Minutes

 

CALABOGIE & AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

DATE:  APRIL 20, 2009    7:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.

LOCATION:  “NEAT” COFFEE SHOP, BURNSTOWN

 

In attendance: Adam McKinty, Moira Hutchison, Ann Stubinsky, Richard Copeland, Bill Graham, Kristina Chapman, Lenore Guthrie, Cheryl Babineau, Gary Reed, Skip Hale, Deb Giffin, Carolyn Jakes, David Abraham, Cath Reynolds

 

WELCOME, SELF-INTRODUCTION, HOST COMMENTS

Adam McKinty spoke about his business and long term plans for the beautiful and historic building that is home to Neat Coffee Shop. 

 

Agenda approved.

 

“FYI” Sheet circulated which included items of interest and

project volunteer opportunities.  (See separate attachment)

 

Treasurers Report & Member Status – David Abraham

8 parties not paid 2008-09 membership fees.  No outstanding bills other than funds previously committed for trail signage.

REMINDER:  July 1st starts new CABA year – renewal membership will be due.

Fees remain at $30.00.

Treasurer’s report accepted and filed for audit as received. 

 

Approval of Previous Minutes  - December 2008 meeting

Approved as presented.

There was no business arising from the minutes.

 

CABA Committee Reports

Festival of the Senses – (Cath Reynolds)

SEE SEPARATE ATTACHMENT FOR FESTIVAL REPORT

A motion was approved to designate money raised through the December 2008 on-line auction ($604.00) to assist with the expenses of Festival of the Senses 2009 and second phase of the stash-a-cache project. 

 

Sound Advisory Committee – (Betty Oattes)

Betty advised in writing there had been no meeting of the Sound Advisory Board since our last CABA meeting.

 

“What’s Happenin” in Burnstown – (Moira Hutchison)

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Burnstown is getting ready for Affair of the Arts to be held in late May.  Merchants  are still discussing changes that will be made to this event.  It will be different this year.  Expect experiential opportunities, history boards and more local artist participation.  Cheryl Babineau added that she plans an open house to unveil Richard Gill’s new work depicting historic events of the area and particularly of their own house.  A donation to a ‘to-be-named’ charity will be requested. Adam added Neat’s participation would involve a home roasting workshop and perhaps a Turkish coffee ‘experience’.

 

Economic Development – Tourist Map & Distribution, Trails Initiative, Signage (Deb Giffin)

a) The new tourist map was proudly displayed and members were provided stock for their own business. 25000 copies were produced.   There has been very positive feedback, including from outside of the area.  The map was created by the Marketing sub-committee of the Township’s Economic Development Committee (Rick Brown) with assistance provided by CABA Executive members. The most important component of this project is the distribution of the brochures.  OVTA (Ottawa Valley Tourist Association) will be used to place it throughout the County at Tourist Information Booths along with key trade shows.  CABA developed a small data base of beneficial/high traffic distribution locations.

(e.g.  Antrim Truck Stop, Storyland, Logos Land, etc.) A volunteer is needed to “manage” this project.  Having more brochures in circulation will only serve to improve visitor traffic to our area and benefits to all businesses will be realized. 

 

b) The Trails sub-committee of the Township’s Economic Development Committee continues to develop and identify a number of trails in the area. The first hiking trail to open will be Manitou Mountain Trail (access off Barrett Chute Road and Hwy 508 in Eagles Nest area).  The trail is now cleared and marked and signage will be put up shortly. Sponsorship of the Trail Maps will be offered to area businesses. Please contact Rick Brown (rsbrown182@sympatico.ca) for details.

 

c) New Township Welcome Signage

CABA managed the design and installation of the new Welcome signs to replace the deteriorated “Loon” signs.

 

Business Profiles in CABA Corner in Highlander - Neither member (Shelley Monaghan & Karen Warren) was able to attend to provide update.

 

Carolyn reported that the CABA Business Directory will be inserted in the June edition of the Highlander.  This valuable member benefit continues to be widely used by residents and tourists alike.

