September 2008 Minutes

Annabelle Morgan called the meeting to order and Mayor Joyce Little gave the invocation
The August minutes were approved as read.
Annabelle gave an update on the balance in the bank account of $xxxxx as of 8/31/2008

Guest Speaker

Kevin Brickman from the Friends of the Land in Stanly County organization was on hand to give information regarding their organization.

Kathy Almond, director of the small business center at SCC was also on hand to explain more of what that department does for local business owners and potential business owners.

Reports

Town of Oakboro---Mayor Joyce Little reported that the Golf Cart Ordinance should go into effect after the October board meeting

Convention & Visitors Bureau---Chris Lambert reminded us to check the calendar for upcoming events but he did highlight the Best of Badin Festival coming up, as well as the Scottish Showcase also in Badin.

New Business/Discussion

Annabelle Morgan mentioned the Christmas parade and tree lighting service will be on December 4th.

Annabelle also promoted the October GOBA meetings of which there will be two on the 2nd of October. Our regular meeting will be held at 12 noon at Big John’s with a special night meeting to be held at 7pm in the fellowship hall of the Oakboro Presbyterian Church.

Cruise-in –Several discussion points were brought up regarding the monthly cruise-in.
1) David & Betsy Heath suggested further rest room facilities should be offered on the south end of town in the form of portable facilities. They even offered a location at their business to facilitate this.
2) Bob Barbee mentioned that the Cruise-In Committee is a group of volunteers that meets each month, two Monday’s prior to the upcoming cruise-in at Penny’s restaurant at 5pm to discuss planning/issues and encouraged folks to attend to bring up any issues regarding this event.
3) Bob Barbee also recognized Joe Lowder for his quick response to the parking issue raised at the August GOBA meeting and expressed gratitude to Chief Lowder for continuing to work to address this issue.

Mayor Little expressed her appreciation for all the work that the Cruise-In Committee does to make this event a success.

Announcements

The Stanly Co Chamber of Commerce Business Expo will be held on Wednesday October 8th from 11am to 5pm at SRMC.

Annabelle Morgan announced she will be holding a seminar on “Intro to Grant Writing” on Sept. 18th from 6-9pm at the OPC fellowship hall.

Oakboro Museum: DVD’s are still available showing the history of the 4th of July celebrations through 1971. Fred Morgan will have a book signing at the museum in October. The cruise magazine detailing the Oakboro Cruise-In will be available at the museum as well.

Special Guest: Bruce and Becky Rowell introduced Gina Creson to the group as their special guest.

Annabelle Morgan declared the meeting adjourned.

August 2008 Minutes

Annabelle Morgan called the meeting to order and Mayor Joyce Little gave the invocation
The June minutes were approved as read.
Annabelle gave an update on the balance in the bank account of $xxx as of 6/30/2008

Guest
Dana Stoogenke with the Rocky River Rural Planning Organization gave the group a power point presentation regarding a Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Town of Oakboro to consider looking into.

Reports
Town of Oakboro---Larry Branch reported that the district park continues to grow with the current main project being the concession stand. Larry also mentioned Rodney Hahn is the new program administrator and maintenance person for the park. Larry mentioned a recent loan being completed to work towards more sewer improvements as well.

Convention & Visitors Bureau---Chris Lambert was on hand and gave some of the latest tourism statistics for Stanly County. One such statistic was a 7.2% increase in tourism from last year and the economic impact for Stanly Co. places us 45th out of the 100 counties in NC.

Chamber of Commerce---CaShaun Miller promoted the upcoming Chamber Reverse Raffle on August 23rd

Oakboro Fire & Rescue---Jim Cameron gave an update on the 50th Anniversary 4th of July. Jim stated the event was a huge success with this being one of the most profitable in recent history based on early numbers.

New Business/Discussion
Annabelle Morgan gave a web address for the GOBA’s new blog. That address is www.oakborobusinessassociation.blogspot.com

Cruise-in – Annabelle mentioned the cruise in website and that they will be offering links to businesses on that website for $25 to help support the Oakboro Cruise In. Jerry Crayton thanked the local banks for allowing folks to use their facilities to park and encouraged others to help with supporting this event. Jerry mentioned some complaints on parking at the last event in July.

Announcements
Ron Crawley announced that the Albemarle Downtown committee has changed their Old Fashioned Christmas event to Friday night this year to allow folks to visit this event and others throughout the county, most notably our events here in Oakboro.

Lisa Watts announced several music acts that will be performing regularly at Big John’s here in Oakboro.

Annabelle Morgan declared the meeting adjourned.

Oakboro Cruise-In

The Greater Oakboro Business Association sponsors a major event monthly in Oakboro - a cruise-in. Classic cars, hot rods, kit cars, trucks and motorcycles line the streets the fourth Friday of each month beginning at 5:00 PM. Many regional car clubs drive down in groups to share their enthusiasm with the crowds. During the months of April through October, there is a burnout for those who want to join the crowds of thousands and see smoke billow, often until the tires blow out! Local restaurants and food vendors are available in this street carnival atmosphere. For more information and photos, go to www.oakborocruisein.com.


The Town of Oakboro also has information on its web site about the history of the town and current information. Check it out on www.oakboro.com.