Waitsburg Commercial Club plans for future at Jan. 27 meeting

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg Business Commercial Club met Thursday, January 27, for a regular meeting. Led by former president Joy Smith, the meeting focused on financials, bylaws, and moving forward.

Smith provided a brief banking update for the club. The club is currently waiting for the final decision for at least one grant, and a small donation to the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Foundation was outgoing, as was voted on at the last meeting. Smith said that nearly $2,500 in dues had been collected over the last month. Meeting attendees did have access to view financial information, and Smith said that membership information could be provided if requested.

New directional signage that will be placed throughout Waitsburg has been ordered from Integrity Design, Smith said, and other deductions including small office-related purchases have been made.

Smith said the commercial club’s phone is again available, and explained that she owned the phone, but the plan is paid for by the commercial club. She said that the phone is connected to the number that is published online as the Commercial Club’s point of contact. Though the phone was not active for over 65 weeks, only 15 calls had been missed.

Kim Smith, of Prescott, Cindy Daves, of Waitsburg, volunteered to review and revise the club’s bylaws. The bylaws will be ready for approval by the next meeting, they hope.

The Commercial Club is accepting nominations for President and Secretary, as well as directors. Representatives from local organizations, including the school district, farmers market, Friends of the Library, and Parks and Rec, were suggested. Kim Smith expressed interest in the president's position, with one condition, that Joy Smith remain involved with the club for at least one more year to help guide her. Officer positions were not voted on at the meeting.

Upcoming dates to mark on your calendar include February 22: the next meeting. Commercial Club meetings start at 12:00 p.m., location to be announced. April 12 will be the annual awards dinner and membership meeting, held at American 35 (former Anchor Bar in Waitsburg).

The commercial club members in attendance approved a $100 donation to Bill Moran, to help recover some of the cost he incurred earlier this month while removing snow from Main Street. The Lions Club will also make a contribution, Kevin House shared.