 

Winter Carnival – (Deb Giffin)

An old fashioned Chili Contest was CABA’s contribution to the Winter Carnival. 

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The event was loads of fun.  Even more CABA members will be involved next

year.  This event fulfilled two goals – community participation and positive press coverage for CABA and the Township.

 

Canada Day Participation & Motion – (Carolyn Jakes)

Over the last few years of Canada Day sales of t-shirts, caps and buttons CABA has made $1116.00.  To create a saleable item, Carolyn suggested our remaining inventory of 60 red caps be embroidered with our website address. 

A motion was approved CABA spend $275.72 to add ‘calabogie.org’, to the 60 red caps remaining in our inventory. 

The caps will be sold July 1st 2009, at the township Canada Day celebrations for $12.00 giving us a further profit of $4.60 per cap.

 

Special Reports

Township Barnet Park Committee

CABA partnered in their most recent Trillium grant application and appreciates the opportunity to support this committee.

 

Summer Student for Calabogie Tourist Booth – Debora Giffin

An application for one student for five days a week was submitted (fully funded) and decision is expected in late April.  The Calabogie Lions Club has also applied for a summer student and, if approved, will provide staffing for two days per week at Tourist Booth and balance of time at Barnet Park.

 

Correspondence Secretary – (Carolyn Jakes)

.  Downhill Mountain Biking Group

A letter was received in regard to The Peaks closing their summer lift for mountain biking.  CABA’s response included the reference that the concerned  groups will be invited by the Peaks to meet with them directly to discuss options.

.  Letter of Support for Renfrew County Trails Initiative

Letters were sent from CABA and members in support of a major grant application and the proposed county wide trails initiative.

.  New Members

Carolyn reported there are 6 new members. One of our goals is to grow the membership so this is a good start!  (Ann Stubinsky noted that we have come a long way!)

 

Motion

.  $25.00 Community Donation

Motion approved that CABA contribute $25.00 towards a community gift to the departing Wes Bomhower, a long time CABA supporter and previously a recipient of our Community Service Award (Wes’s gift was a Dwynne McNabb original.)

 

Old/New Business

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a)  Skippy Hale reported that, at the last library meeting, there was discussion of a ‘value added card’ that has been successfully used in other communities.  People who show their library card receive a small gift or, more often, a discount at the participating business establishments.   If interested in this idea, please get in touch with Skippy at the library.

 

b)  Ottawa Valley Food Co-Op.  Neat Coffee shop is now a pick up depot.  This means that you need not drive too far in order to pick up your orders.  Members are encouraged to check out this fast growing opportunity to support local buying and live healthier to boot!  Google Ottawa Valley Food Co-op for more information on this outstanding programme.

 

c)  The Duck’s new owner, Kristina Chapman, gave a brief introduction to the few changes that have been made at the restaurant.  The menu is “a little more Canadian” (Maple Duck) and reasonably priced (pasta to steak). Dinner only, Wednesday to Sunday.

 

d) Skippy thanked Gary and Georgette Reed for their help with establishing a mini art gallery for local artists and a display area for children’s art work in the hallway leading into the library.

 

She also reported that March break was a great success.  A thank you was extended to CABA member Amber Gorra who led a bead workshop. Cath led a drumming workshop where the children explored rhythm and made their own drums.  A magician from Pembroke came to entertain the children on the Friday. 

 

Senior Daycare are coming to the library to learn how to use the computer.

 

Skippy also informed members that ‘museum passes’ are available to be borrowed.  They are family passes and can be kept a week.  The list of museums you can visit with these borrowed passes is expanding.  Please see Skip about them.

 

8:00 p.m.

CABA INTROSPECTION  -  Gary Reed, Facilitator 

Several ideas and key points were raised and discussed.   The results will be discussed and analyzed at the next Executive meeting.  A final report will then follow.  Thanks to Gary for leading the discussion and keeping us focused!

 

Thanks to our Host & Hostess (Adam & Kim McKinty)

Next Meeting:

June 8th at The Duck Restaurant (within Calabogie Lodge) – 7 p.m.

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