April 2006 Meeting Minutes

Claresholm Chamber of Commerce Minutes – April 11, 2006

Attendees: 

1.       CALL TO ORDER: Don Leonard called the meeting to order at 7:40p.m. 

2.       APPROVAL OF/ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Wes moved that the agenda be accepted. CARRIED. 

3.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES: David moved that the minutes of the February 14 and March 14, 2006 Regular Meeting minutes and the Executive meeting minutes of March 17, 2006 be accepted as distributed.   CARRIED. 

4.       BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

4.1          Chamber Policy on Hwy #2 Re-Alignment:  Results of the survey were presented.  The results were discussed and the following policy was adopted. 

The Claresholm & District Chamber of Commerce supports having an all directions turn at the north end of town and a diamond at Highway 520 and a directional turn at the south end of town.  In addition we support Statements C, D, and E.  see survey response  Moved by Wes that this policy be accepted. CARRIED.  A letter will be sent to the Mayor and Council stating the Chamber’s policy. 

4.2          Moonlight Madness:  Discussion was held regarding the future of a moonlight madness.  It was decided that this year it was too close to the Trade Fair and that moving to a different time of the year.  It was suggested that a Summer Solstice might work. June 16 was suggested. Doug Symonds and Don Leonard will look into this. 

4.3          Chili Cook-off:  Congratulation to Wilf and Don who won again this year.  Everyone, please practice making your chili so next year we don’t have to listen to the bragging by one certain member of this team!!! Please!!!!  

5.       FINANCIAL

5.1          Monthly Statement –Peggy moved that the February and March financial statements be accepted as presented. CARRIED. Barb moved that we refund $3000.00 plus interest of $24.00 to the
Kinsmen. CARRIED. This was money held in trust for the museum sign.

6.       CORRESPONDENCE:

6.1          Thank you from Brian Lehman:  Was suggested that we book Brian again for the 2007 Trade Fair. 

6.2          Library Fund Raiser – The Big Bee Event:  A request from the Public Library asking for support and participation in their fund raising event.  Moved by Wes that the Chamber enter a team in the Big Bee Event.  CARRIED.  The team of four will be Don Leonard, Peggy White, Wilf Kenyon, Wes or Lynda Wiebe. 

7.       COMMITTEE/PROGRAM REPORTS

7.1          Business Awards/Christmas Party:  Hall has been booked for Nov. 25.  Jade is working on finding a band.  The Claresholm Lions Club is being asked if they will do the catering.

7.2          Trade Fair:  Roxanne has sent out follow up letters to all the participants.  Reminder that the dates for next year’s Trade Fair are Feb. 2 & 3, 2007. 

7. 3   Chamber Webpage: Roxanne presented a written report stating that the 2006 Executive and new
         members have been updated as of last week – Blain has said that the minutes will be put on soon. 

     7.4     Flower Pot Programs: Barb Kemery presented quotes from 5 different Greenhouses in southern
               Alberta.  Moved by Barb that we accept the quote of $909.50 from Larry’s Greenhouse.
               CARRIED.

        Barb was successful in securing the STEP grant for the flower pot program.  This position will be
        shared with the Town.  The Chamber will use 11 hrs/wk. and the Town will use 19 hrs/wk. 

7.5    Memberships: Kathy reported that as of this date we have reached 100 members. Receipts, stickers  
  have been either taken around to members or mailed.  Some members need a new certificate - these
  will be delivered soon. 

8        NEW BUSINESS:

8.1    Community Calendar:   Barb Kemery showed a calendar that a small community in Saskatchewan
  had printed.  It featured local bare-chested men in various attire and poses.   It was decided that
  this would be a good project for the Chamber.  Wilf will look into some prices and Barb and Kathy
  will work on getting local models.  These would be available in the fall for people to purchase for
  Christmas.  The profits will go towards the Claresholm & District Disaster Relief Fund. 

8.2    Sound System:  A concern was brought to our attention over the Chamber sound system which is
  kept at the Community Center. Doug Symonds assured the Chamber that it is now being looked
  after properly.  A usage fee schedule is to be sent to Shayne Peterson. 

8.3    Committees:   There was a small response for volunteers to sit on the various committees.  It was
  suggested to send out the “request for volunteers on committees” another time.

8.4    Town Maps:   Doug Symonds brought the need for more town maps.  This was referred to Dave
  Moore to take to EDC for a cost sharing request.

9        ADJOURNMENT   David Moore moved that the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED.

Next meeting:  MAY 9, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Library

The June meeting will be held at noon at the Golf Club House.