Gowanda Chamber of Commerce notes...

     At their latest meeting, the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed new Board members: Bryan Brawdy, Lew Gabel, Irene Jimerson, Kristen Schaus and Denise Veloski.

     The officers for 2006 are: Dale Koch, president; Sue Torrance, vice president; Lisa Davis, treasurer; and Dorothy Selan secretary.

     Items under discussion included:

   •  Spirit of Gowanda Dinner-Dance. Plans were finalized for the Feb. 25 event, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Moose Club, including a buffet dinner, theme baskets, music and presentation of the Spirit of Gowanda Awards to Margaret Schultz for the Excellence in Youth Award, Sue and Jack Torrance for the Community Service Award, and the Gowanda PennySaver/News for the Business Award. Ticket sale ends on Feb. 20. Call the chamber office to reserve a ticket (532-2834).

   •  The annual Pioneer Days will be held on May 18 to 21. Chairperson Laura Valone announced that many new ideas will be added to the event this year including a talent contest.

   •  A committee has been appointed to work on plans for a community bulletin board. Funds raised through the Spirit of Gowanda dinner will be used for this project.

   •  There is a need for a new brochure about the village that can be used to encourage tourism. Plans are under way to publish this soon.

   •  Welcome packets from the Chamber will be available in the HSBC and Community banks in the near future.

     The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 10 at noon in the Chamber office on Jamestown Street. The office is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.