Minutes from:

• 10/22/08
• 9/17/08
• 8/27/08
• 7/23/08
• 6/25/08
• 5/22/08
• 4/23/08
• 3/26/08
• 2/27/08
• 1/23/08
• 7/13/05
• 4/06/05
• 3/02/05
• 2/16/05

NCABA Regular Meeting
October 22, 2008

The monthly meeting was called to order at 8:15 p.m.

Those in attendance were Christine Shoemaker (Allegheny & Chesapeake), Tim Whited (Al’s Tire), Suzanne McCombie (Mainline Newspapers), Ernie Sekerak (Xcel Physical Therapy), Jeff Lantzy (Jeff Lantzy Insurance), Barb Kirby (First National Bank), Fran Filkins (HealthSouth), Jennifer Tiffany (Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce), Mike Artim (Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce), Roland Paronish (Roland’s Family Restaurant), Maria Roland (Roland’s Family Restaurant), Chuck Contres (Long-Contres Funeral Home), Karen Kemmer (Pennsylvania Highlands Community College).

Mike Artim from the Cambria County Chamber of Commerce was the guest speaker. Mike oriented the group on the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. In particular, he explained the goals of a new endeavor: “Cool Communities” through a company they are securing “Next Generation Consulting” (NGC). The goal of the project is to attract 20-40 year olds into our communities.. The Chamber wants to have NGC come to evaluate our region to determine what would attract this young demographic group. The Chamber has assured the NCABA that they want this to be a region-wide project. NGC will assess the region, they will develop a “handprint” to let us know where we are now, where we need to be and what we need to do to get there in order to re-attract young entrepreneurs to our area. Mike wants the new group to reach out to as many groups in the locale as they can to educate the communities that this project is forthcoming. The project in itself will be a 6-month long project and emphasizes that this is a “community” project and not an economic development project. Mike believes that we have a lot to offer this targeted demographic group – hiking, biking, kayaking. Many young people now are researching where they want to live first and then securing employment. The project itself is called “Cool Communities” and the targeted corridor is Cambria County and northern Somerset County. The regional project will be called “20/20 Vision”. The goal is to change the progressive looking future of the region. Anyone interested in the basis of this project is directed to a book by Rebecca Ryan, “Live First, Work Second” – Ms. Ryan will be guiding the Chamber through this project.

The NCABA members in attendance favor supporting this project. Some ideas discussed were sponsoring the town hall meetings and tours of the consulting group. A steering group will be formed and a representative between the ages of 20-40 may be able to sit on the steering committee. Christine Shoemaker and Ernest Sekerak volunteered to be representatives for the steering group.

The minutes of last month’s meeting were read Chuck Contres motioned to accept the meeting, Barb Kirby; all were in favor.

The financial report was noted.

Request from Nicktown Fire Company for annual fund drive – all those businesses served by the Nicktown Fire Company or who have customers in that area are encouraged to donate on their own behalf.

UCP is holding a Turkey Trotter.

Veterans Memorial Ambulance requested a donation – all businesses serviced by this organization and those who have customers serviced by this organization are urged to donate.

EABC requested a donation for advertising for Dickens of a Christmas. Businesses in this area are urged to donate on their own behalf.

Membership – holding at 121. A membership meeting will be held next week. There will be a package available for NCABA members Tim Whited, membership chair, will be working with Jennifer Tiffany, Chamber Membership Director to develop a package for joining both organizations. If an NCABA member chooses to also join the chamber, they will have their $50 NCABA dues deducted from the Chamber dues.

Oktoberfest - A motion was made to have the NCABA cover the expenses for the gala – the total costs will be around $4000. Chuck made the motion, Ernie Sekerak seconded the motion. It was noted that very few members came forward to help with the gala and to sell tickets.

Golf Tournament final profits was $3665.41.

RODP – meeting was canceled

Golf Tournament for 2009 – The committee will meet and most likely the date will be changed due to the 4th of July falling on a weekend. Details will follow.

Beating the Odds – Joe Harties wanted a meeting for the community in November or December. However, it was discussed that we may need to do it at the beginning of 2009 due to end of year business and the holidays.

Life Steps – Barb and Fran will look at restarting this in January.

With no other business to discuss, Tim Whited made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Karen Kemmer seconded the motion.

The next meeting will be held at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19 at Roland’s Restaruant. Please use the outside side entrance up the steps. If you need use of an elevator, please come inside.

The meeting date was changed due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.