The March monthly meeting for the Mankato Chamber of Commerce took place Wednesday March, 8, at the Buffalo Roam with seven members present. President Jason Ortman called the meeting to order. Haley Nelson read the minutes from the February meeting. They were approved as read. Haley also gave the treasurer’s report. Brian Shulda is going to transfer extra funds from the checking account into the savings account. 

The Community Birthday Calendars can be bought for $5 at Hair & More and Mankato Plumbing.

Haley Nelson gave an update on the membership drive. For 2023, there are 46 active members with $2,720 in dues income. Haley extended the deadline for the members to pay and remain active to March 8. She will work on making the list of updates for the website for Karen Rhea. She will also give a list to Moonlight Workshop and have membership certificates printed. 

The Big Kansas Road Trip will take place May 4 to 7 in Republic, Jewell and Smith counties. The chamber discussed holding Community Clean-up the week before the event. Jason Ortman will see if the city plans to be involved so the council can start advertising for the event next month. 

Community Garden Plots are now available to be rented for the 2023 season. The plots are 10’x20’ and cost $20 to rent. Contact Brian Shulda to rent a plot.

The Threshing Bee will take place July 15. The chamber is still looking for entertainment that evening.

Mother’s Day is May 14. The chamber started discussing plans for the annual Mother’s Day luncheon. Jason Ortman will check with the city to see if the community center is available for the event. Haley Nelson will contact Kristin Underwood about flowers for the tables. Further planning for the event was tabled until next month’s meeting.

This month is March Match Month. This year the donations will be matched by 200 percent. The chamber budgeted to donate $500. 

A legislative coffee was held at 8 a.m., Saturday, at Possibilities. 

The next meeting will be April 12 at Bob’s.