Florence Chamber of Commerce hears Labor Day report
Trayce Warner, Florence Labor Day Committee chairman, brought Florence chamber members up to speed Thursday on the progress of the holiday event. Thirteen members of the chamber met at noon at Carriage Manor for the August meeting.
Warner reviewed scheduled Labor Day events and gave some additional reports. "The advance party Wednesday night was a success despite the rain," she said.
She reported a good turn out and about $300 in additional sales and donations.
The committee will have a booth at Marion County Fair manned by Les Allison and Reilly Reid. Warner offered to include chamber flyers or information on individual businesses in the booth display.
She reported that members of Florence High School class of 1956 have expressed an interest in appearing in the Labor Day parade representing 50 years since their graduation. She has arranged for a trolley from Donahue Corp. to act as the class float.
Float prize money has been increased by $25 in each category. Children's bike prizes will be ribbons and certificates for free products.
Warner offered advance discount carnival tickets to chamber members in case they wanted to give them to their employees.
In other business chamber members:
— heard that Florence Historical Society has become a chamber member.
— learned Florence will be featured at 8 p.m. Saturday night on the Food Network as part of Alton Brown's special called "Feasting on the Asphalt." They also were told there is an extensive article in the July issue of Guideposts magazine about the food program. Florence is mentioned frequently in the story.
— approved an idea for a Labor Day float. Kathleen Ludwig, Neva Robinson, and John Lehman volunteered to help with construction.
— heard from PRIDE committee member Sue Klassen. The city has approved a three-month extension on the plan to include the community newsletter, PRIDE information, and business highlights in city water bills. Chamber members approved paying the chamber's share of the mailing costs.
— noted there is only one Florence afghan left to be sold from the last shipment. There are no plans to order additional afghans.
— heard from Sara Neal that welcome bags are being put together for new residents. Businesses are asked to bring a coupon or give-away item to Neal at the next meeting.
— agreed to have a brown bag lunch next meeting with only salad and dessert being contributed. The meeting will be at noon Sept. 7 at Carriage Manor.
