Relocation, tourism focus of chamber director

March 25, 2009 08:43 pm

— By Roger McKinney
rmckinney@joplinglobe.com
BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — The Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce director on Tuesday presented a progress report to the City Council.
Jim Hall started his job with the chamber in October. The city set aside $5,000 for the position in its current budget. Hall’s responsibilities include recruiting businesses to town.
Hall said he has had several meetings with officials from the Kansas Department of Commerce in Topeka. The meetings included information on economic development, business recruiting and international trade. He also said he plans to attend an international trade conference next month in Fort Scott.
The chamber has participated in two recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies at new businesses, he said. They are Envy Fitness and Quality Connections. The latter is a cell-phone store.
Hall said he participated in Southeast Kansas Day on the Hill in Topeka, during which local officials met with legislators about issues that are important to their towns.
“We’re working on a relocation package for new residents,” Hall said. It will include details about utility contacts and other useful information. “We’re also working on a tourism package.”
He said he wants to make the chamber an active organization and is working to recruit new members, with some success.
“Joplin is scary active” with 14 employees, Hall said of the Joplin (Mo.) Area Chamber of Commerce.
In other business Tuesday, the council:
Approved stop signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Ninth Street at East Avenue.
Approved a five-year lease-purchase agreement for a loader at a cost of $81,675.
Bought fencing for a well at a cost of $3,880 from Elite Fence Co., Republic, Mo.

Water meeting

Baxter Springs City Councilman Larry Warner said the Water Committee will meet at 7 p.m. today at City Hall with officials from Wholesale Water District No. 19, which some residents are trying to establish with federal stimulus money.