The Garretson Commercial Club had its regular board meeting at Palisades Oil on July 14. As club secretary Jessica Fueston was in Pierre for training that day, vice-president Garrick Moritz took notes on the proceedings.
After the Secretary’s and Treasurers reports were read and reviewed the first item on the agenda was a review of the Jesse James Days events.
Overall it was a pretty successful weekend. All the events were busy from Friday to Sunday. The events were very successful, coming off a year when Covid-19 had canceled the previous year’s celebrations. People were ready to party and it showed. Everything was busy and well attended. President John Brinkman said that in all the years he’s been involved in the Commercial Club, this was perhaps the 5th biggest year, and that included years like the 125th celebration of Garretson. It was a big weekend.
The issues that came up were also likewise clear. With all the influx of people, food options sold out quickly, both at the car show and the inflatables.
One food truck was not enough for the Car Show. The Zion Church group also ran out of food for the inflatable activities. Also, the cotton candy, snow cone and ice cream vendors did not materialize for that outdoor event. Though attendance was smaller for the events at Splitrock park on Sunday, the food truck was also appreciated at that event.
Discussion occurred on how best the Commercial Club could handle the food needs of attendees during future events. Ron Luke, in attendance at the meeting, said that he knows that he and all the local restaurateurs in town were busy throughout the weekend. He suggested that we encourage more local groups and food trucks to pick up more of the event food service, and everyone agreed.
Next, President Brinkman talked about the upcoming Commercial Club Golf Tournament to be held on Friday, August 6. He noted that the tournament looked to have a successful turnout this year. He also noted that Aspect Ag/Frontline Crop Solutions would be hosting their grand opening on the same day, and so instead of hosting a meal at the golf course afterward that the Commercial Club members would be sent over to the event after the conclusion of the tournament so that they could enjoy the meal at the open house events.
Next, the club discussed the new sound system. The boring has been done, so we will be looking to the city and the club to coordinate purchase and installation.
Sales on the electronic sign on Highway 11 have been modest, but appreciated.
Brinkman asked for an update on the Commercial Club’s new website. The website is up and running, and getting traffic. The next step will be getting member businesses to opt in for a log-in and accessing their posting privileges, and how that can be shared on social media platforms.
Filing the Commercial Club’s annual report with the South Dakota Secretary of State was next on the agenda items, and Brinkman said that he and Treasurer Kris Johnson would work together to get all the filing information completed within the next week.
The next meeting will be held on Aug. 11 at the Sports Cabin.
