Non-profit organizations are supposed to have a zero budget at the end of their fiscal year. That won’t be a problem for the St. Pauls Chamber of Commerce this year.

After coasting along on a little nest egg for the past few years, the group finds itself nearing that zero line.

The end of the Chamber’s fiscal year comes in April, so dues collections will begin in March, which will keep the organization able to meet its expenses, although at the end of the upcoming fiscal year, 2011-12, there will not be a nest egg either.

The Chamber’s board of directors met last Thursday at SPHS, and discussed its economic footing. In the absence of President Jimmy Taylor, President-Elect Jason Bullock presided. After a update on the group’s financial situation from Paul Terry, and hearing some suggestions and ideas for fundraising from board members, Mr. Bullock agreed to take those suggestions and present the best at the March meeting.

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce is fueled by dues from its members. But increased activity, such as the Night Out events, the group’s nest egg has dwindled. In the past, it held only one fundraiser per year, the Christmas House Tour, and that has not been held for two years. Coupled with that is the fact that Smithfield Foods, the Chamber’s largest dues payer, has decided not to renew its membership for the past two years, so increased spending and lessening income have taken its toll on the group’s nest egg. The group will learn next month about its future course of action.

At SPHS, the Chamber heard a presentation from Sandra Oxendine, Asst. Principal, on Project Graduation, an annual drug and alcohol free celebration for the county’s high school seniors. The event, held at UNCP, is funded by donations from the public, including businesses, and Ms. Oxendine asked that businesses be aware and supportive of the Project Graduation Gala which will be held on May 13. For more info about Project Graduation, contact Mr. Bullock, a committee member, at 865-4177.

The Chamber also heard from Mr. Bullock’s very active FFA Chapter, which kicks off its FFA Week activities Saturday, Friday, February 19 at the Dr. R. E. Hooks Community Center. A week’s worth of activities, events and celebrations will be held at SPHS and other venues.

The SPHS FFA Chapter is also pushing for membership, which is open to any individual, business, church or group. Call Mr. Bullock for more info.

The group’s next Night Out is Friday, February 18 from 5-8 PM at the Hooks Community Center. Everyone welcome!