Syracuse Area Chamber of Commerce members were told Tuesday, May 6, that more than 150 volunteers helped with Syracuse Clean-Up Day Saturday, May 3. The Chamber’s Economic Development Committee was applauded on its efforts.

Plans are to make it an annual event. The next event is set for April 19, 2009. Organizational representatives are invited to present suggestions. A report will be presented to city officials. Chamber President Lura Flentie commented on the atmosphere of community members working together and having a good time.

Toby Antonson reported that more than 400 tickets have been paid for or ordered for Syracuse Night at the Lincoln Saltdogs Sunday, June 29. Burgermeister Roy Bretthorst has agreed to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. There will be a color guard from veterans’ organizations. Jerry Neemann will sing the national anthem. Tickets are available for businesses. Individual and small group tickets are available at The Added Touch and Do It Best. Radio advertisements will be starting. It was suggested that the Germanfest royalty distribute information on Syracuse Germanfest at Haymarket Park.

Chamber members approved giving the Germanfest Committee a $2,000 budget for merchandise items to be sold at Fifth Street Germanfest, with the Executive Committee making a final decision on what should be included on such items.

Events confirmed and scheduled for the Saturday, July 19, Fifth Street Germanfest include a pancake breakfast served by the Syracuse Lions, a Fun Run sponsored by the Syracuse Area Jaycees, a watermelon feed, fest keg, street dance to 10 Feet Tall, a beer garden, ticket sales for a quilt to be drawn at Tannenbaum in December, Rib Fest handled by Chamber members, Fifth Street Market and craft shop, a children’s tractor pull sponsored by Good Samaritan Communities of Syracuse and face painting by Red, White & Balloons, car show, wine tasting with tasting of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as ice cream and jelly tasting from Soaring Wings of Springfield, water fights coordinated by the Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department, Greg Blecha to play in the beer garden, Community Improvement Program Committee hog calling contest, Southeast Nebraska Community Band to perform at The Green Room at Fifth Street Centre and American Legion sponsored Bingo in The Green Room. Other events, existing as well as new, are being considered.

Kelly Rippe will co-chair the Retail Trade Committee with Mary Coleman. Coleman reported to Chamber members that a letter will be sent to area retailers. Thoughts and suggestions are being sought. The committee wants to work with the retailers to benefit Syracuse. Monday, June 23, 110 cyclists will come to Syracuse and it is hoped to compile coupon bags to present to the cyclists.

Chamber members approved advertising in the 2008 Syracuse Residence Guide.