In the Mississippi River Hills of Southeastern Missouri

The Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) seeks to develop, connect, and market products that are produced within the region.
Together we seek to strengthen our regional economy while retaining all that is good, for the benefit of future generations.
We also encourage visitors to tour the region, people interested in learning more about rural America - the unique history of the region,
the cultural flavors, the river and the great outdoors, and how great fresh foods can taste.



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Fall Membership Meeting Recap

Greetings everyone,

Last Thursday's meetings were low in attendance. But even the smallest can be mighty!

Many thanks for the wonderful refreshments donated by Stonie's Sausage Shop and Show Me Fresh Farms.

Quick review -

Executive committee:

Debbie Baker will be joining the executive committee as vice president. Your executive committee members and their contact numbers are:

President: Octavia Scharenborg, phone 573-334-0287
Vice President: Debbie Baker, phone 636-937-3694
Secretary/Treasurer: Teresa Meier, phone 573-243-5501

ExCEED Monies:

It was discovered that we still have several thousand dollars we have not accessed in the MRHA ExCEED account from a previous grant. What a great boost for MRHA! I'm working with Extension and the Executive Committee to complete a budget with expected outcomes. These will be submitted to ExCEED as soon as possible.

Combined with the monies we have, there is a nice protion remaining after staff and office expenses. Those at the meeting gave me several ideas for use of the money. Public interest ideas - printing a larger quantity of the map, farmer's market table-top logo displays, and professionally printed logo window clings. Marketing MRHA - to potential members with official MRHA polo shirts and t-shirts, and other logo items. Also, membership awareness ads in local papers, and sponsoring events and classes, and MRHA presence as various events. These are just a few of the ideas, please send me your ideas, too.

Bringing traffic your way:

Frank Wideman, MU - Extension Perry County, presented an opportunity to get involved as a geocaching location. Geocaching is a world-wide treasure hunt that can bring people your way that would never be there otherwise. As an avid geocacher, Frank has found treasure from other states AND other countries at the locations.

Increase traffic can mean increase sales for your business. In working with regional 4-H and Scout groups, all you need to do is provide a space, a box, and location description. Contact Frank at 573-547-4504 for more information.

Let's create an MRHA member based geo-tour!

As always, it is a pleasure working for such as fine group of people. Please let me know if you have questions, suggestions, ideas, or just want to talk.

Your Coordinator,
Lisa Palmer
573-883-0767

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