Chamber elects 2015 officers, plans for 2015

The slate of officers elected by the members present at the December 9 meeting of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce were: Marcus Horak, president; Justin Parr, vice president; Mo Sheldon, secretary; Larissa Zeiler, treasurer; board members, Lise Ott, Sherrie Frederick and the Fest biergarten chair.

A budget committee consisting of Larissa Zeiler, Brenik Iverson and Marlon Schafer will begin meeting to come up with the Chamber’s 2015 budget. Chamber committee members are reminded to provide those committee members with estimates of anticipated expenses.

A report that the downtown benches had been picked up and stored for the winter by the town crew prompted member Laura Estes to recommend at least two or three all-weather benches that could be left out all year for folks with no transportation who might need to rest up before heading home from their downtown shopping.

New Year’s Eve

Planning is on track for the Chamber’s New Year’s Eve event. The theme is “A Night at the Oscars.” Food will be provided through the Chamber (no food vendors responded to the Chamber’s request for bids) and prepared by volunteers.

Year-end tax advice

Brenik Iverson of the accounting firm of Leffel, Otis & Warwick gave a presentation on tax planning prior to the end of the year. He discussed records to be retained, forms to be filled out and strategies to ease tax burdens through contributions to IRAs and the like.

Float committee

Justin Parr said a new float committee must be formed for the next year. Current members have served several years and want someone new to take over.

Desert 100

Zach Schafer of Rocky Coulee Brewing Co. has been in touch with the Stumpjumpers Motorcycle Club, which is currently planning for this spring’s Desert 100 race and other related races near Odessa. The club produces a professionally printed event program that every entrant to the weekend’s various races receives. The club is offering Odessa businesses a special price of $100 for a quarter-page ad in the program. Those interested may contact Schafer at the brewery or by calling 509-279-9870.