Attendees
Board Members in Attendance: Eric, Laurence, Kristy, Nigel, Val
Chamber Manager**:** Melinda
Guests: Tami, Shanna
Minutes
Approval of Agenda:
Chamber Manager/Financial Report
Profit and Loss: Profit & Loss January to October 31 2024
Approval of payment of Watersedge Business Services Invoice: Watersedge November 2024 Invoice Laurence moved to pay Watersedge Invoice, Nigel 2nd. Motion passed.
Approval of meeting minutes Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes: Erickson & District Board Meeting Minutes November 5 2024 Laurence moved to approve November 5 2024 minutes, Nigel 2nd, motion passed.
Approval of new members: no new members.
RCMP Musical Ride - Erickson 2024
- Weiming Zhao painting prints: update from Eric. Eric has the original and will take it to Brandon to have it printed.
2024 Chamber Christmas Party committee report. 104 tickets have been sold. Chamber Board volunteers requested to set up Friday evening and Saturday/Sunday for clean-up. Must be cleaned up before 11:00 a.m. Sunday. Nigel will say Grace and Eric will give the President’s speech.
Director Recruiting:
Heather Howdle (current vice president) - resigned in 2024
Laurence Bertram (current secretary) - term up in 2025
Val Soltys (current treasurer) - term up in 2025
Eric Bjornson (current president) - term up in 2027
Nigel Kerr - term up in 2027
Brandice Bator - resigned in 2024
Reghan Langston - term up in 2026
Kristy Vermiere - term up in 2026
Aaron McKay - term up in 2027
.
Chamber Business after 5: Kristy provided a summary of the Brandon Chamber Business After 5 event she attended on November 6th. The event was hosted by Fusion/Northstar, with catering provided by The Dock. Beverages included two types of beer, red and white wine, and soft drinks. The event ran from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each table featured tent cards with trivia about the hosts’ businesses, adding an interactive element to the evening. Kristy suggested that the Ericksoon Chamber events could include a similar format, offering an introduction to the host businesses or organization, highlighting their community contributions, and incorporating fun, engaging activities. The Legion is still considering being the first host in February of 2025.
Christmas Parade (Laurence) Sunday December 15, 2024. The parade will marshall between 12:00 and 1:00, both starting and ending at the parking lot of the skating rink. Currently there are 8 floats committed with a goal of 15-20 floats. Each float will be requested to throw wrapped candy. Following the parade, in the skating rink parking lot, there will be a hot chocolate bar, pictures and treat bags with Santa, skating with Santa and a craft station. They are currently organizing more events with food and a bonfire possible.
AGM 2025 to be hosted January 15 - 7:00 p.m. Nigel and Eric will chair the committee**.**
Membership Communication: members were advised of the Christmas Party. Work continues to collect business emails with the goal of growing the 2025 membership.
The Erickson Skating Rink has requested a donation of $500.00 to help implement a “free skate” program. Laurence provided a brief update indicating that cleaning of the facility has begun. They will be soon hosting “open public skating” Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for 2 hour periods. “Rink Ambassador” will need to be recruited to be present to supervise each 2 hour period. Last year 70 hours were rented with a goal this year being over 200 hours. A motion was brought by Eric to proceed with a rink sign sponsorship for $150.00, Nigel 2nd, motion passed. Melinda will email Erickson Chamber of Commerce current Members advising them that the Board will be purchasing a Sponsorship Sign at the Erickson Skating sign for $150. Advise them that there are still more opportunities to purchase Sponsorship signs, provide them with the appropriate contact information, and let them know that the Erickson Skating Rink is still requesting volunteers for their committee.
Letter from Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson appointing representatives to Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Board: November 21 2024 Letter from Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson
Correspondence request from Onanole Elementary School requesting your support for their upcoming Silent Auction, to be held during their annual Christmas concert on December 18th. This event is an important fundraiser for our school, and the proceeds will go towards enhancing the educational experience of our students through various programs and activities: Request for Silent Auction OEA Parent Group Nigel made a motion to donate $75 each to Sandy Lake, Erickon and Onanole Schools totalling $225.00, Val 2nd, motion passed. Val will organize and arrange to purchase gift cards from local businesses in all three areas to be distributed to the three schools for Silent Auctions.
In Camera
Motion to adjourn approved.
Action Items*
-Melinda will email Erickson Chamber of Commerce current Members advising them that the Board will be purchasing a Sponsorship Sign at the Erickson Skating sign for $150. Advise them that there are still more opportunities to purchase Sponsorship signs, provide them with the appropriate contact information, and let them know that the Erickson Skating Rink is still requesting volunteers for their committee.