Ada Area Chamber of Commerce members “Zoomed” Wednesday morning.
The virtual meeting was first since this past winter when the covid-19 pandemic limited large groups to meet in person.
The meeting, viewed by 13 persons, provided members with an update on many of the chamber activities.
The most significant announcement was that Deb Curlis, chamber director, plans on stepping down from her position on Dec. 31. During her time as the first-ever paid chamber director she increased membership to more than 80 members.
Had the pandemic not affected the community Curlis said her goal to 100 members.
Curlis continues to be involved in the community as director of Beatitudes on North Main Street. As a result work in Ada, the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance named her the 2016 Hardin County Citizen of the Year.
She has served as a chamber office or in a chamber leadership role since 2012.
Several additional chamber changes will take place at the end of the year. Heather Cox’s term as chamber board president ends, as does Jill Simons as board secretary.
In addition the chamber is looking for someone or a group to head up next year’s Harvest and Herb Festival.
Depending upon the ever-changing state guidelines controlling large group events, the chamber hopes to hold a Merry on Main event on Saturday, Dec. 5.
If held, this year’ event will be from 1 to 3 p.m. in the afternoon, a switch from previous holiday events, which took place in the evening.
The following is a tentative outline of Merry on Main activities:
“We are hoping to spread activities from Quest Federal Credit Union to Hays Insurance for the health safety of participants,” said Curlis.
She added that groups interested in having activities planned for youth should contact her.
This year events are not able to take place in the depot; however it is possible that a display could be set up in the caboose since there is an entrance and exit to the railroad car.
Santa may be driving up and down Main Street in a golf cart, waving to kids, instead of meeting one-on-one.
Ruthie’s Boarding Room gift shop is hopng to provide a special mail box for letters to Santa.
Santa’s reindeer will not be in Ada this year, due to scheduling conflicts.
Curlis is asking businesses to decorate their windows, although there will not be a decoration contest.
The depot lawn will again have holiday lights and plans to set those up are underway.
Jamie Hall said that the light set up usually takes two or three hours. Persons interested in assisting in that set up should contact him at the village office.
