Food Security Hub 43 Main Street, Erickson, MB
Invited: All Chamber of Commerce Members and the General Public
In Attendance:
Heather Parrott-Howdle – Citizen member Dave Walker – Erickson Flying Club Representative Valerie Soltys – Citizen Member Eric Bjornson – Kithouse, Radon Matters, EGB Enterprises Brandice Bator – Citizen member Julietta Hardiman - Little Hands Early Learning Center Josh Surovy – TJ Hookers Kristy Vermiere – North Star Insurance Steve and Reghan Langston – SCORE Store, Good Street Hall, owner of Iris Café building Meg – Locally Maid Claire and Keri Phillips – Katie Lake Petting Farm Mary Nichols – Services to Seniors Deandra Tousignant – Grit and Growth Wellness Krisjanis Kaktins-Gorsline – Parklands Youth Hub Project Coordinator Margaret – Community Member Isla Shellborn – Community member Bruce Mcewan – Community member with interests in airport and campground Dustin Smith & Katy Powell – Green Rabbit Farms Mary Ann Kologinski – Compass Credit Union Tracy Cable – Community Member
Minutes
Meeting called to order at 19:03
- Land acknowledgement
- Welcome to the Food Security Hub – Heather Howdle & Krisjanis Kaktins-Gorsline
- Developed to address food insecurity in the region
- Includes stone flour mill, market, greenhouse, community garden, community kitchen, workshops for local growers and producers
- Food marked from local growers is Wednesday from 12 – 5
- Community kitchen will provide space to process food, make food communally, hold demonstration and education events
- Space available to the public to rent
- Contact info for more information: parklandsyouthhub@gmail.com
- Approval of Agenda
- Motion to approve – Valerie Soltys
- Seconder – Kristy Vermiere
- Introductions of people in attendance (above)
- Year in Review – Eric Bjornson
- Re-established board of directors
- Updated bylaws
- Business incubator project
- Created website
- Leda Lake project proposal
- Supported Reconciliation breakfast
- Board of Governance Training
- Digital media workshop
- Established relationship with MB Chamber of Commerce
- Organized kids bicycle parade
- Continued $500 high school bursary
- Facilitated installation of Ag weather station
- Held community Christmas party
- Director Acclimations
- Renew term for three members every year
- Introduction of board members
- Four positions available and four members up for acclimation this year
- i. Brandice Bator
- ii. Reghan Langston
- iii. Kristy Vermiere
- iv. Josh Surovy
- Move to acclaim nominees – Heather Howdle
- Seconder – Mary Nichols
- Financial Report – Valerie
- Chamber of Commerce est. in 1920
- Services to broader area – important to keep in mind going forward
- Income – land rental, airport hangars, memberships
- Expenses - taxes, scholarship, MB Chamber of Commerce Membership, software requirements
- Current Balance: $25,235.61
- Savings (Reserved for credit card): $1,650.04
- Motion to accept financial report – Heather Howdle
- Seconder – Dave Walker
- All in favour of accepting financial report, none opposed
- Membership Renewals
- $50/organization or person
- Organization recognized on membership directory on website, shop local flyers
- Easiest to renew online
- Seeking Chamber Manager
- Administrative position – prep agenda, keep minutes, financials, generally take load off board
- Paid position – 6-8 hrs/month $20-25/hr
- Email possible leads to admin@ericksonchamber.ca
- Chamber website updates: the Chamber website
- Vision and Priorities for 2023
- Marketing Area Businesses
- Airport Area Development
- Support for Erickson Airport Resurfacing
- Led Lake Eco-Park
- Establishment of EV Charging Station(s)
- Improved Cellular Service in the region
- Active Transportation Improvements (sidewalks, trails, etc.)
- Training opportunities (grant writing, business skills, etc.)
- Supporting area non-profits
- Main Street Beautification
- Regional growth of the Chamber
- Preservation and Presentation of local heritage
Suggestions from Attendees:
- Advocating to RM/Council and maintaining that relationship – what is important to membership, sidewalks are overgrown and in need of repair for example
- Garbage cans on main street – SCORE store would consider getting involved
- Support the region, but focus remains on Erickson
- Marketing Community as a Regional Food Hub
- Best place to start a food business
- Lots of people already involved and interested
- Lots of local producers in the area
- Speed limit reduced from 80 to 70 on highway 10 and extended past campground to north entrance to Erickson
- Turning lane at Southquill Gaming Center, Mountain Road
- More collaboration with First Nations neighbours – open up communication
- Attract more young worker, volunteers, board members
- Annual intake of potential board members training
- Line up people with boards that need people based on interests
- Offer income
- Get young people involved in governance
- Junior Board (Minnedosa Credit Union Example)
- Teach in school
- Get high school students involved – fund raising and volunteering at community events
- Invest in buildings for seniors to live in
- Discussion on Parkland Home – run by MB Housing
- How do we retain employees in Erickson?
- Lots of vacancies at local businesses
- How to we keep people here
- Job fair in April (SCORE store willing to help)
- Mental health related – are people having a difficult time maintaining employment for these reasons?
- Affordable housing is a problem (suggestion for tiny homes)
Wrap up:
- Heather Howdle – Thanks to Mary Ann Kologinski for helping make the food hub happen
- Head to Kammingas Kitchen for a taste testing
Meeting Adjourned at 20:10