President Eric Schoonover conducted the meeting.
Members gave business updates:
"Thursdays at the Rialto" will resume on September 17 with Devon Franks, who is from Troy.
The Rialto will soon host "two of the biggest movies of the summer" Jurassic World and Inside Out, which will return to the theatre this summer.
Passion Life Wellness has a "referral rewards program."
Dr. Nikki Rook has a new piece of equipment at Endless Mts. Eye Care. It helps detect Macular Degeneration.
The VIA has met this summer but will take a break in January and February.
August 22 will be the final day for the Canton Pool this season. The ADA Handicapped accessible crosswalks are being installed under PennDOT's Rt. 14 and 414 program, then the street paving will take place.
The Bradford County Commissioners have joined the chamber, making a total of ninety-six members.
The Chamber brochure has been printed and is available at the Sentinel office, the banks, the Rialto and other locations.
Robyn Chamberlain, director of the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency gave an update on the agency. Mr. Schoonover is vice-president of the agency board. Ms. Chamberlain said that the agency is funded through the room tax, and now that money will remain in Bradford County rather than being sent elsewhere. She has met with all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county, and said that they provided a solid foundation for the agency. All are represented on the board. "We have been building relationships with all the Chambers," she said, "And we want to make sure all businesses can work through us," even if they are outside of the main geographic area of an existing chamber. "We want to bring more people [as tourists to Bradford County]. That's how we are funded."
The grant program will be the same as the previous program, and non-profits can apply for funding through the end of September. "We have had a lot of successes," Ms. Chamberlain said, "But there are concerns and questions as well. We will address them and move forward and build solidly." She said, "We want to assist [the Chambers and businesses] in any way possible."
"We are very excited at the opportunities Bradford County has to offer."
The newest Chamber promotional item, the 30 oz. pitcher, is available at the Sentinel office and at Stull's for $45. Previous items in the stoneware series, the crock and the bank jug, also are available.
The results from the July BTG social challenge were reviewed.
Due to the proximity of the deadline, the Chamber decided not to purchase an advertisement in the fall "Bradford County Living" issue, but will reconsider for the March issue. This will be in time to promote almost all of the Chamber's schedule of activities.
The August 7 Car Show was discussed.
August 15 will be the Chamber's free swim day at the Canton War Memorial Pool.
The Chamber voted to rejoin the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and hopes that the bureau will reciprocate by joining the Chamber.
The United Way will sponsor a workshop on "How to Run a Campaign," August 27 in Towanda.
Last year the Chamber received a $500 grant from the Canton Foundation to be used for new planters. Although there is sentiment to acquire concrete planters, given the cost, it is more practical to buy new wooden tubs. A Chamber committee will consider the various options for concrete or wooden planters.
A donation was make to the Ralston Fire Company in memory of Charles Carnes, father of former Chamber President Jodi Wesneski.
A thank-you note was received from the County Commissioners, thanking the Chamber for its support of the Sunfish Park 5K run.
Present were representatives from these Chamber members: Village Improvement Association, BCRAC/Rialto Theatre; Principle Enterprises; First Citizens Community Bank; Passion Life Wellness; Frontier Communications; Schoonover's Plumbing & Heating; Canton Borough; Morse & Kleese Funeral Home; Endless Mts. Eye Care; Sweet Tooth Bakery; Verizon; Canton Independent-Sentinel.