Waynedale Business Chamber WBC

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Waynedale Business Chamber!

The Chamber is cost free to join and holds general meetings every second Thursday of the month starting at 2pm. The meetings take place at the Southwest Conservation Club located at 5703 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46819. Waynedale Business Chamber was established on June 1, 2015. Creating an organization for which business owners (or representatives thereof) come together to work on local projects and deal with local issues to cultivate, prosper, and maintain the community we consider “Waynedale”. Since then, the Chamber has grown to over 75 members! By forming the WBC we have created a platform where your voice can be heard, and together we can make a difference!

In this orientation packet you will find various information involving the Waynedale Business Chamber including: Our Mission & Purpose, Why It’s Important & Needed, How It Works, What Projects Are Being Worked On, and How To Become A Member. This packet breaks down into the following 4 sections: The WBC Map (Page 3)

A map that defines the area within which the WBC considers to be “Waynedale”. The Waynedale Business Chamber Charter (Pages 4-5)

This outlines the bylaws by which the WBC operates. Current Projects/Committees List (Pages 6-9)

Here you will be able to learn more about current projects and/or committees that the WBC is presently working on, what it consists of, and an estimated time of completion, if available. Waynedale Business Chamber Application (Page 10)

This is a sheet that explains the guidelines on how to join and where you can turn in the application, if you please to do so.

Jordan Cornwell Dawn Lawson WBC President WBC Secretary (260) 747-5529 (260) 203-5905

For additional information please visit: www.waynedale.com/business

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OUR MISSION The Waynedale Business Chamber’s (WBC) mission is to help promote prosperity and growth, as well as working to improve or maintain the environment and the overall well being of the community that we consider “Waynedale” with the goal to preserve its identity while further solidifying its future existence. WHAT ARE MEETINGS LIKE? General meetings are held every second Thursday of the month starting at 2pm at the Southwest Conservation Club located at 5703 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46819. At these meetings the Chamber addresses ideas for Waynedale business and overall community improvement. Members work together as a whole and in committees to accomplish the collective groups’ short term and long term goals. Each member present at the meetings will have a voice in what the WBC works on, when and how each project is completed. Each attendee of the meeting must be a member of the Chamber. WHAT TYPES OF BUSINESSES ARE MEMBERS? All Types! We have many different types of businesses that are members of the WBC. From home-based businesses to retail stores, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations, and everything inbetween. We currently have over 75 members and growing strong! With each additional member we gain more power as an organization which further helps us to accomplish our goals and tasks.

ARE THERE DUES OR FEES TO BECOME A MEMBER? NOPE! The WBC does not hold a bank account. Instead, it partners with other local service and non-profit organizations when it comes to the handling of any funds. As such, it has no need to collect fees or dues from members. HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER? As long as your business is located within the area outlined on the map (pg 3), you simply need to bring a filled out application to the next general meeting, the Waynedale Newspaper Office, or you can email it to Chamber@Waynedale.com You can also visit our webpage (www.waynedale.com/business/) to learn more about WBC, obtain this orientation packet, obtain a membership application, and also to see the member list. By becoming a member of the WBC you are not obligated or expected to attend every general meeting, but it would be greatly appreciated if you did! After each general meeting, every member of the Chamber is emailed a copy of the meeting minutes which outlines what occurred at the previous meeting. In addition to the monthly meeting minutes, each member also recieves a reminder email prior to each general meeting. VOLUNTEERS The WBC is involved with many community events that occur in the Waynedale area and it is always looking for additional volunteers! If you do not wish to be a member or you do not fit the requirements to become a member but would be willing to help volunteer with community events please contact Jordan Cornwell at (260) 747-5529.

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MAP & MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS The outlined area defines the WBC area of operation. Every business within this outlined area qualifies to be automatically accepted as a member of the Waynedale Business Chamber. If your business is located outside of the outlined area you can still turn in an application. The application will be reviewed by our Membership Committee to decide if your business is approved. Notification of application approval or denial will be made to you within one month.

