Area businessmen learned about better ways to raise their children and accomplishments from city hall on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the United Methodist Church. The Smithville Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting and luncheon, sponsored by Picture Perfect Lawn Care. “We’ve all heard terms of step up, cowboy up, save up and many more,” said Smithville Assistant School Superintendent for Support Services Wayne Krueger. “Now it’s time to ‘Parent Up.’” Talking about a coming workshop for student mom’s, dad’s and other parental supervision providers, the town hall style meeting will be held at 6 p.m., on Thursday March 8 in the high school. “Underage drinking will be one of the main topics,” Krueger said. With the average age for alcohol consumption beginning in the 6th grade, one in four Smithville students have reported consuming alcohol in the last 30 days. Research shows that parents have the greatest influence over their child’s decisions regarding drinking, drugs and any risky behaviors. Comedian Dave Naster will present a program and childcare will be provided . Smithville Mayor Brian Fullmer spoke briefly about accomplishments of the city over the last year. “Our city grew 52 percent from 2000-2010,” Fullmer said. “That is one of the highest growth rates in the northland.” Fullmer talked about the competitive bidding process for the residential trash service. “Usually prices go up on things,” Fullmer said. “This one went down with the great price Jim’s Trash Service gave us.” Jim’s is the newest chamber of commerce business member as well. “I am glad to be in your chamber,” said Chuck Byrd of Jims Trash Service. Fullmer went over the city finances and housing impact fees. “We work hard to make sure our budget is balanced,” Fullmer said. “Also we cut out new home impact fee 50 percent and our community is still growing.” The mayor went on to praise the city’s new administrator Steven Garrett and clerk Debra Brownell. “We saved many dollars with Steve’s (Garrett) idea of contracting with Clay County for our road maintenance,” Fullmer said. “Debra (Brownell) has helped the city save $250,000 since she’s been onboard.” Not all was a success as the mayor talked about the senior citizens attempt to work with tenants for the west wing of the hospital. “That one didn’t work out,” Fullmer said, “and now the wing has been torn down.” Mayor Fullmer looks forward to working with city and county economic development efforts to bring more retail businesses to Smithville. “The economy turned bad about the time Lowe’s was looking to build here,” Fullmer said. “Our Community Development Director Jack Hendrix is working hard to create the right economic climate with low regulation for business development.” Fullmer also said he had moved to Smithville from Orlando Fla. because his family liked the area. “We have a great place to live because of the great people we have here.” The Chamber of Commerce will meet again at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14 at the United Methodist Church.