New Hamburg Board of Trade General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
1) Paul Knowles welcomed all attendees, with a special welcome to first time members.
2) A request for motion for minutes of past meeting was asked: Nigel moved the motion, Kristen second. Motion carried.
3) Paul advised attendees of news of two NHBOT members. Bob Starr is currently undergoing cancer treatment in Toronto. Audrey Cook's brother passed away last week and funeral is to be held Saturday March 28.
4) One presentation on agenda, along with NHBOT Guest Speaker: Joan Fisk.
5) The Community Players representatives, Karen Reimpel and Celia Jones set up a small presentation board and spoke about TCP's 25th Anniversary and their upcoming production of the Wizard of Oz.
6) Joan Fisk, President & CEO of The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce spoke to the members about one the best ways to ride out the storm of our current recession -- great customer service.
Updates and New Business
7) Paul thanked all the businesses that participated and supported NHBOT's meetings with the 2 representatives of MTO regarding 7&8 bypasses. A superb response from the 18 businesses visited. Paul advised still a battle ahead of New Hamburg and business community. Workshops are being held and Paul advised that if at all possible to attend. NHBOT will continue to increase its focus and political pressure.
8) Paul will be contacting Leeanna Pendergast's office to obtain more political support regarding this issue.
9) An initial meeting was held with NHBOT and Service Clubs regarding New Hamburg Welcome Signs. More updates to follow.
10) Garbage can liners have been purchased and will be replaced over the coming month.
11) A coordinator is still required for this year's Duck Race. If anyone is interested, please contact Paul Knowles.
12) April 6, 2009 a meeting will be held at Puddicombe House, at 7:00pm regarding Tourism issues. Lyle Cressman will be sending out invitations to businesses to attend and meet with Susan Cudahy from Waterloo Regional Tourism.
13) NHBOT application has been submitted for our Summer Hire. Further updates will be advised if and when NHBOT application has been approved. 14) Nigel spoke regarding NHBOT's 2 websites. Advised of free listing for NHBOT members. If anyone not on the website to contact Nigel on how to proceed. Also, Nigel advised a survey has been put on the website regarding what types of businesses would be suit New Hamburg. He asked that members take a few minutes to complete the survey
15) Paul brought up issue of PST/GST harmonization tax. Email to local MPP your opinion.
16) Paul spoke briefly for information purposes only about the Public Meeting held at Wilmot Recreational Centre regarding Go Transit's plans for layover station in Baden. Grant Whittington advised that due to public opinion and discussions had at the meeting, the issue has gone back to the drawing board and a new plan will be presented shortly. Updates to follow.
17) Regarding the layover plans a Ernie Ritz put forth a motion that NHBOT get behind the layover station. However, discussions were raised by members at the meeting that it was too soon to pick sides as too many issues are undecided; ie, gas fumes, layout of the station and placement of the trains near Baden residential homes. Another motion was raised, moved by Kristen Hahn, to table the discussion until the next NHBOT meeting, when more information might be available. Motion to table was carried.
18) Paul informed members that a request has been sent regarding Summer Senior Games to be held June 1 - 4, 2009. 100 Volunteers are needed. Applications are at the Independent office or you can call 519-662-9289 for more information.
New Business
19) Leslie Elkeer advised that July 14, 2009 KW Chamber of Commerce will hold their BA5 (Business After 5) Event at the Waterlot. Full tent will be set up and anyone interested in participating to please mark the date in your calendar. More details to follow in the coming months.
20) Next month's speaker: Leeanna Pendergast
21) Meeting adjourned. |
