Calabogie and Area Business
Association
Minutes,
Attending: Carolyn Jakes,
Deb Giffin, Cath Reynolds, Lenore and Joe Guthrie, Ann Stubinsky, Georgette
Reed, Kristina Chapman, Lee Chapman, Skippy Hale,
Welcome Remarks
Round Table Self Introduction
FYI Circulation
Deb highlighted the report that came from the tourist information booth and were a result of our ‘ambassador’s questions put to the visitors. Results:
Reason for visiting the area
-
vacation,
- visiting nearby attractions (i.e. Calabogie Motorsport)
- day trip
- stopping for information
- visiting friends or relatives
Why stop at the booth
-
Looking for accommodation
- Looking for other facilities
- Information about hiking trails
- directions to CMP, atv/snowmobile trails, artists studios, general shopping
- obtain a map
- inquire about real estate.
Age of travelers stopping by
- 41-54,
-
55 plus
-
26-40.
Average
length of stay
- 1 night
Visitors coming from
-
Majority came from
-
- about 75 k away
- seaway valley
-
anywhere in the
-
Visitors arrived by
- Car/truck,
- Atv
Approval of Agenda
Accepted as presented with deletion of guest speaker regarding Harmonized Sales Tax.
CABA Director, Kristina Chapman advised MPP John
Yakabuski was unable to attend due to members just starting back to session.
She hopes to confirm either the Finance Minister, Sean Hamilton or his aide for a future
meeting.
Sub- Committee Reports
. Festival of Senses
- Cath Reynolds reported that we have 28 sites this year, up from 22 last year, naming a few of the newest additions (guided walks, historical tour of local churches, The Duck, Calabogie Lodge and Jocko’s )
- A list of advertising sources that were used to promote the festival, both free and paid was reviewed
-
An invitation was extended to a “wrap
up” party, Sunday, October 4,
. Economic Development – Bruce Parker, Chair
Bruce spoke about the progress of the Broadband project in the township.
- He indicated the areas that were now connected and the areas yet to be
- There is a website to access for information www.townshipofgratermadawaska to find details of the latest broadband info, map of coverage, which areas will be connected and when
- email address
to check if your phone number is capable of connectivity (a link to the
-
- Burnstown area will probably be connected in 2010
-
To recognize what high speed connection can do for us there is a
showcase and information session offered for any and all people interested in
learning more about internet use.
Greater Madawaska Broadband Tech
Expo
Thursday and Friday, October 14
and 15,
Saturday, October 16,
at the Community Centre
Representatives from
Anyone who sells products over
the internet is invited to sign up and be a part of the exhibition. For more information visit the township
website at www.townshipofgreatermadawaska.com
Deb encouraged everyone to talk it up with those outside of the area. Get the word out to encourage people who are considering moving to the area that we now have high speed internet access.
Official
Trail Opening
Grand opening of Manitou Mountian Trail was well attended. The trail has been getting great reviews and lots of press.
- First of three trails to be developed (Griffith Highlands Trail, Oak Hill Trail) are progressing as planned
- Waiting for
approval to develop flat water paddle route (somuchmore website has more
information regarding the
trails progress.)
- CABA is sponsoring the signage
CABA’s Annual Achievement Awards
– Georgette Reed & Elizabeth
Jost-Couture
- Georgette
&
- Encouraged nominations from the membership
- It was suggested that David put a page on calabogie.org website to display a nomination form. Awards will be given during the December meeting.
New CABA Logo
Deb circulated a copy of the logo and introduced the logo designer’s background information. This was done on a volunteer basis and CABA will send her a thank you note.
Reeve Emon Presentation and Business Update
A busy and constructive month of August
- Council members attended 2 conferences, meeting with tourism minister regarding ‘destination marketing fee’. It was suggested that the fee go to the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association for them to manage, as we are more closely aligned with this tourist area. It is being considered.
- Township, speaking on behalf of The Peaks, suggested government funding to stimulate outside investment. There seemed to be a good response and possibly an investment opportunity for the resort. The minister was interested in the area. It was a satisfying meeting.
- A meeting with Provincial Correctional Services requested our
municipality be given funding to ensure our fire department is adequately able
to cover our area in the future. Peter
sees a time when they will need to consider a full time fire chief and expand
the staff of the fire department.
Council has been asked to “flesh out” the proposal.
- No money (as yet) from Fed’s in relation to crown land. Council is prepared to keep making presentations
- Tatty
- Met with the Ministry of Education and complained about the closing of our Public school. School boards are not cooperating. Ministry says that at least 10 other boards in the province share buildings. Recommendation is to expand the existing school. Getting both sides to agree is a challenge but continues to be an ongoing project.
- Family Health Team. Township has asked for funding to increase staffing at the clinic (more hours, more personnel) . There is a short and long term plan that council will continue to pursue.
- September 21,
Treasurer’s Report
- Presented by Carolyn Jakes
- Bank balance stands at $6,417.14 including Trails Grant committment
- 40 members have still not paid 2009-2010 membership fee
Approval of Budget for 2009-2010
- Approved unanimously
- Deb highlighted the $750.00 co-op advertising line item will be dedicated to advertisements in OVTA/Maple Lanes tourist magazines. (There is still an opportunity for individual businesses to sponsor the K&P trail map)
Question: It was asked if
membership was CABA’s only source of funds. Deb reminded members we had
decided all fund raising would be ‘project specific’ and is presently allocated
to the Festival of the Senses.
CABA Annual Report
- 2008/2009 Annual Report was circulated.
- You can read the report in full on CABA’s website at www.calabogie.org
New and Old Business
Upcoming Event:
1.
Tuesday, October 20 - Bridges to Better Business (Best Western Renfrew
Inn)
An excellent opportunity for small business
owners. Featuring
keynote speaker Michael J. Hughes ("Networking Guru") who
specializes in utilizing networking as a business strategy and Syd Bolton who
will discuss marketing with social media.
2. Wednesday, November 18 -
OVTA AGM & Tourism Conference (
Membership is
invited to supply brochures/coupons/discounts that will be part of a “gift bag”.
3.Skippy Hale spoke about an idea
to create a ‘welcome wagon’ style service here for new comers into the
Calabogie area. A steering committee has
been formed. They are looking to CABA
for support as this project develops.
Deb suggested that the committee work with Lucy Lester who is putting
together a ‘trades and services’ directory.
Skip also said that, with help from the WI, they are developing a
welcome baby package too.
4.Chris Fleming
Chris brought a sample of an advertising display that the town of
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting will be held December 7. Location:
The Duck Restaurant