Attendees
Board Members in Attendance: Laurence, Kristy, Eric, Nigel, Val
Chamber Manager: Melinda
Guests: Tami, Shanna
Minutes
Approval of Agenda: Approved
Chamber Manager/Financial Report: can we sign up for auto payment with auto renewal.
Profit and Loss: Profit & Loss as of December 31 2024; Profit & Loss January to March 4 2025
Approval of payment of Watersedge Business Services Invoice: Watersedge Business Services January 2025 Invoice; Watersedge Business Services February 2025 InvoiceApproved
Approval of meeting minutes Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes: January 7 2025 Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Meeting Minutes Approved
Approval of new members: none
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
The terms are up for Laurence, Valerie, Heather and Brandice. Laurence will be running again but Valerie, Heather and Brandice will not, leaving 3 positions to fill. Melinda will include directions on how to self nominate when sending the Announcement of the Annual General Meeting. Two individuals have expressed interest in joining the board, leaving 2 spots to recruit for
Membership Communication: The goal will be to send out the next edition of the Newsletter/Report post AGM with links to the Erickson & District Board meetings included.
Leda Lake Eco Park donation. Waiting on further information with respect to commitment and opportunities to contribute.
AGM Planning: Draft of April 9th AGM Agenda An item should be added to the Agenda advertising the sale of the RCMP Musical Ride canvas stretched prints, 24” wide x 18” tall, retailing for $350.00. Carberry Signs has the ability to make a print and frame if desired at an additional cost. Kristy will pick up 1 large veggie tray and 1 large fruit trail, crackers, creamer, cubed sugar and napkins, and coffee from the Co-op. The budget has been set at $100.00 for food and $100.00 plus or minus for the coffee to serve the expected number of guests between 30-50 people.
Membership Drive/Invoicing: 2025 Erickson & District Membership. The Board will review the current Member list and continue promoting the growth of the member base.
Chamber’s potential role in increasing municipal governance transparency and engagement (Eric). We would like to encourage more transparency from the Municipalities. The Chamber Newsletter should include a recurring message that reminds everyone of the meeting schedule for both municipalities, as well as a simple share of the date time and link to Agenda for municipal meetings for both Municipalities as well as a link to our Board meeting minutes.
Hangar Lease Agreements: Melinda is going to prepare the updated Lease Agreements and have them ready for review by the Board and possibly a lawyer. Kristy advised that insurance has been requested by several of the lessees but have been having difficulty because it is leased land. She is going to proceed by using a copy of the Lease Agreement and will advise if there is anything further required of the Chamber. Is it possible that a copy of the Lease Agreement would suffice? Kristy will update us and let us know if she requires more from us.
Has the chamber considered approaching AWWD about funding for the wetland(s) on the airport property? There could likely be an annual payment. https://myawwd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SWIP.png $75-$80 an acre to land owners that are willing to protect as wet lands. The Chamber owned property has a good chunk that could be used as an opportunity to receive funds per acre for land that was never going to be utilized for other purposes. An assessment will be required and an Agreement would be drafted and submitted for Chamber review and acceptance. If accepted, they would provide an annual payment. Eric will keep this moving forward and report back.
Little Valley Jamboree: Meeting of the Jam Committee and representatives of the Little Valley Jamboree Committee was held on Friday 6-12 and Saturday noon-12 event, nothing on Sunday (Father’s day). Val asked if the Chamber would like to submit a new representative for the Jam Committee or would they like to discontinue being on the committee? A motion to send notice to the Little Valley Jamboree Jam Committee that the Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce will no longer be taking part in the event, allowing room for another group, and thank them for allowing the Chamber to be part of the event in the past was made by Laurence, second by Val, approved.
In Camera
Action items:
-The Board will begin preparation of a pamphlet that promotes our tourism and includes a plug to join the Chamber and will start a connection with Travel Manitoba.
-Melinda will transcribe the updated Airport Lease Agreement for review
-Advise the Little Valley Jamboree Jam Committee that the Chamber will no longer be participating in this event
-Melinda will send out an Announcement of the AGM scheduled for April 9th to both members and nonmembers requesting nominations and providing direction on how to self nominate
-Melinda will print a card to put with the RCMP Musical Ride prints at the AGM indicating that they are available, the size and the retail price.