Minutes of the Madoc & District Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, October 18th, 2005

Madoc Public Library & Cultural Centre


  1. Call to order by Rob Price, President

  2. Introductions: Rob Price, President

Judy Smith, Treasurer

Ellen Wilson, Secretary

Jim Bakker, Coordinator

Jason Danielis, Intern with Comfort Country

Gary & Marion Martin, Madoc Market Vendors

Cliff & Mary Andrews, Madoc Market Vendors

  1. Approval of Agenda: Additions to the agenda under new business were made (reports of the Friends of the Library Meeting, Reports of the Arts Council Meeting, Reminder of the Highway #62 restructuring meeting and the Introduction of Mix Media.) Moved by Jim Bakker & Seconded by Judy Smith that the agenda as amended be approved. Carried.

  2. Minutes of the September 20th meeting: Two corrections were made. Jim Bakker’s title is “coordinator” and under New Business - ii It should read “a letter will be sent ...” Moved by Ellen Wilson & seconded by Jim Bakker that the minutes be approved as corrected. Carried.

  3. Business arising from minutes: none.

  4. Correspondence: none.

  5. Business arising from correspondence: none

  6. Financial Report: Bank account - $4154.00. The insurance bill of $1134.00 has been paid. There are now 92 members to date. The Chamber of Commerce has been asked to provide a P/A system for the Market Square. Rob Price will ask the Presbyterian Church if they will consider selling us their older system that they have just replaced if it suitable. New outdoor speakers will have to be purchased. The matter was tabled until the next meeting.

  7. Old Business: i: Madoc & District Main Street Initiative will have a meeting on October 19th. Andrew Redden will be beginning to present the findings derived from the data obtained through the surveys and later meetings will be set up to analyze this information more fully.

  1. Jim Bakker reported for the Economic Development Committee. Jenna Seaboyer’s work is progressing and she has almost finished cataloging Madoc Township. Marmora will be finished shortly and the communities of Centre Hastings, Tweed and Stirling will follow.

  2. The Product Development, Packaging and Partnering for the Tourism Industry Seminar, September 26th. Twenty people attended and the meeting developed into a mini brainstorming session. Bev Cameron, who led the group, will present her findings from this meeting at a later time.

  3. E-Commerce Workshop “Surviving & Thriving in the World of E-Commerce” is to be held October 20th as a part of Small Business Week. Community Futures will be hosting this event at the Two Loons. Registration starts at 6:30. Meeting at 7:00.

  4. Santa Claus Parade - Jim Bakker contacted Claudine Prosper who has agreed to help with the organization of the parade. She will be canvassing the businesses for donations soon. The Sisters at Foundation will help with the preparation of hot chocolate for the children who visit Santa after the parade. After a discussion it was moved by Jim Bakker and seconded by Judy Smith that the Chamber buy two large insulated containers for serving hot drinks at a cost of $227.00 each & taxes. One would be paid for from the Santa Claus Parade funds and the other would come out of the Chamber’s general fund. Other groups in the community would have access to use them. The Sisters at Foundations will be asked to monitor their use and to keep them clean. Motion carried.

  5. Legion Poppy Drive - Jim Bakker is to contact the Legion to purchase a wreath for Remembrance Day on behalf of the Chamber.

  1. New Business: i. Market Vendors Update – Marion Martin gave her year end report on the market. They ran for 21 weeks with food and entertainment lined up for every Saturday. Funds to pay for these events were raised through dues, cookbook sales and donations. The list of accomplishments included a public parking lot sign for the old hotel property north of St. Lawrence Street and ramps for handicapped access at the market. There were 16-17 vendors every week and non-profit groups were accommodated at no charge. Donations were also made to St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church (for allowing them the use of the church hall), the Santa Claus Parade, and to Donna Cournyea for keeping the washrooms clean. By advertising on Lite107 radio station, the marketers put Madoc on the map on Saturday mornings. For 2006, the new President of the Marketers is Cliff Andrews and Mary Andrews will be the Secretary/Treasurer.

  1. Tree for the Skate Park - Carm Donato asked if the Chamber would consider purchasing a live, fully grown spruce tree to be planted at the new playground The matter was tabled until prices could be established.

  2. Membership Renewals - Jim Bakker will be sending out letters and invoices soon along with a “year in review” letter written by the secretary stating the accomplishments of the Chamber since October 2004.

  3. Friends of the Library - This group will be holding their Tenth Anniversary celebration at the Library on November 5th, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

  4. The Arts Council met last week to formula their agenda for next year. In the works are the Rivendel Art Show, Art In the Park and an arts festival planned for the Civic Holiday weekend in August.

  5. Mix Media: This is a group consisting of the Martins, the Greenleys and the Andrews and they will be hosting a three day Christmas Market at the Oddfellows storefront in early November, They have 22 vendors lined up to display their wares.

  6. Highway #62 reconstruction meeting will be held at the Eldorado Township Hall, Saturday morning, October 22nd. The highway planners are there to listen to area residents proposals and concerns about the proposed changes south of Madoc.


  1. Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 15th, 7:30 p.m. at the Madoc Public Library.

  2. Meeting adjourned.