The Tipton Chamber of Commerce approved the slate of officers for 2025 at its meeting Thursday, Jan. 9, at Bobbio’s Eatery.
Patrick Wood is stepping down as the nominee for re-election as vice president. Kelsie Baldus was nominated in his stead.
Along with Baldus, candidates are Dayley Elliott, president, Calen Bestgen, treasurer, Becky Holloway, secretary, and directors Stephanie Knipp and Mark Koechner.
The slate will be presented to the membership for election at its annual meeting Feb. 1. It will be held at the Tipton Country Club with the doors opening at 5:30 for a happy half hour, a charcuterie dinner at 6 and meeting, and then followed by the Music Bingo social open to all at 7 p.m.
A nominee for the chamber’s Community Pride Award was approved. The recipient will be honored at the annual meeting.
The chamber also approved a new dues structure with benefits for each. Dues are payable by March 1.
Business members have the choice between two, the Silver Level at $125 a year and Gold Level at $250 a year. Benefits include ribbon cuttings, business spotlights, listing in the online business directory with links, Septemberfest sponsorship, referrals, access to health insurance through the chamber’s membership in the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry, social media shares, voting rights, and the opportunity to serve on the board of directors or as an officer.
Other memberships for non-businesses include Church, Friend of the Chamber, Civic and Youth Groups for $25.
Members discussed reviving the Community Prayer Breakfast, with the suggestion that it be moved from February to May around National Day of Prayer. More discussion will be held to work out details with the Tipton Ministerial Alliance.
The members agreed to plan to do another Candidates & Issues Forum for the April election. The ballot will include a race for the Tipton R-VI School Board as well as operating levy and bond issue proposals, and a countywide senior citizen real estate tax relief issue. It will likely be held in March.
Discussion was also held on bringing back the chamber golf tournament with more discussion to follow next month. It was suggested it be held on a Friday before Memorial Day weekend.
The meeting concluded with a report by Dr. Terry Robinson, superintendent of Tipton R-VI Schools, on the two propositions being presented April voters by the school district.
