Friday, May 8, 2026
Bright Lion’s Club 9:00 AM moved last minute to Renck’s Coffee House
Next meeting
Date/Time: June 12, 2026 12 PM
Location: Barrel Heads (registration is set up on website event to get head count for attendees)
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
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
- Eoghan Reade-Cincinnatus Savings & Loan
- Amy Fryman-Friendship State Bank
- Kim Stock-Friendship State Bank
- Mark Munchel-Optimum Chiropractic LLC
- Robert von Gerds, Matt Gates-Triplecrown Wealth Management
- Sara Uhlenbrock-Heath-Uhlsee Creative
- Larry Shideler-Union Center Blvd Merchant Association (UCBMA)
- Jeannette Huelseman-WorkOne Southeast & LookingGlass Antiques+
- Guest Bright Blooms-Erin Delfenelehl
Jeannette Huelseman called the meeting to order.
Treasurer’s Report-Kim Stock
Balance of $18,368.13. Several deposits were made throughout late March and April, primarily from golf event registrations, hole sponsorships, and memberships.
- March 31: Deposit of $50
- April 10: Stripe deposit of $485.20 (golf team + hole sponsor; reflects online payment after fees, normally $500)
- April 14: Stripe deposit of $485.20 (another golf team + hole sponsor)
- April 14: Deposit of $825 (includes a golf team, hole sponsor, breakfast sponsor, and an additional hole sponsor)
- April 15: Stripe deposit of $48.25 (membership)
- April 17: Stripe deposit of $121.07 (hole sponsor)
- April 23: Stripe deposit of $121.07 (hole sponsor)
The ending balance for this period is $20,503.92. *Note: This report includes only part of April’s activity; the remaining transactions will appear in next month’s report.
Membership Report-Dr. Mark Munchel
Membership tracking is currently affected by technical issues with the Membership Works system, causing inconsistencies in the online directory (such as paid members disappearing). He and Bebe will receive training to troubleshoot the problem, which may involve a plugin or settings conflict.
Current membership stands at 28 paid members, with an estimated total of about 33 when including reciprocal and pending members. The displayed total of 48 online is outdated from last year due to the system issues.
Mark is continuing outreach to collect dues and will also promote memberships at the upcoming golf outing. He plans to provide more accurate updates once the technical problems are resolved.
Jeannette raised a discussion on MEWA (Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement) plans, which provide group health insurance (with optional vision and dental) for small businesses.
- Businesses generally need 2–50 employees to qualify, and a husband-and-wife-only business does not count as two employees.
- The association (BABA) may qualify to offer this plan to its members, but it’s unclear if being an “association” (not a chamber) meets Indiana’s requirements—this needs confirmation.
- Many members likely fall in the 2–50 employee range and could benefit from the plan.
- Chamber membership fees are roughly $200–$250 and may vary based on employee count.
- Insurance agents must be appointed with the MEWA provider (e.g., Anthem); some companies like State Farm may not participate due to restrictions.
- The plan includes network-based coverage (in-network vs. out-of-network) with limited tier options.
- Other counties in the area are already adopting similar plans, and there’s interest in bringing it locally.
- To move forward, the group needs:
- Confirmation that an association qualifies (not just chambers)
- A designated representative/contact person
- Board approval documented in meeting minutes
- Input from an insurance agent or expert
- Next steps include gathering more information, contacting representatives, and possibly presenting it at a future meeting.
Golf Event Summary
- The outing is scheduled for May 18 with a 10:00 a.m. tee time and registration/breakfast starting around 8:00 a.m..
- We currently have 12–13 teams committed so far, with a goal to match or exceed last year’s turnout.
- We have 14 paid hole sponsors, with a projection of 17 with pledged sponsorships, plus breakfast sponsor.
- Key responsibilities were divided up: registration, breakfast setup, course setup, sponsor signs, and volunteers during the event.
- Kim Stock offered to purchase the supplies for breakfast sponsored by Rob Von Gerds and catered by Renck’s, including orange juice, silverware, napkins, plates, and cups.
- Goodie bags have t-shirts, coasters, pens, golf tools, granola bars. We still need bag items.
- More door prizes, baskets and gift cards are needed. We, each will reach out to at least one business.
- Discussions on using QR code setup for the event for on the spot memberships.
- Voted to switch the organization’s banking relationship from 1st Financial to Friendship State Bank to enable Kim Stock to get the accounts transferred. Dr. Mark and Bebe volunteered to stop at Friendship to give Kim their information as signers on the account to help expedite this process.
- Skins and mulligans were confirmed as the main side games; mulligans were discussed as $5 per person, and skins as $20 per team.
- Discussion about future events should allow individual golfer signups or keep the focus on foursomes/teams.
- There was some uncertainty about whether the golf course or pro shop would require full names or just team numbers for registration.
- Kim reached out to the following for gift baskets or certificates: Dearborn Visitor Center, Casey’s Outdoor.
- Kim will provide a cash drawer and change for large bills.
- Kim will find out from the Golf Pro if we can use numbers for the teams or if names are required as the past pro insisted on.
Eoghan Reade shared that their Scout troop is facing rising costs, especially with summer camp fees increasing by about $100. Their scholarship fund, which helps cover memberships and camp fees for scouts in need, has been depleted over the past year.
To address this, they’ve created a separate 501(c) entity to expand fundraising options, since traditional Scout fundraising has limitations. As a result, they plan to pursue more aggressive fundraising efforts.
He also promoted an upcoming pancake breakfast fundraiser at Dearborn Hills Church May 9th (8–11 AM). Profits from the event will be divided among participating scouts—each scout earns an equal share toward their individual account (e.g., $100 each if 10 scouts raise $1,000).