Thursday, November 20, 1997

Board reviews plan, approves budget

The board of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce reviewed its business plan and approved its budget Wednesday.

The $547,000 budget -- a 3.6-percent increase from this year's budget -- calls for a February 1998 membership drive, some new costs associated with the chamber's new abode and expenditures basically flat in overall operation areas.

President Charlie Dromgoole said outfitting of the new facilities will remain within funds allocated from the sale of its 341 Hickory office and budgeted monies.

The Chamber will host an open house during Christmas Sidewalks on Dec. 2 and continue Dec. 3-4. The new home is in the totally refurbished Cypress Building at North 2nd and Cypress.

The organization's business plan for the 1997-98 year is an aggressive one, Chamber Chairman Joe Crawford said.

Among the highlights of the plan's priorities are:

n Attracting, maintaining and expanding a diverse base of jobs.

-- Ensuring Dyess Air Force Base plays a key role in the national defense infrastructure.

-- Enhancing Abilene air service.

-- Having better communications with small businesses.

-- Growing tourism.

-- Supporting Abilene higher education and public education.

-- Helping downtown revitalization and cultural opportunities.

-- Focusing on legislative activities affecting Abilene.

-- Communicating through technology.

-- Keeping the chamber strong.

In other business, the board:

-- Heard a report from Gen. Mike McMahan and Col. J.J. Jackson from Dyess. They said no B-1 bombers have been assigned to duty in light of the Iraqi situation, but 10, C-130s have been in the area. Eight planes are in Saudi Arabia, and the two others in Oman, since Sept. 1. With the plans, which Jackson said are supporting the normal mission in southwestern Asia, are 193 Dyess personnel. On Dec. 1, a similar contingent from Dyess will trade places with the current crew, he said.

Jackson said the crews mission has not changed in light of recent developments, but they are on a heightened state of alert.

-- Susan Crowder of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau reported that the city has landed a five-year contract for for a regional fly-in of the Experimental Aircraft Association, beginning in October 1998.

Brandon Polk, an ACVB board member, said this event, which has been staged in Kerrville, could bring 1,500-2,000 plane to Abilene Regional Airport.

-- Received a check from Reporter Publishing Co. as its share of the publication of the annual Chamber Membership Guide.