| Springport Area Growth Association The regular meeting of the Springport Area Growth Association was called to order by Vice President Jeff Mitchell at 7:04 pm. Members present included Megan Merrill, Bill Russell, Linda and Tim Griffith, Dan Merritt, Pamela Parish, Shawn McNamara, Sara Lloyd, Jill Conley, and Jackie Merritt. Motion by Jackie to approve the agenda. Minutes from the November meeting were referenced and a motion to accept the secretaries report with date corrections was made. Motion carried. The Treasurer’s report discussed that the balance as of November 16, 2011 was $978.54; the Savings account balance is $1,380.85; CD balance of $6131.07. Motion by Jeff and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report per audit. Motion carried. Under the Events committee, 2012 8-80 Days planning was discussed. The Frog Jumping contest is planning to occur and the Golf Course is planning to have a golf scramble and plans to make a donation. Belt sander race will be at 7:00 pm on Friday. Volunteers are needed for the car show, soccer tournament, and flea market. Woodworkers Barn does have the township hall rented out for activities for young kids to do during 8-80 Days. Discussion was held about a Warrior Dash during the weekend of 8-80 Days at the Springport Motor Speedway. It was also discussed to do a country concert on Friday night of 8-80 Days starting at 8:00 pm. A rummage/garage sale hosted by the speedway was also discussed. Under the Fundraising committee, the 2012 Springport Calendar is for sale for $12.00. Motion by Jackie and seconded to give a calendar to each business in the village and the remaining calendars be sold to the FFA to make $5.00 profit on each for the organization. Motion carried. An idea was presented that if SAGA wanted to work concessions at the Speedway to work a series of “events”, the nonprofit could earn $400 for each event they work (6 people would be needed to “work” the event from 5:00 – 10:30 pm). Under Media and Public Relations, items under discussion included calendar sales and promoting 8-80 Days events. Nathan’s eagle scout project was completed and he is under consideration by the board of review. Under Townships, the police department was discussed pertaining to current functions. The Jackson County Ag Council met and Bill Russell reported that the Jackson County fair board met and planned many events for the fair from concert venues to activities. The Farmfest tour for September 15, 2012 from 11am – 5pm is being planned in Springport Township (Elder Creek Farms, Jeff Stout’s Sheep Farm, Russell’s Woodworkers Barn, and Ackley’s Horse operation). Nominations for President include Lisa Mitchell, first Vice President includes Linda Griffith, Secretary includes Megan Merrill, Treasurer includes Jackie Merritt, second Vice President includes Jeff Mitchell. Motion by Bill Russell to close nominations and elect by unanimous ballet. Motion carried. Please vote for the Springport FFA Soy Video on the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee Facebook page before March 6th to help them win a $3,000 top prize. Since the Springport Historical Society disbanded, items of Springport History have been collected in the village office and it was discussed that there was a desire to catalog and digitize the items we has started on a weekly basis, if you are interested in assisting, please contact Jackie Merritt at the Springport Library or Linda Griffith. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday February 15, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Springport Township Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Megan Merrill |