An estimated 50 persons from the Becker business community gathered to hear the good story of a financial turnaround for the Becker Chamber of Commerce at their annual meeting at Hunter’s Ridge Wednesday.
The Chamber, close to closing its doors two years ago due to financial hardships, made a significant profit in 2013.
Chamber members then agreed to select three local charitable organizations to whom they would donate some extra funds. No details have been provided on the contributions as of presstime.
But it was a good-feeling day, as Secretary Lynette Brannan and Treasurer Carol VanHeel made presentations on activities and finances.
The Chamber, to reduce its financial energy drain, held only two events during 2013 - they being the popular Business Expo, held in January, and the golf tournament, of summer months.
Both were profitable, as usual. And the Chamber was able to find a near-free home at Becker City Hall, so rent would be accommodating.
Total 2013 budget was $26,778 and expenses were $15,406.
Their budget for 2014 was set at $29,822, with an expected net operating income of $17,183.
One member of the previous board was re-elected to another three-year term - he being Larry Newell, Liberty Paper manager. He has been on the board, he suggests, for about 15 years.
Other board members include Tanya Danielson, Mike Brubaker, Amy Chmielewski, Brannan and VanHeel.
Main feature for the meeting was a presentation by Becker City Administrator Greg Pruszinske, relating the work of the city economic development committee over the past years.
He reported there will be significant city improvement of streets in Energy Park in the coming years, to include several reconstructions and sealcoatings.
He also spoke of the rail spur serving Liberty Paper and other companies in the park, and which could serve others from an open 70-acre parcel at the southeastern corner of the park.
Pruszinske stressed the importance of a vital rail line through the community and the spur tracks and how it could open up Becker development to the region and the world.
He also spoke of the planned 10-foot pedestrian walk that will be incorporated into the reconstruction of the Co. Rd. 24 bridge this year - and how that will link the city with residential developments to the east.
Pruzinske said he feels the city-township releationship is excellent, as both jurisdictions work together on planning and zoning issues.
“We need to create a tax base and jobs,” he said. “People want to live here and work here.”
He also noted with anticipation to the possible expansion of the Burlington-Northern-Sante Fe rail line to an additional rail line between Becker and Big Lake.
“It would be to alleviate volume problems on BNSF,” he said. “We could attract more industry.”
President Mike Brubaker thanked Chamber members for being involved in the process of helping to strengthen the organization.
“We’re now in great shape, from two years ago. We have come a very long way.” he said.
VanHeel, the Refuge representative to the Chamber, noted there are eight nesting pair of Bald Eagles on the Refuge this spring. When they finish their fledging in about two weeks, the Refuge visitors drive will again open.
The Refuge, she noted, has had as many as 11 nesting pairs of Eagles.
