The Warsaw, Illinois, Chamber of Commerce met on Tuesday, June 23 at DJ’s Bar and Grill with 10 members present. The group enjoyed a nacho bar and drinks, courtesy of DJ’s, and welcomed new members Piney’s and DJ’s.

The meeting focused on supporting local businesses, networking opportunities, promoting Warsaw, and coordinating upcoming events, including the popular First Fridays, Christmas on Main, and the collaborative Taste of Hancock culinary adventure.

The Chamber proudly awarded their scholarship and internship/apprentice opportunity to Warsaw High School junior Ava Gibson.

Sara Harrison resigned from the board as of May 26, but will continue to support the Chamber as a member at large. Emily Goldeman stepped down as treasurer with the board voting for Alayna Climer to assume these responsibilities.

Networking opportunities for Chamber businesses were discussed; President Alexis Taryn and Cass Grunewald host a Coffee Hour at RePete Candle and Coffee Bar every other Tuesday from 8-9:30 a.m. Watch the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for the announcement of the next Coffee Hour.

The Cheers to the Chamber low-key networking event, free for chamber members and significant others, will be in September at Piney’s or DJ’s. Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served.

Facebook advertising, professional development presentations funded by the Chamber, writing a grant to update business signs, and hosting Spirit Awards for businesses that create the best promotional displays were discussed in support of local entrepreneurs and investing in the community.

Christmas on Main chair, Missy Finch, announced a theme for the event on Saturday, Dec. 12 that will be revealed later. Extensive discussion generated ideas and excitement for this well-received Warsaw tradition. Finch reported that RaChella Brookhart, who has assisted coordinating past parades, offered to help organize this popular holiday attraction.

First Fridays co-chairs, Stephanie Froman and Becky Shipe, are actively coordinating the third gathering on Aug. 7 with assistance from other committee members Audra Tibbits, Eileen Shoup, Alexis Taryn and Sara Harrison. The committee is pleased with the excellent turnout and enthusiastic response to the first two events.

The Chamber and Hancock County Economic Development are hosting this year’s county-wide Taste of Hancock on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ralston Park. The Oktoberfest-themed family-friendly experience offers attendees opportunities to sample offerings from food vendors in exchange for tickets. The Heidelberg Band, featuring former Warsaw High School band director, Alan Kanauss, has signed and returned their contract. Madisyn Bell of Hancock County Economic Development provided the vendor form, and recruiting food and drink vendors is in progress. A Taste of Hancock Committee Meeting chat group has been created; those wishing to be included are advised to contact Grunewald.

During a subsequent Taste of Hancock meeting on Thursday, July 9, the committee established sponsorship levels and made plans to mail registration forms to county businesses and recruit sponsors. They are seeking four “Stein” level sponsors at $250 each, five “Pretzel” sponsors at $100 each, and 10 “Pumpkin” level donors at $50 each. Jenny Roberts is managing sponsorship duties.

The Chamber is seeking a Professional Development Committee chairperson; Grunewald and Taryn chair the Membership Committee.

The next full Chamber meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 15 at a place to be determined.

See more News & Notes on page 7 of today’s edition.