Green River council hears chamber update

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

At the recent Green River City Council meeting, Amy Wilmarth, Green River Chamber of Commerce chairman, led a power point presentation about the activities of the chamber. G.R.E.A.T. stands for the Green River Economic Action Team and the chamber works under that organization. She reported that since the economic summit held in Green River in February, the chamber has compiled the findings and suggestions from that meeting, and drawn up a plan to help the city become a more vibrant community.
The chamber has recruited enough people to form the 13 committees needed to carry out the suggested implementations recommended from the findings of the summit. The 13 committees will work for the chamber. These people are members of the community and representatives of businesses. Currently there are 19 businesses in Green River that have joined the chamber.
Wilmarth gave an overview of the goals from the summit. In the formation of the vibrant community economic development plan, the chamber used the suggestions from the summit, and they are the basis for the committees.
Mona Schoenfelder said that the summit provided four learning sessions, and more than 50 people attended the summit. “It was such a success and we had great feedback, and we are making plans for the 2006 summit.” said Schoenfelder. The educational sessions were facilitated by Lou Sansevero, Bim Oliver, Ed Meyer, Jim Huffaker and Mike McCandless, and Kresha Eastman gave the summit wrap-up session.
Joni Pace explained the goals of the marketing and promotions committee. The committee has begun work toward accomplishing its goals for promoting Green River. Publishing the Green River Currents, a monthly newsletter, was one goal that has been accomplished. This newsletter contains local news and events, and is sponsored by local merchants.
Another goal was to publish the Green River Business Guide. This guide lists all the businesses and information about each business. Snip Bits is another publication used for advertising Green River businesses. It contains short histories of Green River, and attached around the outside are coupons that can be used at local shops.
Connie Copenhaver reported from the Melon Days committee. The chamber had previously approached the city council concerning the Melon Days celebration. Copenhaver stated that the chamber is willing to help the city with preparations or any way possible. She stated that the chamber would like to have a 100 year celebration during Melon Days next year.
Wilmarth presented the committee report concerning the beautification projects. They have joined with the Utah Main Street Project for assistance and ideas. The committee has chosen to work on Broadway Street this year. Their plan is to update the business fronts of those that wish to participate. Over the next six months, the committee will be taking suggestions on what needs to be done, and continue to actively seek funding to complete the project.
The off highway vehicle committee is headed up by Tamara Ekker. She reported that OHV activity is on the rise and Green River has an ideal location to host OHV events. Their goal is to host two events annually and begin networking with the Bureau of Land Management, OHV manufacturers, the National Parks service, and search and rescue organizations. She stated that the residents of Green River want to form an OHV club and make Green River an OHV recreation destination.
Ekker reported that another goal is to create a training site for OHV users, and at this training site, provide an emphasis on environmental protection and responsible land use. Another idea is for Green River to form a trail system and make tracks for the citizens to ride.
Shannon Sweeten is the committee chairman of the athletic events portion of the chamber. He stated that they are working on organizing a marathon, events on the river, and equestrian events. A Family Float is planned for this fall.
Copenhaver is heading up the State and Trust Lands committee. She has made plans to meet with Bryan Torgesen to discuss concerns and plans for using state lands.
Wilmarth reported on the business awards committee. This is a newly formed committee and will put together the criteria for awards to recognize businesses in Green River in different categories.
Copenhaver has undertaken the committee to improve the AmTrak station. Presently at the station, passengers who are waiting for a train do not have any facilities. There is no shelter, phone, or transportation. She is making contacts with Union Pacific to talk about the issues surrounding the station.
Nancy Dunham said that Green River is a perfect place for people to retire in, so she is heading up the committee to investigate that aspect of the summit suggestions. She stated, “There is a wonderful opportunity here. We need marketing to attract retirees and get our message out about the perfect place we have here.”
Dunham is also over the melon marketing committee. She said that the residents and producers of Green River need to begin researching and developing value added products. The committee has come up with numerous ideas and promotions to assist the melon farmers to develop a year round market for their products.
Mary Wilmarth, chairman of the Positive Action Community Team, is helping the chamber with grants and funding. PACTs function is to raise funds for any positive community project. Any of the committees can be helped to bring their goals to completion with grants and funding raised by PACT.
The committee to formulate and bring SuperHost training to Green River is headed by Kelly Quinn. She is working with Workforce Services to develop the training. This program will be designed to train employees and high school students, to enhance their performance, friendliness, and local knowledge. As a result of this training, employees who deal with the public can assist visitors with all facets of their stay and in turn will make the visitors time in Green River more memorable.
Wilmarth wrapped up the presentation of the chamber activities with a request for the city council. She stated that these committees need all the help they can get, be it ideas or implementation of ideas. She encouraged the council to become involved with this effort to make Green River a better place to live, recreate, and do business.