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WAYNEDALE BUSINESS CHAMBER - CHARTER

This charter is made and entered into by and among the undersigned parties, as initial members (“Initial Members”) of the Waynedale Business Chamber (WBC).

Preliminary Statement

Waynedale Business Chamber, an Indiana chamber of businesses (the “Chamber”), was organized on June 1, 2015. The Initial Members adopted this Charter to govern certain aspects of the operations of the Chamber and to set forth the rights and obligations of the Members and any Assignee of Substitute Member (as defined below), and their respective successors and assigns. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the undersigned parties agree to the following terms and conditions.

ARTICLE I

ORGANIZATION AND TERM 1.1. Name. The name of the Chamber is Waynedale Business Chamber. 1.2. Purpose. The purpose of this Chamber shall be to unite business owners, decision makers and commercial property owners in the 'Waynedale' area for the improvement of the community. 1.3. Effective Date. The effective date of this Agreement shall be June 1, 2015. 1.4. Term. The term of the Chamber shall commence on June 1, 2015 and shall continue in perpetuity, unless the Chamber is earlier dissolved in accordance with this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERS AND MEETINGS 2.1. Name and Address of Members and Assignees. All Members and Assignees of the Chamber, past and present, and their last known business, or business mailing address shall be listed on the attached Exhibit “A” from time to time as necessary to accurately reflect the information therein. 2.2. Additional Members. A person may become a new member (“Additional Member”) of the Chamber upon the terms and if the business they represent operates within the area that which the chamber has defined as “Waynedale”. If a prospective members’ business operates outside of the defined area said membership must be approved by the membership committee. 2.3. Monthly Meetings. Monthly meetings of the Members shall be held on the second Thursday of each month at 2pm inside the Southwest Conservation Club (5703 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46819), or on such other date/location as may be designated by the Members. 2.4. Committee Meetings. Committee meetings of the Members may be called for any reason. Committee Members shall notify the rest of the members when and where the committee is to meet. The committee must report minutes of their meeting(s) at the Monthly Member's meeting. 2.5. Notice of Meetings. The Chamber shall deliver notice stating the date, time, and place of any Members’ meeting and, in the case of a Committee Members’ Meeting a description of the purposes for which the meeting is called, to each Member of record entitled to vote at the meeting, at such address as appears in the records for the Chamber at least ten, but not more than thirty, days before the date of the meeting. 2.6. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the Members shall take place at the Southwest Conservation Club; 5703 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46819. Unless, Members agree to a different location. 2.7. Quorum and Voting. A quorum of any meeting of the Members shall consist of a Majority of the Members present in person or by proxy at any meeting duly called. Members may participate in any meeting by the use of any communication form whereby all Members may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting and each such Member shall be considered to be present at the meeting. 2.8. Voting by Proxy. A Member may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise act for the Member pursuant to a written appointment form executed by the Member. An appointment of a proxy is effective when received by the President Member of the Chamber. A proxy appointment is valid for twelve (12) months unless otherwise expressly stated in the appointment form.

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2.9. Action by Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a Members’ meeting may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all the Members entitled to vote on the action. The action must be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed and dated by all the Members entitled to vote on the action, and delivered to the Chamber for inclusion in its minutes. 2.10. Conduct of Meetings. At any Members’ meeting, the President Member shall preside or appoint a person to preside at the meeting and shall appoint a person to act as secretary of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall prepare minutes of the meeting that shall be placed in the minute's book of the Chamber. 2.11. . At any Members’ meeting, the President Member shall preside or appoint a person to preside at the meeting and shall appoint a person to act as secretary of the meeting. The secretary of the meeting shall prepare minutes of the meeting that shall be placed in the minute's book of the Chamber.

ARTICLE III

AMENDMENTS A proposed amendment to this Charter shall be voted upon at a meeting of the Members duly called for the purpose of voting on the amendment. Amendments shall be approved by a Majority of the Members.

