Minutes of the Madoc & District Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Madoc Public Library & Cultural Centre

1.  Call to Order by Grant Ketcheson.

2.  Introductions:  Grant Ketcheson, President
                            Judy Smith, Treasurer
                            Ellen Wilson, Secretary
                            Brenda Rump, Events Co-ordinator
                            Marie Hyde
                            Patricia Wiggins
                            Jim Bakker
                            Mary Lee Kirkland
                            Carmen Donato
                            Gary Martin
                            Hilda Wilson

3.  Agenda:  Moved by Judy Smith & seconded by Marie Hyde that the agenda be accepted,  Carried

4.  Presentation by Carmen Donato on the Skatepark:  The cement work could be finished in about two weeks, weather permitting.  The project will be completed in the spring.  The municipality will fund the building of a straw bale canteen, washrooms and storage area if funds can come from the Eastern Ontario Rural Development fund.  Fundraising is slowing down over the holiday season but several large businesses will look at making donations in the new year.   Planning is also underway for a new playground that is accessible to handicapped children.

5.  Grand opening of the village square will be December 10th, 7:00 pm.   The Municipality has allocated a budget of $300.00 and will take care of the opening ceremonies.  The Chamber of Commerce will provide the Master of Ceremonies, promotional material,  and the sound equipment.  Entertainment and caroling, starting at 7:30, will be provided by groups from Emmanuel Christian Academy, Centre Hastings Secondary School, Madoc Public School, Madoc Township School and the Sweet Adelines.  The Skatepark Committee will provide refreshments of coffee and hot chocolate.

6.  & 7.  Minutes of the last meeting were read.  Moved by Ellen Wilson & Seconded by Judy Smith that the minutes be accepted.  Carried.

8.  Business arising from the minutes - none.

9.  Correspondence:  i.  A thank you note was read from Pauline Hill  (Madoc Lawn Bowling Club) thanking the Chamber for its support with the All Ontario Mixed Doubles Championships, held in Madoc in August.
                                 ii.  A letter from the Kiwanis Club asking for the Chamber's support in erecting Community Service signs for the north and south entrances to the Village.  With the steel frame designed and constructed by McDonnell Millwright Services, there would be space for 12 to 15 individual signs that promoted service clubs and other organizations within the community.  Construction costs would be shared by those groups placing individual signs.  A proposal is to be made to the Centre Hastings Council meeting on November 24th, asking permission to install the signs to their specifications.

10.  Business arising form correspondence:  After a very brief discussion, it was moved by Marie Hyde &  seconded by Ellen Wilson, that the Chamber whole-hearted support the Kiwanis Club initiative.   Secretary to send a letter of support to the Kiwanis.

11.  Financial Report:  Bank Balance is $1249.50.  There are 39 paid up members.  To those members who have not yet paid their dues:  The Chamber is accomplishing some good things, so if you can't support us with your time, please support us by paying your dues!

12.  Old business:  i.  The Remembrance Day displays have been removed from the Cultural Centre and next week the Artisans Guild will start revolving displays.
                             ii.  The bands are all booked and confirmed for the Santa Claus Parade on November 27th.  Linda Jackson of the Madoc Review is to write an article promoting the parade and encouraging donations to cover costs. The bands cost $400.00 each and there are three bands booked.
                             iii.  The person who was the Chamber's initial contact for the "East Coast Folk Festival"  has been quite ill and not able to help with the planning.  After some discussion, other names were suggested as contacts, and Brenda Rump is to to proceed with trying to organize this event for 2005.
                             iv.  No progress as yet with the market square flags.
                             v.   Comfort Country:  The planning group at this point is working on a business plan and is looking at possible incorporation to give it some legal status so that it might more easily apply for government funding.  A committee has also been formed to work on the next directory and the group is also applying for a two page spread in the  tourist publication :Doors Open Ontario."

13.  New Business:  i.  Plans were made to place the Christmas tree in the Johnston's lot, and also decorate the Village Square for the holidays.  Grant Ketcheson volunteered to organize this.
                                ii.  A question was asked about government funding for upgrading store fronts.  Interest free loans are available through an eastern Ontario rural economic initiative and Bob Cloes at Community Futures in Bancroft is administering the funds for this area.  For more information contact him.

14.  Next Meeting : January 18th, 2005, 7:30 pm at the Madoc Library & Cultural Centre.

15.  Meeting Adjourned.

The Chamber wishes each and every one
a Happy Holiday Season and
a Prosperous New Year