Auctioneer Max Aubuchon set the fun tone of the auction as he challenged, nudged and outright talked people into raising their bid higher than the next person. Chamber members who gathered Friday, Jan. 9, for the annual dinner and auction brought wrapped gifts valued at $25 or more to be auctioned. A few gag gifts which appear nearly every year were mixed in with Cardinals tickets, gift certificates and wine collections. Half of the proceeds will benefit two area families selected by the Chamber. The other half will be earmarked for the Marthasville Railroad Depot project. Larry Brewe, Chamber president, said the primary goal for the organization in 2009 will be to move the depot renovation project forward. Cochran Engineering recently was approved by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to produce complete architectural plans for the project. When complete, the plans will need to be approved by MoDOT, the Federal Highways Administration and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before bids are sought. The renovated depot will serve as a welcome center and museum for the city of Marthasville. Brewe expects fundraisers to be planned to help offset the 21 percent of the project cost which the city and the Chamber will be responsible. Outgoing board members Carolyn Yager, Bobby Rhoden and Jon Driemeyer were thanked for their tenure on the board. Additions to the board include Rachel Richardson, secretary; Larry Shroth, vice president; and Trei Irwin, member. They will join Brewe, Lulu Hasenjaeger, treasurer; and Orville Gildehaus, member. During a short business meeting, members voted to allow the Chamber president to serve more than one term in office. After a discussion regarding adding the office of parliamentarian to the board, the group voted down the proposal. Moving the date for the annual Heritage Days festival also was discussed. "Things just aren't working for us on the third weekend in October," said Brewe. "We are only seeing a minimal profit." Members were asked to consider three possible dates - the third weekend in August, September or October. "I'd like to hear Chamber members' input on Heritage Days before we (the board of directors) make a decision," said Brewe. "I'm sure we will discuss it at our February meeting. We'll probably make a decision by March or April." Brewe also asked members for ideas which might generate more interest in the event, especially on Saturday, when crowds tend to be small. Chamber membership has remained fairly consistent at 60 the last few years. Brewe said he would like to see more people from the area involved. Among the successful 2008 events held in Marthasville were two concerts in the park sponsored by the city, Chamber, Warren County Fine Arts Council (WCFAC) and the Missouri Arts Council. Brewe is waiting to hear from the WCFAC regarding this summer's concert dates. The Chamber spent about $5,000 to add a concrete pad to the city park pavilion during the summer which will aid handicap access and provide space for booth setup during concerts and other activities. A member donated $1,000 to the project. "The Chamber has continued to stay active in the community. Even with the economy the way it is, we raised almost as much during the auction as previous years," Brewe said. "We are an active and viable organization." The group meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Infield Sports Bar and Grill.