Minutes 21 Oct 2010 7pm General Meeting

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Magrath and District Chamber of Commerce General Meeting Oct 21, 2010 at 7pm at SASH

Thankyou to SASH and Heather Johnston for use of SASH meeting area. Presiding: Jay Mackenzie, Duane Thomson, Roger Davies

Call to order Presiding Chamber President Jay Mackenzie 7:00 pm
Minutes of last general meeting (23 Sep) read and approved with 1 revision (Duane suggested cost for Spring Trade Show tables should read 'an estimated $50'),
Congratulations to new Town Council and Mayor. We look forward to working with them.
Krista (ATB) noted Sue and Allan were unable to attend, but sent her to represent them. Jay noted he was working on potential members with meeting conflicts on Thu nights. It was suggested they could still join and send a representative to our meetings.
Duane (Keyline) reported that Chamber of Commerce certificates are being prepared for new/existing chamber members for display at their business locations.
Discussed need for Membership Drive. Duane has a copy of Business Listings as provided by the Town of Magrath. Suggested we divide list up among meeting attendee's and contact those on list. When contact ask for updated contact information including email address, issues of interest, next meeting (24 Nov), Hometown Christmas and Spring Trade Show display tables available. Approved
Official vote: as requested by Alberta Government and as noted in last months meeting, moved that we approve a name change to include the word 'Society' in our official name, to be: Magrath and DIstrict Chamber of Commerce Society. Vote 10/10 Approved.
Official vote: as further requested, change our existing Chamber of Commerce bylaws to (a) remove preamble, (b) revise wording for Article X Section 48 to provide for option of audit by chartered accountant and add new Section 49 on power to borrow money. Vote 10/10 Approved.
Jay will resubmit documents to Alberta Government for official recognition as a Chamber of Commerce/Society.
Noted upcoming events Hometown Christmas 2 Dec 2010 and Spring Trade Show (TBA). Roger suggested we have a planning meeting for Hometown Christmas committee next Thu 28 Oct 2010. Agreed.
Noted next General Meeting for Chamber scheduled for Wed (vs Thu) 24 Nov 2010 as agreed at last Board meeting. Roger will update webpages.
Roger (Soft Serve Direct) presented quick demonstration on purposes and how current Chamber of Commerce website works. see handout attached. Suggestions for online features and improvements sought.
Shannon (Sabey CFP) suggested we focus on keeping meetings and presentations short and efficient. Recommended 7 minute limit with egg timer.
Duane discussed plans for upcoming speakers. Suggested invite local businesses to present 5-7 minutes on what they do. Jay (of Roosters) agreed to present at Nov 2010 meeting.
Jay presented his ideas on a Shop Local Initiative with a 'Bedroomtown vs Bustletown' comparison of what results may be expected over 20 year time frame with these two approaches. His analysis shows that having increased local businesses support not only benefits those business owners but also the entire town in more charitable donations from those businesses, local jobs and services, convenience, lower tax rates, increased property values, etc. Shannon will be working to prepare a presentation on behalf of the Chamber on this to town council first and then other groups (chamber, school, other). Hard to pick best time to present - will work for 3rd week in Jan (during council retreat). Roger agreed to assist with computer work. Moved that we proceed with this initiative. Approved.
Discussed benefits of having chamber members attend public Town of Magrath council meetings and to report back issues of interest. Last session these meetings were held on the 2nd and 4th Tue of each month starting at at 6pm. Shannon suggested a signup sheet to coordinate the effort. Roger would like to attend as many as possible to get a feel for what issues are being worked on by the town. It was noted that we also have a town representative (currently Tom Spackman) attending our Board meetings.
Thankyou again to Heather (SASH) for use of meeting area. She will check availability of SASH meeting room for next Chamber meeting.
Motion to adjourn 8:30pm. Approved.

Future Agenda Items:

Event: Hometown Christmas 2 Dec
Event: Spring Trade Show Apr/May
Chamber Official Registration Efforts
Membership Drive Results
New Member Certificates / Packages
Seven Minute Timer
Member Presentations: Nov - Roosters
Shop Local Initiative
Town Council Visit Lists