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06/26/2003 Archived Entry: "Chamber Gathering this Morning"

CHAMBER GATHERING THIS MORNING

Robson's Card and Gift Shop was the setting this morning for the first of many Chamber of Commerce coffees. It was very nice with Ken and Alice Robson displaying the same wonderful hospitality that always welcomes people into their store.

George Stover, Chamber president, made some introductory remarks.

The Robsons gave a short history of their store which included a comment that Hallmark has been a presence in Ellsworth for 70 years. Ken and Alice have, during their ownership of the store for the past twenty years, made it a Gold Crown store.

They purchased the store from Callie Reber who owned it for seven years. Prior to that it was Grant's book store. And somewhere along the line, it was for many years Novak IGA Grocery Store. I well remember those days but those of us older folk who were there were a bit fuzzy on details of who owned what when.

Several chamber members in attendance gave two minute updates on projects and events. Sarah Grace Geiger, Chamber director, did her usual splendid job of organizing the event, spearheading others and giving Chamber members a run down of coming events they will want to attend.

Alice prepared wonderful breakfast treats for everyone. I had kidded Ken earlier in the week about serving quiche as I figured they’d only serve coffee at such a gathering. As it turned out, Alice had prepared a large bowl of watermelon and cantaloupe, several different kinds of muffins, coffee cake, cheese sausage balls, orange juice and coffee. It was delicious morning treat and very much appreciated by everyone. And it was better than quiche!

I’ve suggested on several occasions that perhaps the Chamber could come up with some kind of membership for people like me who don’t have businesses to make us legitimate members. We could be the support arm of the Chamber and I think if it only cost $20 or less to join, perhaps they would pick up additional members that way. I wouldn’t expect to vote on anything, although I’d have an itch to…but I could, perhaps, contribute in other ways. It’s only an idea.