CALABOGIE & AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION INC.

 

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE OF MEETING:  September 10, 2007

Time: 7 pm

Place: Shooters Bar & Grill

 

ATTENDEES:  See list at end of these minutes for the 29 attendees.

 

Meeting brought to order at 7:05 p.m. by Meeting Chairman, Gary Reed, Director

Round table introductions followed.

 

CABA’s annual awards in four categories were presented to the 2007 recipients.  CABA believes it is very important to recognize performance excellence in customer service and community service and to stress the importance of creating a business front that is attractive both inside and out (also called ambiance).

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE:  Jim and Ruth Weatherall of Jim’s Bait and Tackle on Lanark Road, Calabogie

On accepting their award they thanked the residents for their ongoing support and commented, “We simply treat our customers as we would like to be treated”.

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE:  Mary-Joan (Skippy) Hale, Librarian for Greater Madawaska Township and an outstanding role model for community service.

Skippy thanked CABA sincerely and felt very honoured.

EXCELLENCE IN AMBIANCE (commercial property): Calabogie Lodge

Gord Wallace accepted on behalf of the “Lodge”, acknowledging his wife Joan and sister Marjorie, and attributed credit to his hardworking and loyal staff.

 

The fourth category, newly established in 2007 to acknowledge Excellence in Ambiance for a home-based business will be awarded at our November meeting to Laura Bevington of “Journey of the Spirit”.  This amazingly serene home based business moved to Calabogie in December of 2005.  Laura provides a unique centre for healing in a stunningly beautiful and secluded country setting at the top of Tatty Hill.  (Laura was presently traveling out of country and unable to attend Sept meeting.)

 

Guest Reporter, Steve Newman of the Renfrew Mercury photographed the award winners.

 

REGULAR CABA BUSINESS

 

- Minutes of previous meeting adopted as presented.

 

- Karen Warren, Director reported CABA has received approval from Council to adopt the new township logo on the banners.  Deadline of Oct. 1st has been given to business for submitting quotes to make the new banners.

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- Gary Reed, CABA representative on the Barnett Park Committee advised there had been a delay with installation of CABA sponsored gazebo, while Council passed a by-law allowing structures within the current 30 meter water setback.  Gary expected the township wide by-law will be in place by end of Sept.  He welcomed any volunteers and local contractors to contact him to offer assistance or for bidding opportunities.  The location and style of the gazebo have been decided.

 

- Shelley Monaghan, Director reported CABA Corner in the Highlander will be used to introduce new members of CABA and to profile existent members, in support of the Buy Local County initiative.

 

- Carolyn Jakes reported she and Shelley had sold $440 worth of inventoried T-Shirts

(I partied on the Lake) and CABA donated $94.88 towards fireworks on July 1st.

 

- Carolyn also reported Lisa Fleury, the student who manned our Tourist Booth spent a great deal of time and effort in completing questionnaires with visitors.  Stats will be presented at the November CABA meeting.

 

- The section of Hwy 511 sponsored by CABA in the County’s “Adopt-a-Road” Program has been maintained by Carolyn, Terri Macdonald, Mary and Mike Dumoulin and Lisa Fleury.  Faye Wilson, Treasurer, is organizing the fall pick-up.  Tim (Calabogie Family Grocery) offered to assist.

 

- Guest, Bruce Parker, enquired as to the circulation numbers and feedback from the merchants in Griffith area regarding township brochures, CABA directory, OVTA pamphlets, etc.  A report will be provided at our November meeting.

 

- David Lester has developed a method whereby businesses have access to a link into the “Google” network for posting updates, specials and promos, by using the “Events” link on our Calabogie.org website.  Passwords would be provided to members to access, change, post and refresh their in-house events.   All changes are tracked.  CABA members to contact David Lester (info@calabogie.org) directly for detailed information.

Also, as the CABA webmaster, David forwards enquires for accommodations to appropriate businesses.

Gary expressed appreciation and thanks to David for all his work on the website.

 

NEW BUSINESS

- Faye Wilson, Treasurer asked for approval of the new CABA budget, following review by members present.  Motion carried.

 

- Gary advised following the recommendation of the Ontario Chambers of Commerce that special attention be paid by business organizations to their local Municipal Budgets, CABA member Brian Hunt of Jocko’s Motel, is on the Township’s Finance Committee.