ARTICLE IV

MANAGEMENT 4.1 President Member. Voted by majority of present members, shall have the title of “President,” shall oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of the Chamber in accordance with the policies and decisions adopted by the Members. President member term is one year, an election will be held at the June meeting each year. The president member will be responsible for assigning a secretary or otherwise recording meeting minutes as well as distributing them to each member. 4.2. Right of Members to Pursue Other Ventures. The Members shall devote to the conduct of the Chamber business so much of their time as may be reasonably necessary for the efficient operation of the Chamber business. The Members may engage in and/or possess an interest in other business ventures of every nature and description, independently or with others, including, but not limited to, the ownership, financing, leasing, operation, management, syndication, brokerage, and development of real and/or personal property wherever located, and neither the Chamber nor the Members shall have any rights in and to said independent ventures or the income of profits derived therefrom.

ARTICLE V

DEFINITIONS Unless the context or rules of grammar otherwise require or unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified in this Article I, as set forth below: “Additional Member” means any person admitted as a Member subsequent to the admission of the Initial Members. Unless the context clearly indicated to the contrary, the term “Member” includes the term “Additional Member.” An Additional Member has all of the rights and obligations of a Member. “Agreement” means this Charter, as originally executed and as amended from time to time. “Chamber” refers to Waynedale Business Chamber. “Event of Dissociation” means: a. A Member withdraws from the Chamber; b. The death of a Member if the Member is a natural person; or c. In the case of a Member that is a corporation, the dissolution of the corporation. “Members” refers to those defined in Exhibit “A”. “Member” means a person admitted to membership in the Chamber. in accordance with this Charter, and as to whom an Event of Dissociation has not occurred. “Person” means an individual, a corporation, a general or limited partnership, an association, a limited liability chamber, a business trust, or any other legal or commercial entity. “Substitute Member” means an Assignee who has been admitted into Membership of the Chamber in conformity with this Agreement. Unless the context clearly indicated to the contrary, the term “Member” includes the term “Substitute Member.” A Substitute Member has all of the rights and obligations of a Member.

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CURRENT PROJECT OUTLINES The following is a list of projects and ideas that have been brainstormed by local businesses. Some are on their way to being completed! But some need your help to accomplish. If any of these projects interest you to complete, join the Waynedale Business Chamber and help it get done!

Corridor Identification Signs/ Seasonal Decorations o Objective: To establish signage along the busy roads of Waynedale on the light poles or at the

entrances to the community to promote the unity of the community/ business community. o Why: This signage would be a new face and identity for the Waynedale community, giving a

hometown feeling to those traveling in and through Waynedale. o How to: Receive a quote from a signage company (including seasonal signs/decorations for

major holidays ex. Christmas/4th of July), decide on the verbiage for the signs.

Telephone Poles on Lower Huntington Road o Objective: To remove telephone poles along the South side of Lower Huntington Road,

replaced with underground wiring or wiring behind storefronts. o Why: Removing poles would vastly improve the cluttered look that is created by these poles

currently along this business strip of Waynedale. The current use for these poles is for lighting only. All service to the buildings is from the back poles. Light poles could be replaced with 'stylized' light poles that would be a part of a streetscape/ corridor community 'identity' plan for Waynedale.

o How to: Contact AEP, create a removal plan, petition needs to be created and signed.

Business Signage o Objective: To create a Waynedale “Code of Conduct” for businesses to follow in terms of

appropriate signage along roads and storefronts in the community. o Why: Hand/ spray painted signage degrades the appeal of the area. Creating a set of

standards for businesses to follow in terms of their choices of signage will help create and maintain a sense of professionalism.

o How to: A committee needs to establish the written document that outlines appropriate signage for Waynedale businesses to use. Once written, it will need to be distributed to all area businesses with an explanation of why this is being presented to them. Businesses that are failing to meet these standards can be approached by the WBC for support and advice on how to improve their signage.

Welcome to Waynedale Signs

o Objective: To place large “Welcome to Waynedale” signs at all the large intersections of the boundaries of Waynedale, similar to other community signage in other parts of Fort Wayne.

o Why: Strategically placing these signs at the boundaries of Waynedale would create a welcoming atmosphere to those traveling in and through Waynedale. It would be an attractive and noticeable way for people to realize they are entering the community of Waynedale.

o How to: Get quotes from local signage companies; decide on a design and verbiage for the welcome signs. Decide on locations for the signs. Find local sponsorships for signs. This could also be a part of a streetscape/ corridor plan.

