Attendees
Board Members in Attendance: Eric, Martie Brendan, Reghan
Chamber Manager: Melinda
Guests: Shanna
Minutes
Approval of Agenda: deferred to next meeting.
Chamber Manager/Financial Report
Profit & Loss Statement to October 30 2025: Profit & Loss Oct 1 to Oct 30 2025
Approval of payment of Watersedge Business Services Invoice: Watersedge Invoice October 2025
Smokey Hollow Invoice for Jotforms: Smokey Hollow Invoice 4384 Jotforms
Approval of meeting minutes Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes: deferred to next meeting
- Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce October 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
Approval of new members: none
Board Calendar Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Calendar
Ongoing action item log: Action Log
Membership Communication
- Draft Quarterly Report Volume III Summer/Fall 2025: Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report Volume III
Chamber Website:
Erickson Main Street Sidewalk Snowclearing Pilot (led by Chamber): The Board discussed a proposal for mechanized sidewalk snow clearing along Main Street. A machine would service both sides of the sidewalk at an estimated annual cost of approximately $3,800.00, with no hand shoveling included. The Municipality has expressed support for the initiative and requested that costs be passed on to the businesses, while committing to contribute $1,000.00 to cover clearing in front of the Municipal office. The proposed rate is $150.00 per 50 feet of frontage, which would be collected through a special service levy added next year. This year the Chamber would manage the program, hire the contractor (Beatty's), and collect fees directly from Main Street businesses. Most businesses have indicated support for the proposal. Brendan and Reghan both expressed favor, noting it would be a great investment. The Score Store, which has experienced challenges with unreliable shoveling staff and employs many elderly workers, indicated potential willingness to contribute or help cover any shortfall up to $1,000.00 should some businesses refuse to participate. The billing structure would involve the Chamber receiving payments from participating businesses, either as prepayments or through invoicing, and then remitting payment to Beatty's for services rendered. The Board discussed this as a one-year pilot program that would provide convenience to the Municipality while benefiting all participants. Questions were raised regarding inclusion of the Church, gas station, and Elementary School in the service area. The service would include one pass to make sidewalks passable, with steps and sanding as needed. The motion will proceed pending formal Board approval.
Annual Christmas Party 2025 update.
Ticket Sales: Tickets are currently available for purchase online and in person at North Star Insurance and with Eric.
Door Person: A volunteer is required to serve as door person for the event.
Liquor Licence: A raffle licence has been purchased. The Board noted that a refund may be requested if the licence is not utilized.
Designated Drivers: Mike has volunteered to provide transportation services and will charge a nominal fee. Additional transportation arrangements are currently being finalized.
Liquor Pick-up: Liquor for the event will be collected from the Pharmacy.
Clean-up: It was emphasized that venue clean-up must be completed the evening of the event.
Master of Ceremonies: An MC is required for the event. Shanna has stated she is a potential candidate.
Ticket Sales - Organization Members: Members affiliated with organizations are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible.
RMNP Management Plan Tourism Industry Stakeholder Meeting: Eric provided a summary of the stakeholder meeting, noting that it featured excellent communication and strong participation. Attendees put forward a list of priorities for tourism in the area, with seasonal staff housing emerging as the most pressing issue. It was discussed that Riding Mountain National Park could help alleviate pressure on the local housing system by providing accommodations for their own staff, thereby freeing up housing stock for other seasonal workers. Collaboration on transportation was also identified as a key opportunity, with the potential for area residents to seek employment in the Park if reliable transportation options were available. Eric characterized the participants as smart, articulate, and willing to engage constructively in the process. The meeting also introduced the new Park Superintendent. The Chamber did not receive specific feedback from its members regarding this meeting.
Airport Area Development:
- Coenraad, lead engineer from Dillon Consulting and a licensed pilot, presented a development concept for Chamber-owned land surrounding the airport. Both the Municipality and Chamber have expressed interest in development opportunities in this area.
The proposed concept is an air park residential community where residents would own properties with both a house and an aircraft hangar. This development would target a regional market within a 1,000-kilometer radius or more, attracting property owners who could fly in using the existing landing strip for tourism and recreational purposes.
Dillon Consulting has offered to provide conceptual design work at no cost to the Chamber, including LiDAR scanning to assess feasibility. The development would occupy a significant portion of the northern hayfield, with a new taxiway extending north. The concept envisions approximately 40 high-end units of 1.5 acres each. The project economics could potentially support technical upgrades to airport infrastructure.
Discussion: The Board discussed whether the Chamber or a contracted developer would undertake the project. Members noted this tourism development could generate significant economic activity and attract affluent residents who would become major contributors to the local economy. The proposal is in the exploratory stage with minimal risk, as Dillon Consulting's conceptual work comes at no charge and with no obligation. If the concept proves unviable or generates insufficient interest, the Chamber can conclude the process at no cost.
The Board expressed support for exploring the concept. An official motion will be brought forward at the next meeting for formal approval to proceed.
Erickson Airport: Rental Agreement
Erickson Flying Club’s amount was offset by the work the Club did in maintaining the airport. Can this contra system continue?
John Whitaker mentioned that the Water District had lidar surveys on an area that included the airport
Erickson & District Skating Rink
- increased activity; U!# EOS Wildcats will be playing out of the rink. All kids are from Erickson, Rolling River and Onanole
In Camera