CABA will continue to liaise with Economic Development Committee, looking for partnering initiatives.

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OTHER NEW BUSINESS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Cathy Reynolds, proprietor of our newest B & B “Fans of Calabogie” offered to organize the Second Annual Scarecrow Contest.  She plans to host the event on the front lawn of Murphy’s Landing from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 21st with a rain date of Oct. 28th .  A $2 entry fee will be charged to participants who must build their scarecrow on site.  Posters are being circulated.  Games etc. will be included.

Businesses are encouraged to contact Cath to offer prizes for the competition. 

(Note: Since the CABA meeting, Skip Hale has announced that, at the same event, there will be a seed exchange (good will donation) and garden stone workshop ($20). Call the library for details. All proceeds to Library Building Fund.)

 

- Chris Fleming advised members that four delegations of cottagers would be presenting to the next Council of Whole meeting in Griffith, regarding Calabogie Motorsport Park.  He encouraged members who are enjoying increased business because of CMP and/or who just wish to support CMP should consider advising Council as they are continually hearing from the objective minority. 

It was suggested that perhaps a delegation of supporters be organized to present to a future Council meeting.  The special telephone line 1 866 790 2249 is available for support calls as well as noise complaint calls. 

 

- Rich Hale advised the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce has received a nomination for Calabogie Motor Sport to be named New Business of the Year.

Brian Hunt proposed a letter be drafted from CABA showing support for CMP.

Motion approved as follows:  “A letter be drafted showing support for Calabogie Motor Sport and inform our Council of the benefit the Track has had on local business.”

 

Amber Gorra from Creative Glass Studio (4508 Calabogie Road) advised she is now offering instruction classes and invited members to drop in.

 

Thanks to Shooter’s for providing the refreshments.

 

PANEL AND DISCUSSION

Introduction of Panel Members by Gary Reed which included three CABA business members – Tim Elder (Calabogie Family Grocery), Chris Fleming  (Calabogie Motor Sport Park) and Betty Oattes (Murphy’s Landing  Restaurant) along with Bruce Parker, Chair of Township Economic Development Committee.

Each Panel Member answered questions from Chair and voiced their opinions of their experiences with doing business in the Township.  Members  asked questions from the floor. It was such an informative and stimulating discussion that the meeting was not adjourned until 10:00 pm.

 

Next Meeting:  November 12th.  Location t.b.a.                                           

                                                                                             

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CALABOGIE & AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

MEETING DATE:  SEPTEMBER 10, 2007

LOCATION:  SHOOTERS BAR & GRILL

ATTENDEES:

 

Gary Reed – Meeting Chair & Director

Carolyn Jakes – Vice-President

Debora Giffin – Secretary

Fay Wilson - Treasurer, Realtor, Valley VIP

Karen Warren, Director, Neat Things

Shelley Monaghan, Director, Realtor

 

Mike Graham, Sleepy Cedars

Allison Paul, Sleepy Cedars (non voting)

Gord Wallace, Calabogie Lodge

Jim Weatherall, Jim’s Bait & Tackle

Ruth Weatherall, Jim’s Bait & Tackle (non voting)

Russ Fields, Scenic Chalets (non voting)

Sandra Navarro, Scenic Chalets

Roberta Pringle, R.P.’s Business Services

Tim Elder, Calabogie Grocery Store

Kim Elder, Calabogie Grocery Store (non voting)

David Lester, Mulligan’s Den & Valley VIP Real Estate

Betty Oattes, Murphy’s Landing Restaurant

Amber Gorra, Creative Glass Studio & Gift Shop

Jarek Kasprzak, Best View Chalet

Halina Muck, Best View Chalet (non voting)

Brian Hunt, Jocko’s Beach Resort

Chris Fleming, Calabogie Motorsport & Calabogie Highlands

Ann Stubinsky, Black Donald T & T Park

Catherine Reynolds, The Fans of Calabogie

Skip Hale, Greater Madawaska Library (non voting)

Rich Hale (non voting)

 

GUESTS: 

Steve Newman, Renfrew Mercury

Bruce Parker, Economic Development Committee of GMT

 

 

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