Baer Field Speedway- Waynedale Night (May-Sept)

o Objective: Work with Baer Field Speedway to create a designated Waynedale Community Night.

o Why: This would be a way to bring members of the community together at a local community venue. This would be a chance to gather friends and neighbors for a day of fun and activities. Could be used as a fundraiser.

o How to: Work with Baer Field to establish this event, agree on particulars: admission cost, special promotional items for food/drinks, entertainment, all day?

o

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Waynedale Tour Spots o Objective: To create an annual event that opens up the Waynedale Community to local tours. o Why: It is imperative that the Waynedale community be on the radar of those around the

Fort Wayne area. Opening up the community for a local day of tours would give local residents a chance to explore the features that Waynedale has to offer.

o How to: Choose a date and locations for tour stops, then advertise the tour. Combine this with the Shop Local/Holly Trolley Day (downtown FW and Wells Street Corridor? Add Waynedale) Advertise and choose local businesses/locations to be included (Plantation Homes, Quarry, Chief Richardsville House, Prairie Grove Cemetery, any others?) If not combined with an existing Fort Wayne event, will transportation be provided? Possibly having tours starting at one location with light snacks and drinks provided- local businesses not included in the tour can have booths on site. Combine with other community events?

Property Tax Evaluation

o Objective: Contact local politicians to push for the lowering of property taxes for local business owners.

o Why: Reaching out to local politicians pertaining to the issue of lowering property taxes will benefit local business owners financially.

o How to: Put together a committee that will be responsible for the direct communication with politicians. Present these politicians with an officially written document created by the WBC. Present local businesses with a survey containing questions about property taxes. Take these responses and write a document to present to local politicians. Arrange for meeting times with these politicians.

Planters o Objective: To strategically place large planters around Waynedale, that will be filled with

flowers and plants to enhance the aesthetics of the community. o Why: Adding attractive planters around Waynedale will give the streets a cozy and clean

feeling. These planters could be a way for local flower shops to showcase their plants and advertise. Broadview? McNamara

o How to: Purchase planters. Have them placed along the streets (corners) of Waynedale- local sponsors? Contact local flower shops to find sponsorship to fill them with plants/flowers.

Signage For WBC Members To Hang In Storefronts

o Objective: Create a sticker/sign that each member of the WBC can place in a window of their business.

o Why: To show representation of membership to the WBC. Also, to raise awareness of its identity/existence.

o How to: Gather information and create a plan on how to accomplish this project.

Discount Cards For Customers To Buy (as Fundraiser), Offering Discount At Waynedale Businesses.

o Objective: Create a discount card with the collaboration of many different local businesses as a fundraiser.

o Why: To raise funds to assist in accomplishing one of the WBC’s current projects. o How to: A committee that is in needs of additional funds will work together with area

businesses to create said discount card.

Community Event Creation o Objective: Create and organize free events that bring the community together. o Why: Bringing the community together creates unity. o How to: Organize a committee that works on accomplishing the steps involved to

accomplish the creation of said event.

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Waynedale Trails Launch Party o Objective: A free event that celebrates the finishing of the Waynedale Trails Initiative. o Why: The Fort Wayne trails are a wonderful addition and promote health and wellness. o How: A committee has been created to organize this event.

Waynedale Trails Memorial Bricks

o Objective: Create a section of the Waynedale Trails that is a memorial of bricks with the name of the person or business etched into each brick that was purchased as a fundraiser for the Waynedale Trails Initiative.

o Why: To raise money towards the creation and completion of the Waynedale Trails. o How to: A committee has been created to organize this project.

Waynedale History Documentary

o Objective: Create a documentary that displays historical content related to how Waynedale was formed and events that have shaped the community in significant ways.

o Why: To educate, inspire, and create awareness to the community of Waynedale. o How to: A committee has been created to work on the completing this project.

