Lincoln Out of Date

March 19, 1969

Local Chamber Has A Name

A five􀀚man steering committee has decided to name the new organization 'Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce'. At a three-hour session Friday the committee also appointed a nominating committee to select a president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer. The group also set up by-laws and determined a six-man board of directors should be nominated. The first election of candidates will provide for two members to serve as directors for one year, two will be chosen for two year terms and two for three year terms on the board. Each year the group will elect two new board members and a new slate of officers, with each past-president serving as a board member for an additional year after his term expires. The steering-committee decided the new officers each year should be selected from within the functioning board of directors.

The new chamber of commerce will apply for a charter though it initially will not be part of the state organization.

The steering committee will shortly announce a public meeting at which time they will announce plans for membership.

March 26, 1969

Chamber Schedules Open Meeting

The steering committee for the proposed Chamber of Commerce has set Wednesday, April 16th for an evening public meeting at Lincoln Community Hall to seek community support of the organization and to select a board of directors to head the civic-group. Everyone is invited to attend the 8:00 p.m. session.

The steering committee and over 100 local chamber of commerce officials from Montana's smaller communities attended one of three leadership conferences sponsored by the State Chamber of Commerce. The local committee, comprised of Earl Athearn, Jessie Smith, Jean Sprott, Avery Johnson, and Monty Bryant attended the leadership conference in Great Falls, March 18th. Committee members said they found the true idea of what a Chamber of Commerce is and were very much impressed with what they consider the new look of the Chamber of Commerce - a program involving local people in 'people planning' for the betterment of the entire community.

Speakers from the National Chamber of Commerce offices discussed the importance of local organizations and out­lined problems and goals for those who assume positions of leadership in organizations that presume to lead.

'Delegates were advised that the best way to avoid the problems of larger cities was to head off the potential trouble before it could develop.

Involvement of more citizens was one of the suggestions for improving local chambers of com merce.

The program was not just lectures from outside authorities. Much of what was learned came from the question and discussion periods when those in attendance could present their problems and hear them talked over by fellow chamber leaders. Each of the local steering committee members attended different sessions so they could obtain all information disseminated by the national chamber speakers. Sessions attended include: Presidents, Officers and Directors; Committees; Managers and Secret­aries; Financing the Structure; Program Development; Community Development; Chamber Public Relations.