Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Present:

Marc Coady, President
Dr. Mike Graham, 2nd Vice President
Gregg Hardy, Director
Tilley Ryan Kelly, Director
Beatrice Etchegary, Director 
Russ Murphy, Director
Don MacBeath, Director
Dawne Fitzpatrick, Coordinator 

Absent:

Peter Marshall, 1st Vice President
Barb Cribb, Treasurer                                                                                                                              Jerry Pike, Director
Tom Baker, Director
Keith Osborne, Director                                                                                        Ian Edwards, Director                                                                                              Darrell Jackman, Director                                                                                   Nora Temblett, Director

Marc Coady called the meeting to order at 7:43 a.m. and welcomed everyone.

The agenda was adopted by Ian and seconded by Peter.

The minutes were motioned by Ian and seconded by Keith

Business Arising from Minutes

The letter was not written to MCHS with the understanding that it should be written once the school year has begun. The results of the report were based on standard testing and attendance. Mike suggested writing a letter to the school council in care of the school principal. That way, the council has to bring it to their next meeting.

Walk-In Items:

Dr. Mike Graham talked about Service Canada and the Skills Canada Project. All programs are under review.  There is only a limited amount of program activity from now until March 2008. Peter mentioned about the impact out migration had on his business. As well, Peter mentioned that his business is losing good employees to go back to school and be funded by the government. Tom suggested a talk with Loyola Hearn. Marc motioned to write a letter to Service Canada expressing concern. Barb seconded the motion. Mike agreed with Barb to second the motion.

Employment Services Office

Marc welcomed the new coordinator, Dawne Fitzpatrick.  Don mentioned that there were a few issues that arose over the summer that were addressed, for example, changing in staff.  Overall, the office is running smoothly and the contract is in place until March 15th 2008

Chamber Office

Overtime was an issue with the Chamber office. Marc read aloud Lisa’s request for the overtime hours she had worked. He wanted to address it to the board instead of taking it into his own hands. Tom mentioned that this was the first he heard of the issue. Don suggested paying Lisa for performance, not Overtime. Don also mentioned for the Coordinator to do a monthly report on overtime status. This was seconded by Tom The Coordinator mentioned that overtime would be hard to avoid when there are meetings in which the coordinator has to attend. In saying that, there has to be someone at the Chamber office the same hours as the EAS office. There will be no more overtime. It will be taken time in Lieu of.

Membership

We have currently received fees from 91 businesses for a total of $9905. Reminder letters will be sent to the businesses with membership dues outstanding. There will be a list of members that have paid available for the next meeting.

Community Pride

Tom thanked Barb for taking over the community pride while he was away. Tom said the project was running smoothly. Marystown was given a good assessment from the judges. Ian was concerned with NL Housing’s landscaping contract. It was stated that it was taking away business from contractors. Anyone with a landscaping business would probably be upset that the chamber has hired someone to do the landscaping. Tom said that the other contractors price range was out of their league. A suggestion was made about bidding and if the chamber had the lowest bid, there would be no concern. Tom mentioned that the Community Pride Project definitely helped in tourism on the Peninsula. There are currently 2 employees left for the remainder of the project which will be concluded Friday, October 12th. Barb interjected that Tina and Dawne helped with the Community Pride while Tom was away.

Shop Right Here

Started Shop Right Here Campaign. A Memorial University instructor was in agreement to put out an invitation to the MBA Students to do a communications plan but unfortunately none of the students were interested.. Mike said he could contact the college in Clarenville to see if the marketing class would be interested.. The communication plan has to be put in place. Mike mentioned to get the local schools and students involved with this.

AGM

The AGM was a success. It was very last minute and a bad time of the year but the function was fulfilled. Planning should be started for the AGM next year. Tom read the By-Laws that stated the AGM should be held early in the New Year. The Chamber is aiming to have their AGM January 24, 2008. Guest speaker hoping to be from OCI. Ian suggested to have a community events calendar so the Chamber, CBDC, ITRD, SRDC know what they have on the go. Don suggested posting it on the website. The committee for the AGM is as follows: Tom: Chair 2 members from board on committee will be further discussed.

NEW BUSINESS

Small Business Week:

OCI will not be able to attend Small Business Week. Mike suggested that a representative from D.F. Barnes would be a great guest speaker. He has a success story about making a small business into a big business BDB was another suggestion. October 18th is the date for the Meet and Greet. Don motioned this and Mike seconded it. Auction: Will be discussed at the next board meeting.

Western Canada Business Attraction Initiative

A group is being formed to make a trip to Alberta to attract potential business to expand or put part of their production on the Burin Peninsula. Dynamic Air shelter is a company in Alberta who is in agreement with this. Peter mentioned to set a goal before representatives go to Alberta and try to achieve it. More organization needs to be done before the Chamber nominates a candidate to go. A meeting is being held tonight in the Schooner Boardroom. More information will be discussed at the next meeting.

St. Pierre and Miquelon Delegation Visit

A group of businesses from the Burin Peninsula met with businesses from St. Pierre and Miquelon. The public works met with waste management committee and had a teleconference as well as taking a tour of KOS. The purpose was for local businesses to try and become partners with them. Unsure whether or not deals were made. Marc will keep everyone posted on this situation.

Correspondence

The Schooner Regional Development made Structural changes. The number of Directors of the board decreased to one seat. Presently, the MBACC holds two seats on the SRDC. Ian will keep his seat and Marc will step aside.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:19 a.m.