Twenty-two members and guests attended the Odessa Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon Wednesday, February 25th at Countryside Family Dining and Bakery.  Chamber president Doug Turnbough opened the occasion at noon with a welcome and individuals introduced themselves.  Following the buffet luncheon, Turnbough reviewed website, e-mail, and newsletter activities.  His comments were followed with a report from Russ Shakeshaft on the progress of the Rodeo Committee and the upcoming Business Expo sponsored by the Odessa Chamber to be held March 28 at the New Horizons Presbyterian Church.  Amy Fieth is the contact person on that event.

Tahnami Gittinger presented the program for the meeting.  Her presentation was on the Odessa Outreach program and its efforts to help groups in the community and keeping funds raised in the local community.  Chamber president Doug Turnbough presented information after the program about the upcoming signing of an alliance agreement between University of Central Missouri Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development and the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.  The signing is to take place Monday, March 2nd at 2PM in the Chamber office.

John and Betty Spaar spoke briefly on new legislation in the Missouri General Assembly and D.J. Davis reviewed the upcoming Odessa City Alderman and School Board candidates forum sponsored by the Chamber on Merch 30.  Davis also commented on the importance of the 2010 U.S. Census.