The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce had its first meeting Jan. 2 since reorganizing from its former affiliation as the Falcon Business League. Because of the change, an election of officers must be held again. The election will be held via mail ballots for paid members only. Membership dues are $120 annually and were due by Jan.10 to be eligible to vote. Members will have until Jan. 31 to return their ballots. John Keller is retiring and will not be running again. New candidates or candidates for the vice president position were not announced. The following are up for re-election, and they will be elected to a two-year term.Current officers are: Chairman of the Board: Jim Freidly President: Bob Deck Vice President: John Keller Secretary: Rosanne Fahrenbruch Treasurer: Jean WoolseyCurrent president Bob Deck welcomed new members and spoke about moving forward as a chamber to promote local businesses and serve the community. He also reiterated the importance of the partnership between the Eastern Plains chamber and the Pikes Peak Regional Business Partnership, a consortium of several El Paso County chambers and organizations.Members approved moving the chamber meetings from the Falcon Fire Protection District building to Falcon Middle School. The new move begins with the Feb. 6 meeting. Also discussed was the idea of adding a mid-month meeting to the regular meeting. Several members voiced concern about how they would handle voting, agenda items, etc., if there was a second meeting. The majority then decided that a second meeting would be an “after hours gathering” of members who wish to network on an informal basis. Members will vote on the inclusion of an after hours gathering at the Feb. 6 meeting.Falcon turns 120 years old in August, and the chamber would like to sponsor a parade to coincide with the annual Falcon Festival held in June. The festival/parade committee, headed by Sherrie Lemley and Christel Blaylock, is looking for more volunteers. The committee meets the second Thursday of the month at The State Bank.On behalf of the Colorado House of Representatives, Rep. Marsha Looper presented Falcon Fire Chief Trent Harwig with an award of recognition for “exemplifying the spirit of service in Colorado.””Chief Harwig’s dedication and leadership makes him a tremendous asset to one of the largest and fastest growing fire fighting units in the state,” Looper said. She also said that at least 250 pieces of legislation presented last year affected businesses in Colorado, and it was important that the chamber get involved in legislative issues.The next chamber meeting is Feb. 6 at 7:30 a.m. at the old Falcon Middle School. For more information on the chamber, visit www.easternchamber.org.
