Chamber of Commerce -- Jan. 6, 2006 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

The first Collinsville Chamber of Commerce meeting of 2006 was the last regular session with James Dugger presiding. The chamber approved the new officers who will be installed at the Jan. 28th Chamber Banquet at the High School Commons. Steve Howe will be the chamber's president for 2006. Terry Due will be president-elect. Larry Shafer will be vice-president. Billie Francis will be secretary/treasurer. Tickets for the banquet can be purchased at the chamber's office at 11th and Main or from the 3 banks. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). The dinner will provided by Escargot's. Contact Wanda (at the chamber office 371-4703) for more information. The banquet speaker had not been announced as of today's (Jan. 6th) meeting.

The quest speaker for today's meeting was Roger's County District 2 Commissioner Mike Helm. Commissioner Helm indicated that Rogers County accounted for about $420,000 in support to Collinsville Schools which span county boundaries. Mr. Helm's spoke of many ways he has tried to "make a difference" everyday in his endeavors for Roger's County. In interesting future activities Mike Helm discussed the potential for elevating the track through Claremore for the 92 trains that pass daily. Another plan in the works involves a commuter train from Claremore to Tulsa to reduce cars on busy Highway 66.