The Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on Jan. 23 at Debbie’s on Broadway where members enjoyed delicious food and desserts. After the meal, Chamber President Ron Haas opened the Tuesday night meeting welcoming everyone and thanking them for attending. He shared some of the upcoming growing businesses and future constructions. “Things are happening. Trying to help the businesses along to make it profitable to stay in Stanley, which is my hope,” Haas said.
“We really want to revitalize main street, somehow,” Vice President Lacey Granger remarked asking for future ideas.
Treasurer Debbie Haas shared the yearly financial update and discussed the future possibility of Chamber grants. The Chamber members expressed their desire for the City of Stanley to grow and flourish.
“We want our town to be something you drive to and remember,” Granger said as the Chamber decided to sponsor half the cost of the summer flowers in the center of town.
Nicole Witt, Marketing Coordinator, shared an update on the Stanley Royalty Program sponsored by the Chamber highlighting the events and experiences that were made available for the girls.
“It’s a cool opportunity for the kids and they are having a lot of fun and making friends,” Witt said. The girls in the Stanley Royalty Program help throughout the year with various community events, including, rodeo preparation and selling raffle tickets. This year the program was expanded to include Miss Stanley, Jr. Miss Stanley, and Little Miss Stanley which was positively received by the community. “Every little girl wants to be a princess,” Witt remarked.
The organization of the City-Wide Thrift Sales was handed over to the Stanley Community Association and the Chamber of Commerce will take over the annual Halloween Trunk or Treat event. The next Coffee & Commerce networking event is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Citizens State Bank.
Registration opens April 1 for businesses that want to have a float in the Father’s Day Grand Parade this year.
As the meeting neared completion, Chamber Secretary John McLoone thanked Chamber President Ron Haas for his many years of service and wished him well on his future endeavors. “Congratulations to Ron Haas and thanks for everything. We’re lucky to have you,” McLoone said to the applause of the meeting attendees.
“I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. It’s been a good ride,” Haas commented. “I’ve enjoyed it very much, met a lot of good people.”
An open house retirement party for Haas will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Stanley Community Center, starting at 2 p.m. The public is invited to join in celebrating Ron’s many years of selfless service to the community.