Friday, April 10, 2026
Bright Lion’s Club 9:00 AM
Next meeting
Date/Time: May 8, 2026
Location: TBD
Tonya Wolfe called the meeting to order and all said the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsorships
Friendship State Bank – Gold Sponsor
St. Elizabeth Healthcare – Bronze Sponsor
Sign in sheet was circulated. Members present (Listed alphabetically by Business Name)
- Bebe Kinnett-Absolute Web Marketing
- Nicole Wuestefeld-Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home
- Tamara Taylor-Beacon News
- Dale Lutz-Cornerstone Realty
- Amy Fryman-Friendship State Bank
- Susan Hoffman-Friendship State Bank
- Lisa Cox-JDC Remodeling
- Rachel Lutz-Lutz Auction Services
- Tonya Wolfe-Tonya Wolfe-City Wide HM
- Larry Shideler-Union Center Blvd Merchant Association (UCBMA)
- Jeannette Huelseman-WorkOne Southeast & LookingGlass Antiques+
- Guest-Chris Powell for Sheriff
- Guest Bright Blooms-Erin Delfendahl
- Guest-Joe Volk for State Senate
Guests Speakers:
- Chris Powell for Dearborn County Sheriff
- Joe Volk for State Senate
Treasurer’s Report
- Beginning Balance (March): $17,516.50
- Transactions:
- MembershipWorks fee: -$35.00
- Membership & hole sponsor deposit: +$533.45
- Tax filing fee: -$50.00
- Golf team deposit (Tim Braun): +$388.10
- MembershipWorks fee: -$35.00
- Membership:+$50.00
- Ending Balance: $18,418.13
Membership Report
- Report delivered in Mark’s absence.
- New renewals: 3 this past month
- Current membership: 45 (including carryover)
- Mark will contact overdue members within the next month.
- Members are asked to:
- Check the online directory
- Contact Mark if not listed to update membership status
Guest Introductions
- Attendees introduced themselves and their businesses/organizations.
Announcements & Reminders
Member Business Promotion
- Members are encouraged to complete a Business Spotlight questionnaire
- Spotlights will be featured on the association’s Facebook page
- Goal: Increase visibility for member businesses
Golf Outing (May 18)
- Event is approximately one month away
- Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Silver Sponsor: $2,500
- Bronze Sponsor: $1,500
- Hole Sponsor: $125
- Team + Hole Sponsor bundle: $500
Marketing
- Members asked to:
- Share the event flyer on personal social media
- Copy and repost provided content
Needs for Event
- Sponsors (all levels)
- Foursome teams
- Door prize donations (gift baskets, items, etc.)
- Goody bag items
- Volunteers (especially Hole #18 game station)
Goody Bag Drop-off
- Items can be dropped off at the Friendship State Bank Bright branch
- Contact: Kim Stock or Susan
Golf Outing Discussion Highlights
- Suggested fundraising/game ideas:
- “Bet on yourself” contest (pay to win challenge)
- On-course games that generate revenue
- Raffles and silent auctions discussed (mixed past success)
- Early-bird sign-up idea proposed for next year
- Continued outreach encouraged for:
- Local businesses
- Past participants
- Community sponsors
Open Discussion
- Brainstorming for potential sponsors and donors
- Suggestions included local shops, wineries, and businesses in nearby towns
- Challenges noted with corporate participation policies (e.g., chain stores)
Guest Speakers
- Several attendees spoke, including local candidates and community members
- Topics included:
- Community engagement
- Economic development
- Workforce opportunities
- Local policy concerns (e.g., land use, business climate)
- A structured time limit (~3.5 minutes per speaker) was implemented
Additional Discussion Topics
- Workforce development and second-chance employment opportunities
- Trade industries (welding, machining, construction) highlighted as high-demand fields
- Community concerns regarding development (e.g., solar farms, infrastructure)
Adjournment
- Meeting concluded with appreciation for attendees and speakers
- Members encouraged to continue discussions through follow-up meetings or one-on-one conversations