Minutes of the Madoc & District Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, November 15th, 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

Lynda Matchett

Cliff Andrews, Madoc Market Vendors

  1. Approval of Agenda: Additions to the agenda under new business were made. A discussion of CKOL Radio repeater station for Madoc was added to new business. Moved by Jim Bakker & Seconded by Judy Smith that the agenda as amended be approved. Carried.

  2. Minutes of the October 18th meeting: Moved by Ellen Wilson & seconded by Jim Bakker that the minutes be approved as corrected. Carried.

  3. Business arising from minutes: none.

  4. Correspondence: i. Latest edition of Catalyst from CFDC Bancroft had an article about Jason Danielis and also the skate park in Madoc. ii. Industrial Education Council thanked the Chamber for its involvement in the Youth At Risk Program. iii. Request from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for Membership iv. Notice of Grand Opening of Jean McDonnell’s New Artist’s Studio.

  5. Business arising from correspondence: Moved by Jim Bakker & Seconded by Lynda Matchett that the Madoc & District Chamber of Commerce decline membership in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Carried.

  6. Financial Report: Bank account - $3975.39. There are already 17 paid up members for 2006. The Santa Claus Parade fund is $4894.22 with the bands expecting to cost $1800.00.

  7. Old Business: i: Madoc & District Main Street Initiative: The data analysis is complete, the streetscape priorities identified and it is now up to the community to develop these proposals. Jim Bakker is to present these ideas to various service groups to solicit their involvement.

  1. Jim Bakker reported for the Economic Development Committee. There is only one volunteer so far from the requests sent out to the media for volunteers for subcommittees. Marmora and Madoc Township have their 2Ontario data ready but not vetted. Tweed is progressing with their data collection.

  2. Surviving and Thriving in the World of E-commerce (Oct. 2oth) was a success. It was informative and the information was reinforced at a November 9th seminar the Jim Bakker attended in Trenton. There is a need to use professionals to develop effective web sites. Jim is planning another business seminar for late January or early February.

  3. Santa Claus Parade - The parade organization is done. The police will take care of traffic control, The Kiwanis Club will move Santa’s Chair to the Market Square and the Cadet s are to help with the parade route. Lynda Matchett will arrange the judging and help organize the after parade treats for the kids. Dino’s Pizza has donated pizza’s for the volunteer’s. Mixed Media is to decorate the Market Square.

  4. Membership renewal: Renewal letters have been sent out by Jim Bakker and memberships are coming in. Jim noted that the major players in the area are not members & this should be addressed.

  5. Madoc Village Square sound system: The estimated cost of a new system is $1500.00. Jim Bakker will investigate the cost of used equipment. Moved by Judy & seconded by Ellen that Jim proceed with the purchase. Carried.

  1. New Business: i. There are no special activities planned by the Madoc downtown merchants this Christmas.

  1. Radio Station: In response to Jason’s media blitz, the Station Manager from CKOL Radio (a community station in Campbellford) called. He wants to explore the possibility of establishing a repeater station in Madoc. Jim is to investigate further.

  2. Welcome Wagon: Based on information gathered at the business seminar in Trenton, Jim Bakker is exploring the feasibility of setting up a Welcome Wagon franchise for the Comfort Country area. A coordinator will be needed and she or he will be paid a fee on a per visit basis.

  3. League of Extraordinary Ladies & Gentlemen: Jim put forward the idea of locating retired or under employed people with expertise in the areas we need and encouraging them to help at minimal compensation. We also need to recruit volunteers to assist with the Chamber’s work.

  4. Planning: The Chamber needs to document their goals and objectives and establish a list of priorities and we need to determine to what degree is the Chamber to take a lead in the promotion of this area and how we are going to advise in the promotion of local businesses helping fellow businesses.

  5. The Community Issues group has asked for volunteers from the Chamber to sit on their committee. Any volunteers?

  6. Possibilities for extra funding for the coordinator’s position are to be explored.

11. Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 17th, 7:30 p.m. at the Madoc Public Library.

12.Meeting adjourned.