Bremen Area Chamber of Commerce

Minutes of the May 22, 2025 meeting

Accessible text version of the official minutes. The text is reproduced verbatim from the signed record; only page footers and layout artifacts have been removed. The original PDF is also available.

Attendance

Those present: Krista Ankrom, Nate Bailor, Nalia Bailor, Alyssa Barnecut, Jay Boyd, Marilyn Boyd, Tim Byers, Vince Carpico, David Foltz, Toni Harper, Sue Henwood, Laura Kennedy, Ray Miesse, Dee Mowry, Billy Robinette, Sue Schmitz, Jeff Self, Justin Self, Maxwell Shahan, Ken Shofter, Heather Yontz and guest Adale Grimes, and new member Liz Lycans.

Program

In the absence of president Rich Lines, vice president Dave Foltz called the meeting to order and led the group in the pledge of allegiance. Dee Mowry offered the invocation; Dave introduced the Self brothers, Jeff and Justin. Originally from New Lexington, they spent time in Bremen with their grandmother, and when their individual companies, J and S Products and SeJ Company, joined in 2021, they went from yard sale buys, liquidations and pallet sales to doing e-commerce from the warehouse on Carter Street. They take brands not on the internet and introduce them to on-line selling. They use Amazon’s distribution platform without sales running through Amazon, cutting out some of the onerous regulations and filling an unmet need by small start-ups to get their products to consumers. The warehouse has undergone extensive remodeling and expansion into all available space; this has resulted in a greatly improved appearance. The Selfs are aware that the increased truck traffic in that block is a concern for their neighbors and are working to mitigate its impact. They currently employ five people full time and seven part-time. The brothers have branched out into real estate and have removed the old lumber mill on Fort Street, with the cleared lot awaiting suitable development. Jeff and Justin stress that their families now live and travel the sidewalks and streets of Bremen, so they have a stake in the village’s livability and success.

Business meeting

Dave opened the business meeting with a request for any additions or corrections to the April minutes as emailed; there being none, Dee Mowry moved to accept them, seconded by Toni Harper; motion carried. The treasurer reported that required financial reports have been forwarded to the state through Penny Wasem, and our account balances are as follows:

Treasurer’s report — account balances
checking:$ 4 705.65
money market:8 522.83
CD:12 894.54
CD:14 269.64
CD:5 385.73

Dee Mowry moved to receive the reports, seconded by Heather Yontz and carried.

Village report

The officers met with village administrator Billy Robinette over concerns about bringing in and supporting local businesses and the appearance of downtown. In village actions, Billy reported:

Old business

In old business, progress on the business directory by APG media will be reported at the June meeting. Marilyn Boyd moved to again sponsor the local scarecrow competition, seconded by Heather Yontz and carried. Members were reminded that they are eligible for a one time complimentary ad in the Towne Crier; contact David Foltz for directions.

New business

In new business, the Rushville Lions will again host the Vern Ardrey Memorial Golf Outing in August; Marilyn Boyd moved that the chamber provide sponsorship at the $250 level. Tim Byers seconded the motion, and it was approved

Announcements

Adjournment

The next meeting of the chamber will be June 26 at the Bremen Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Schmitz, secretary