Releasing a new “Waynedale Visitors Guide”

o Objective: Update the visitors guide. o Why: To help inform visitors of the many recreational options Waynedale has to offer that

may otherwise be unknown to someone visiting. o How to: A committee has been created to complete this project.

Waynedale Days

o Objective: To create an event that brings the community together in celebration. o Why: To inspire a feeling of fellowship with others in the community. o How to: A committee has been created to organize this event.

Bluffton Road Sidewalks/ Trails (in progress by Waynedale Trails Group)

o Objective: An overall connection between sections of Waynedale by way of sidewalks. o Why: To increase the safety when traveling by foot on roads. Also, to promote overall foot

traffic in the area. o How: Currently working with the city to accomplish this.

Farmer’s Market

o Objective: Create a seasonal Waynedale Farmer’s Market o Why: This would be a great opportunity for the community to come together during the

spring, summer, and fall seasons and promote farm to table eating, locally grown produce, and healthy living/eating.

o How to: Once a location and dates are established, invite local growers to participate (purchase a booth).

o Time Frame: First farmer’s market in May/June 2016. Establish a location (South West Conservation Club? Combine with the already established Flea market?), decide on when it would take place- once a month, twice a month? Advertisement needs designed. Reach out to local growers and find enough people interested in participating. Decide on the cost of renting space.

Safety Concerns

o Objective: To bring up any safety concerns within the community and work towards eliminating them.

o Why: To maintain a safe and friendly community. o How to: Address any concerns brought to attention during the general meetings.

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Community Clean Up Day o Objective: Designate an annual community clean up day. o Why: This would create a day each year for the community to not only come together but to

promote their Waynedale pride by showing they care about the environment in which they live.

o How to: Pick a day, advertise, find sponsorship of trash bags/supplies as needed, select a location for community members to come to dump larger items, and talk to waste management for a dumpster. Businesses could offer discounts to participants.

o Time Frame: Once date is chosen, sponsorships could pay for trash bags and clean up supplies needed for that day, contact waste management about getting a dumpster for the day. Advertisements placed in the Waynedale News, neighborhood newsletters, and church bulletins; flyers placed in local businesses. Find a central location where people can come to dump larger items.

Streetscape Committee

o Objective: Create a plan for the city to review for their Streetscape/ Corridor projects. o Why: The plan would outline and idealize a style and appearance for Waynedale's business

community. This would include signage, benches, planters, sidewalks and other aesthetic improvements. This would encourage storefront shopping, increased sidewalk traffic and general appeal for the community.

o How To: A plan was created that outlines the area's improvements (listed by priority) and a style guide for signage. The WBC has petitioned the city to review their streetscape/corridor project priority. If accepted, the city will also add their recommendations for the plan (which could include sidewalk replacement, sewer/ water line repairs, etc.) and work with the WBC to complete the project. There would be no cost to the businesses, as it is a city-funded program.

Membership Committee

o Objective: To inform the businesses within the area that the WBC defines as “Waynedale” about the WBC and to encourage becoming a member. To encourage members to attend general meetings. Review of applications from businesses located outside of the area defined on page 3 of this packet. And also, setting the membership guidelines for the WBC. interested in joining

o Why: To encourage participation and working together within the business community of Waynedale. To inform those who may be unaware of the WBC’s existence.

o How to: By handing out an orientation packet to every known business that operates within the area outlined on page 3 of this packet and is not yet a member of the WBC.

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READY TO JOIN? GREAT!

Please complete the following form and return it to us. If you are in the WBC outlined “Waynedale” area, you are instantly approved as an official member! Our Charter allows for up to three members to join from each business. So if any co-workers want to join, we would love to have them. Prospective members can turn in their applications at: The Next General Meeting (2nd Thrusday of each month, 2pm)

At the Southwest Conservation Club (5703 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46819) The Waynedale News (2505 Lower Huntington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809) Via Email (Chamber@Waynedale.com) We are looking forward to meeting you and accomplishing great things together for our community!

For additional information please visit: www.waynedale.com/business _________________________________________________________________________________________________