Prescott and district chamber of commerce board of directors meeting

1PRESCOTT AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

JUNE 16, 2010
President Brent Laton called the meeting to order at noon at the Bridgeview Restaurant. Present were Vice-President Jen Wyman, Directors Robert Lawn, Mike Baril, Ray Young, Gerry Hasiuk, Bill Pakeman, Heather Lawless, Julie Marshall, Dan Cook, Pat Sayeau, Jessie De Vries, Roger Rhodes, Bonnie Gommert, members Lorne Mallory, Don Rivoire and guest Ralph Legere. Minutes recorded by secretary/treasurer Debbie Lawless.
1. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: No report.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved on motion by Heather Lawless and seconded by Mike Bail. (6 for, 0 opposed). Carried.
3. REVIEW OF LAST MONTH’S MINUTES: Regarding the Farmers’ Market in Prescott, Jen Wyman has spoke with Mayor Suzanne Dodge to look at ways to promote and expand the market.
4. APPROVAL OF LAST MONTH’S MINUTES: Jen Wyman reported the minutes be amended to show it was discussed to look at ways to promote and expand the local farmer’s market.
The minutes for May 19, 2010 were approved as amended on motion by Bill Pakeman and seconded by Robert Lawn. (7 for, 0 opposed). Carried.

5. 
   PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Brent Laton reported he met with the BIA and Mike Dimopoulos of Prescott’s Economic Development, Tourism and Planning committee and discussed expanding the town’s farmer’s market. Brent noted the Ottawa market has grown to approximately 100 vendors and feels there is potential to grow Prescott’s as some local marketers are going to Ottawa. Brent will meet with the Prescott’s economic development, tourism and planning committee and discuss ways to promote the market and recommends Farmers Market Ontario be contacted for assistance. The BIA feels there is no issue for vendors selling same items as stores and the vendors should be supported.
   

Brent proposed that the town form an advisory committee with representatives from the Chamber, Town and BIA and suggested market vendors be included.

Bill Pakeman noted the farmers’markets used to be very busy and also volunteered to help in revitalizing the market and Bonnie Gommert volunteered to check into the local flavors program.
It was discussed and motioned by Pat Sayeau and seconded by Jen Wyman that the Chamber proceed with further discussions with the town to work together to promote and expand the town’s Farmers’ Market. (7 for, 0 opposed). Carried.

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6. VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Jen Wyman handed out the Annual Dinner Committee’s review of the annual dinner which included suggestions and recommendations. Jen would like Directors to review and comment next meeting.
7. TREASURER’S REPORT: The treasurer’s report for period ending May 31, 2010 was presented by treasurer Debbie Lawless. The report was accepted on motion by Julie Marshall and seconded by Bonnie Gommert. (8 for, 0 opposed) Carried. Copy enclosed.
8. SECRETARY’S REPORT: No report.
9. CORRESPONDENCE: A list of correspondence received for June 2010 was distributed to all present.
Item #2 Edward’s Insurance Group invoice for Directors and Officers/Property and Liability insurance renewal for $1279.00 for 2010.
Discussion was held and it was motioned by Bill Pakeman and seconded by Heather Lawless the Chamber pay $1279.00 to Edward’s Insurance Group for the Chamber’s 2010 renewal of Director and Officers/Property and Liability Insurance. (7 for, 0 opposed). Carried.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. FINANCE: Bill Pakeman reported one request had been received.
Loyalist Days request for $1000.00
The Finance Committee recommended donating $750.00
Discussion was held and it was motioned by Bill Pakeman and seconded by Roger Rhodes the Chamber donate $750.00 to the Loyalist Days event. (8 for, 0 opposed). Carried.
2. PROGRAM AND PLANNING: Jen Wyman reported plans are underway for the Chamber to enter a float for the Canada Day parade and volunteers are needed. Storm Kennedy will be broadcasting live from the float and the float will carry business signs which can be dropped off at St. Lawrence Printing in Johnstown.
The golf committee has met and started planning for the tournament. The Morris Group is sponsoring the event to be held on September 15, 2010 at the Prescott Golf Club. Hole sponsors are needed by September 1, 2010. For more info contact Jen at [e-mail]
Jen is also hoping to hold another Business After 5 in July or August, with the theme that employees can also attend. Jen is looking for a venue, sponsorships. etc. For more info contact Jen at [e-mail]

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3. MEMBERSHIP: Bill Pakeman reported one new member.
Woods and Associates

Wayne Wood

Prescott, Ontario

(Consulting Actuaries)

This new member was accepted on motion by Roger Rhodes and seconded by Bill Pakeman. (9 for, 0 opposed). Carried.
11. LIAISON REPORTS:
1. TOWN OF PRESCOTT: Ray Young reported major construction will start in two weeks.
Ray noted money is still available through the Community Improvement Plan fund to develop vacant land or improve a present lot, and to improve facade and signage for downtown stores and the Daniel’s lot may qualify.
2. AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP: Bill Pakeman reported on the following:
- on June 26, 2010 a pig roast will be held in North Augusta at the Fire Hall and all proceeds will go to the new playground equipment in North Augusta

-the townships’ job fair held in May was a success

-the trade delegation to China is in full swing

- the North Augusta canteen is now complete

-paving of the second concession is underway

-the official plan is ongoing and hopefully it will be completed by the fall election

- yearly construction costs have improved 261% since 2009.
3. EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL TOWNSHIP: Pat Sayeau reported on the following:
-Mayor Larry Dishaw, Councillor Hugh Cameron and Beth Morris of the Morris Group are presently in China

- the budget has been passed

- surface treatment of roads financed by Federal Gas Tax

- new fire truck purchased

- BIN project is on schedule and hopefully done by end of July

- Ministry of Environment Minister John Gerretsen at Port yesterday and construction can begin on wharf project in September if approved by the provincial cabinet

4. GCFDC: Heather Lawless reported their AGM will be held on June 18 at O’Heaphy’s Irish Pub in Prescott.
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The corporation is celebrating their 20th Anniversary.
In 1986 the corporation, then named the Grenville Business Development Centre, was established and in 1990 became the Greville Community Futures Development Corporation.
In 2010, $1.8 million has been loaned to Grenville area businesses and $627,000 has been invested in 40 local projects through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and 63 new businesses were launched through the SEB program last year.
Since 1990, the corporation has issued $14.8 million in loans to 376 businesses affecting 2,356 jobs.
The EODP program is to continue but needs letters of support. For more info contact Heather and 925-4275 ext. 21
On September 10, 2010 the Honourable Gary Goodyear , Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario will be in Kemptville.
5. BIA: Ray Young reported the flower baskets have been hung and new banners are coming advertising the bi-centennial year.
A sidewalk sale will be held this weekend, including entertainment.
12. NEW BUSINESS: Brent noted the Rotary Club is proposing to hold a day for shredding of documents and queried if Chamber members may be interested. More info to come.
A thank you card was received from Northern Cables, signed by all employees, for the Mike Boyles Memorial Award they received at our annual dinner.
Jessie De Vries reported Shakespeare concerts begin on July 10 to August 14, 2010 and thanked the Chamber for their donation.
Actors are here now and tickets are available by calling 925-5788.
This year’s performances are MacBeth and Trouble on Dibble Street. Bonnie Gommert noted the festival is great and supports local businesses.
13. OTHER BUSINESS: No report.
14. NEXT MEETING: The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010 at the RED GEORGE PUBLIC HOUSE commencing at noon. “Everyone Welcome”.
15. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m. on motion by Jen Wyman and seconded by Jessie De Vries. (7 for, 0 opposed). Carried.