The General Meeting of the membership of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce will be held on Tuesday, October 13 at 9:00 a.m. at the Chamber office at 312 Pecan Street. The members will elect the 2010 president and vote to fill five 2-year Board of Director terms and one 1-year term. Changes to the by-laws will also be voted on. All members are encouraged to attend and to vote.

Nominated for president is Marcy Westcott of Westcott Graphic Print. Nominated for the 1-year Board of Director term is Jennifer Oines. Four people are nominated for the five 2-year terms: Jon Brieger of Brieger Pottery; Mike Brittain of Wesner Media; Kyle Brennan of Country Comfort; and Pat Caufield, CPA. Additional nominees will be taken from the floor during the general meeting. Votes will be cast and the five nominees with the most votes will be elected. (If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the Board, please contact the Chamber office for more information).

Changes to the by-laws include the following: including the published vision, which is “to be the heart and hub of economic development and tourism”, and the published mission, which is “to promote the economic well-being of local businesses and the business community as a whole, and improve the quality of life for all citizens of Blanco and the surrounding area”; to expand membership criteria to include “anyone doing business or offering a service in Blanco County, Texas”; to change the membership types of “individuals” and “couples” to “non-business”; to eliminate the “associate membership” option; to change the fiscal year from January 1-December 31 to October 1 to September 30; to allow email as the form of communication announcing the general meeting; to change the words “office manager” to “authorized employee”; to reference the Executive Committee via an attachment that outlines its duties; to change petty cash from $50 to $150; and to allow the Executive Committee to authorize expenditures up to $250 for a one-time expense and $25 in a regular monthly expense. Copies of the original by-laws and the proposed changes are available at the Chamber office or by email request.

Board Members who will serve the remainder of their 2-year terms in 2010 (and therefore are not slated for re-election) are: Debbie Homeier, Vallone Real Estate; Liz Waller, On The Square; Karen Roets, Miller Creek Lavender; Rick Sebenolar, Blanco Hill Country Retreat; and Russ Whitlock, LBJ National Historical Park (Russ serves in an honorary, non-voting position). The offices of President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer will be elected by the 2010 Board of Directors in January.