VCOC discuss priorities, hosts ‘Meet and Greet’ event

By Laura Schiermeier, Staff Writer
Posted 2/19/20

VIENNA — New leaders of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (VCOC) began the year with a planning meeting to put together ideas for events and activities in 2020.

“We are in the process …

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VCOC discuss priorities, hosts ‘Meet and Greet’ event

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VIENNA — New leaders of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (VCOC) began the year with a planning meeting to put together ideas for events and activities in 2020.

“We are in the process of forming committees to plan and organize these activities. Something we’ve been thinking about is Missouri’s bicentennial celebration coming in 2021 to which we have formed a committee to plan and organize a huge festival,” said Chamber President Lisa Garro.

At the chamber meeting Jan. 28 held at Barnhart Dental, discussion included ribbon cuttings, chamber membership renewals, business of the month articles and upcoming chamber events. The event included the Meet and Greet at the Eagles Club, Ladies Night Out (LNO) set for April 17.

The LNO fundraiser committee will be led by Lilliana Esquivel and committee members are Amanda Sandbothe, Kara Cohlmia, and possibly more. The theme this year is the Roaring 20’s.

Other ideas include a Party on the Patio event in May or June.

Garro said the chamber has a website at viennamococ.com.

They discussed the Missouri Chamber Insurance — which two members are currently using and another business may use in 2020. Garro said she would send out information about the health insurance program.

The Show-Me Scholars program was discussed and those present were not sure if they should continue it or make modifications. One idea was to add an essay on the student’s plan for community betterment. They talked about not doing barbecues for the Show-Me Scholars and instead asking for donations.

The group looked at past community projects they can take on. More events will require more insurance coverage. Other events include Trunk or Treat and the Thanksgiving turkey give away. In December officers will be elected and chamber ribbon cuttings and business of the month can be done all year long.

New ideas were a pitch tournament and bringing back Christmas Around the Square. Also discussed was having small town revitalization speakers and where to have the events, a mystery theater/escape room and a movie in the park. A committee of Garro and Colleen Barnhart was formed for the speaker series.

A ByLaws committee of Garro, Mark James and Kent Love was formed. They will also discuss membership, student members and committee meeting dates.

Garro mentioned the 2021 Missouri Bicentennial and wanting to do something special. They discussed a Vienna Sausage Festival on June 5 and a committee was formed. Amanda Sandbothe will head the committee with members, Mark James, Joe and Kelly Barnhart, John and Colleen Barnhart, Kent Love, Sheri Godat and Kara Cohlmia. 

Chamber meetings will take place on the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at various businesses. The next meeting is Feb. 27 at the Vienna Library. All meetings are open and attendance is encouraged so the group can work together to network for prosperity and growth of the small town.