Chamber sets parade prizes, plans new website for city and chamber

— The grand-prize-winning float for the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, scheduled for Dec. 9, will win $100 cash, Chamber members decided at last week’s meeting.

First place certificates will be awarded to the top floats in three categories: Business, school organization and non-profit organization. A grand-prize winner will be chosen from those three. Members hope the prize money will encourage the school and other local organizations to participate in the parade.

The theme for this year’s parade is an “American Christmas.”

Line-up will begin at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, and the parade will begin at 6 p.m. and make its way down Main Street and back to the starting point.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding in the parade and will be greeting children for free Christmas photos in the Decatur Fire Station after the parade. The General Store will also stay open late and have a special Christmas sale the evening of the parade.

Home Decorating Contest

Judging of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas home decorating contest will be held onDec. 15 to allow residents more time to put up holiday lights.

The first place winner will receive $50 in Decatur bucks, to be spent at any Decatur business, and the second place winner will receive $25.

Cemetery Monument and Chamber website

Chamber members voted to donate $100 towards the expenses for a new monument in the Decatur Cemetery.

Mayor Charles Linam requested the donation for the large monument, which has Psalm 23 on one side and the Lord’s Prayer on the other. The monument has been paid for by donations, but is $200 short of the full price, Linam said.

Chamber members also voted to move forward with plans for a website.

Plans for a shared Chamber of Commerce and city website have been several years in the making.

Chamber of Commerce President David Flynt suggested that Lightner Creative of Texas, owned by Russell Lightner, could design the site for under $500 and maintain it for $80 a year. Lightner also designed the Decatur State Bank logo.

After discussing several other options, members voted to pursue workingwith Lightner Creative to develop a site.

Election of Officers

Chamber of Commerce members elected new officers during Monday’s meeting.

David Flynt, who was elected vice-president last year and has served as president of the organization since former president Royce Johnson passed away, was elected to another term as president.

Margo Barnes was elected to the open position of vice-president. Shanna Tucker was elected treasurer, replacing long-time treasurer Amy Brooks. Donna Jennings was elected secretary.

Chamber members voted to make Flynt, Barnes and Tucker signatories for the Chamber’s bank account.

Special Holiday Meeting

The next Chamber of Commerce meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Decatur Community Building, for a special holiday potluck. The Chamber will be serving ham and members are asked to bring their favorite side-dishes.

News, Pages 7 on 11/23/2011