applications. Chamber members can have an informational booth free. If selling anything, Chamber members fee is $100, non-chamber members fee is $200. Facebook event has been created. Balloon artists have been booked. ATM will be set up at the park. Wi-Fi for vendors will be available. Tethered rides will be offered.

Planters look great. Four more planters will be added to Main Street. Sponsorships from businesses and individuals are available for those four.

The Route 66 Rivers and Routes group will join at the next Chamber meeting to discuss new ideas of what can be done to showcase Route 66 and Staunton. One idea is to make a park behind Blackbird Bakery and include a patio area with three different entrances representing the three roads that meet. A selfie spot was also mentioned. There is $4 million available in grant money.

Volunteer Fire Department Homecoming celebration will be Friday and Saturday, June 28-29. Parade is Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.