What a month June proved to be for Adrian! It seemed there was something going on every weekend. Then July began with the 4th of July parade and celebration. This is all good for business. The chamber participated in the parade displaying a replica of the 1st cup sold. We have been selling cups for several years with something about our town on each one. This year $2.00 of each sale went to the Adrian Library. We are beginning to plan for the 2007 cup. If you have an idea for it let a board member know.

Membership continues to grow with D & D Design our newest member. We have tried to get membership certificates out to everyone, but sometimes we get our wires crossed so please feel free to let us know if you haven’t received yours.

Del’s Adrian Appliance is hosting the BAT Friday July 14th. I have been swamped and should have gotten this newsletter out sooner. I hope you receive it in time to remind you of this BAT. August will be hosted by Steve Hubbard and Don Arndt at their new offices on the south side of Main Street. The date is August 18th. Plan now to stop by and visit. I bet Donna and Sue will have something there to munch on. September is the month we plan to reinstate the Chamber luncheon. It will be held at Wimfields on Main from 12:00 to 1:00. We will have a guest speaker from MODAT to review the main street renovation and answer questions we may have. We will need a count for the restaurant. If you can attend, let me know by e-mail at patsylemon@sbcglobal.net or contact the Chamber office. I am not sure what the cost will be until we get a count. If enough attend we may be able to have a buffet or at least a choice of meat and salad bar. This is a chance to get together exchange concerns and ideas. We all have to eat lunch, so let’s eat together. Hope you will plan to attend. We hope to have a Chamber luncheon in December 2006, March, June, and September 2007. The BAT will be held on the other months. We welcome your input. Feel free to let us know what works for you and your business.

New Teacher Packets are our next project. If you want something representing your business included in these, drop it by the chamber office. We usually need around 15 items. If you donate more, they will be used in the Welcome to Adrian bags left at the Adrian City Hall and Rural Water District #5 office. We have had many items donated from coupons for products at a place of business to pens, pads, fly swatters, jar lid openers, hand sanitizer with a business logo on it, cups, caps, key chains, etc.

Bates County Red Ribbon Campaign will take place October 23-27, 2006. CHART is handling the advance planning. Schools will be each notified and receive rules for the county. The theme for this year will be United We Stand-For a Drug-Free Land. This is the 22 anniversary of the national campaign which is intended to combat the use of alcohol and drugs. In order to purchase ribbons and stickers for 1500 students and teddy bears for each school, they will need to raise money locally. The Adrian Chamber board voted to support this and inform members. CHART will be contacting businesses for donations.

Well I hope you are having a good and prosperous summer. Please remember we need YOU. Attend the BATs and quarterly luncheons. Let us know if you have any ideas or concerns. The chamber is here to support Adrian businesses. WE NEED YOU!

Patsy Lemon