After approving the minutes of the previous meeting and giving approval to the monthly financial statement and receiving a report on a very successful 2016 Pink tomato Festival, the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Board voted to recommend to the Warren City Council that some type ordinance be considered to require owners of vacant buildings in the downtown area be required to place some type display or art or curtain in the windows to make the buildings look more attractive and to improve the overall appearance of the area. This is being done in some communities and the board felt it should be looked into in Warren. The requirements need to be researched and enforcement methods considered.
In other business the members voted to appoint Mrs. Cathy Rice to a vacancy on the board for the class of 2018. It was announce that two more vacancies exist for the class of 2017.
Updates were given on the status of seeking funds to improve the W&OV Depot and to improve or tear down the Bryant's building.
Chairman Mike Nichols reported on the success of the 60th Tomato Festival and expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers who helped make it a success. He stated there were 43 teams in the steak cook off and big crowds attended most all the events. The box of tomatoes at the All-Tomato Luncheon sold for a record $16,000.00. The cost was shared by Dr. Ken Purvis and Tommy Maxwell of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring. Mr. Maxwell is a native of Warren. Both men along with others who participated in the bidding made the event exciting.
The Maxwell family are part owners and operators of Ouachita Hardwood Flooring and Townsend Hardwood Flooring, both located in Warren. The money will go to endow a scholarship in honor of Mrs. Jean Frisby, the founder of the All-Tomato Luncheon 59 years ago. Dr. Purvis was Mrs. Frisby's neighbor and very close friend.
Tonya Johnson reported that the Dog contest raised around $500.00 for the local animal shelter. She was pleased with the results.
In other business the members voted to appoint Mrs. Cathy Rice to a vacancy on the board for the class of 2018. It was announce that two more vacancies exist for the class of 2017.
Updates were given on the status of seeking funds to improve the W&OV Depot and to improve or tear down the Bryant's building.
Chairman Mike Nichols reported on the success of the 60th Tomato Festival and expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers who helped make it a success. He stated there were 43 teams in the steak cook off and big crowds attended most all the events. The box of tomatoes at the All-Tomato Luncheon sold for a record $16,000.00. The cost was shared by Dr. Ken Purvis and Tommy Maxwell of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring. Mr. Maxwell is a native of Warren. Both men along with others who participated in the bidding made the event exciting.
The Maxwell family are part owners and operators of Ouachita Hardwood Flooring and Townsend Hardwood Flooring, both located in Warren. The money will go to endow a scholarship in honor of Mrs. Jean Frisby, the founder of the All-Tomato Luncheon 59 years ago. Dr. Purvis was Mrs. Frisby's neighbor and very close friend.
Tonya Johnson reported that the Dog contest raised around $500.00 for the local animal shelter. She was pleased with the results.
Just curious.... but since when does the Chamber dictate to the city of private owners, many of which do not belong to their organization? If hey have that level of power, why not start providing consequences to owners at city limits that have properties in truly disreputable repair and are the first things you see as you enter the town. These eyesores truly set the tone for visitors. In that instance, nothing you do to 'pretty up' downtown will take away that first impression. Again, just curious as to why some owners are provided with leniency and other, less popular people are harassed and fined. The burned out building on Main that has disrupted business for several months is another topic altogether. I guess it all depends on what is in vogue this year.....
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