Monkey Island Chamber Kicks off Summer Season

MONKEY ISLAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

26551 S HWY 125

MONKEY ISLAND, OK  74331

March 10, 2016

Dear Friend of Monkey Island:

Great things are happening on Monkey Island and the Monkey Island Area Chamber is looking forward to an exciting and prosperous future for all!  Shangri-La has announced the construction of the new hotel, which is scheduled to be completed April 1, 2017.  Home sales are increasing, despite lagging oil and gas prices, and spring is in the air!

Our fledgling Chamber had a slower start than we had hoped, after the loss of our Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer-Joanie Higgins, Heather Fink and Kallie Haffner.  I will also be stepping down as President at our next membership meeting so that our younger members can step up into leadership roles.  I believe with their energy and enthusiasm the Chamber will become a dynamic force on Grand Lake.

This year it’s vital that we increase our membership and financial support so we can continue mowing and maintaining the Highway 125 roadside.  We would also like to develop a calendar of events that will increase your enjoyment at the Lake and tourism, which in turn will increase business and property values.  However, last year we only raised enough money through dues to cover our mowing expense.

Your participation is vital this year because our mowing expense will be higher due to the expansion of the pedestrian trail which requires us to mow higher up on the roadside and do more edging to keep our boulevard manicured.  We expect an increase in mowing costs from $1,250 per week to $1,950 per week.

Your prompt payment of your 2016 membership dues will enable us to carry on this important beautification project, and allow us to put our “best face forward” to home owners, customers and tourists alike.

A membership meeting will be held in early summer when more of our homeowners are in town.  In the meantime, an early spring means early mowing and it is imperative that we receive membership dues as soon as possible.

Annual Platinum Membership:           $1,000

Annual Gold Membership:                 $   500

Annual Silver Membership:                $   250

Individual/Family Memberships:        $     50

You will note that we have added an optional extra feature to our membership form this year:  you can add the name(s) and contact information of your designated emergency contacts in the event you become ill or injured while you are on the Island.  This information will be maintained in a folder at the Monkey Island Fire Department, who as first responders are often the primary contact in times of crisis.  The need for this became apparent this month when our good Island friend, Jim Dunn, became critically ill and unable to provide emergency contact information.

Please complete the attached form and return, along with your check, to MIACC, c/o Oklahoma State Bank, 26551 S HW 125, Monkey Island, OK 74331.

We’re looking forward to a safe and prosperous 2016 with our Island friends and families!!

Best regards,

 

Cari Williams, President