President Rodger Cole stood before attendees of the Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce AGM on May 29th, 2015 and declared, “a successful year of revitalization for the Chamber.”
The Pigeon Lake Chamber of Commerce is entering its 25th year of operation. Like any other organization that has operated for 25 years, they have experienced ups-and-downs and highs-and-lows. Community business people recognizing the need for a new ‘up’ and a new ‘high’ for the Pigeon Lake region, entered into an aggressive mode of rebuilding and revitalization for the Chamber of Commerce.
Cole reported the Chamber under the leadership of the new executive had re-established three priorities for the year.
The first goal, ‘Return to the Shores Summit’ was held on February 3rd, 2015 where 30 individuals came together in a facilitated workshop to explore & prioritize ways to present Pigeon Lake in a positive light emphasizing how it is a great place to live, play and prosper.
The second goal was the re-launch of the popular and unique Ice Golf event, the nineteenth year of the unique event held on March 14, 2015.
The third goal was to establish member values and increase operational efficiencies including the re-establishing the Fun Map in both a print and digital version linked to www.pigeonlake.com.
Cole then reviewed some of the other actions and outcomes achieved by the Chamber: Membership roster, financial records up to date, office space, computers, printers, audited financial statements and the Pigeon Lake chamber.ca.
As Committee reports were presented, there was a growing feeling of accomplishment within the Chamber.
Finance Committee:
The Financial Statements for 2014 were printed, circulated and tabled by Dale Unland. Jean Glazier volunteered her time to sort the financial papers and bring them up to date, as well as auditing the 2013 books, and preparing the 2014 ready for audit. Highlights reported included:
All the bills have been paid.
In the bank to date is about $10,000.
Ice Golf brought in about $10,000.
The County of Wetaskiwin committed to $10,000, $1000 of which was for the Return to the Shores Summit. The County of Leduc turned down our request for funds at the present time.
Membership Committee:
95 current members including 3 new members; Mulhurst Gift and Books, Ron Taylor Creative and Mortgage Brokers.
Budget Committee:
2015 Budget prepared, printed, circulated and tabled by Dale Unland .
Ice Golf:
(presented by Steve Richards)
Over 70 golfers participated with 140 attending the banquet. Steve expressed thanks to all the Ice Golf volunteers, and particularly to Vic Bailey and Bernadette Sereda for their leadership in this event. Strong support and hard work was appreciated and recognized by the Mulhurst Legion members. 2016 is the 20th Anniversary for Ice Golf; proposed date is set for March 12, 2016, but will be confirmed by the committee when they meet in June. Steve put out the call for new members who are willing to serve on this committee. The website icegolf.ca has been secured and Rick Mercer has been contacted about coming out to cover this special event. Murray Stone from the Lakedell Ag Society will communicate to Lakedell that we do not want to compete with the Bull-a-rama Event.
Fun map update and radio advertising:
Shirley Hauptman played the five radio slots from the Media partners UP 99.3 radio. Fun map brochures were circulated; Pigeon Lake Visitors guide were also circulated. There are still more spaces for partnership on the interactive visitors guide. Watch for Pigeon Lake on the Travel Alberta ‘Facebook Handle’, emphasizing camping and golfing.
Rundle’s Mission
Presentation:
(Colleen Lomas, manager at Rundle’s Mission):
The purpose was to provide a place for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Rev. Gerry Hutchinson, founder, memorial service which was held today died at 101 years of age. Robert Rundle came here in 1840: 175th anniversary this year. First Protestant (Methodist) missionary west of Thunder Bay. Aboriginal people set up camp here because of the fish and the artesian well which is located on the heritage site.
August 29 will be the date of celebration featuring entertainment, crafts, trading center, children’s games, traditional lunch (stew and bannock), historical displays.
Chamber was invited to come and celebrate: locally, provincially and throughout western Canada.
Lakeshore Lookout gazebo has been built on the lakeshore.
Alberta Piano Festival: three weekends in July. (Formerly held at the Banff Center).
Car Rally:
Christine McFarland advised there will be a car rally on October 10, 2015. (Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend) The theme will feature the history of the region. There is a Car Show and Shine in Mulhurst in June, and would be a valuable connection to make. Doug McKenzie and Kathleen Payne volunteered.
Guest speaker:
(Dean Chapman: Chamber Benefit Plan):
Designed for small businesses (under 10 employees). No underwriting if there are at least three employees. (20 hours per week or 9 months per year).
Chamber Group Benefit Plan: Not for profit company; portion of the premiums go back to the local chamber.
Dean will send out an email with links for information which will be forwarded to the membership. There is a link of the pigeonlakechamber.ca to member benefits.
Customized for individual chamber members. If you hold a chamber membership, you qualify for this plan. Get your members to be chamber members.
Includes agricultural component as well. Short term and long term disability, dental, travel insurance. 12 hours counselling service. (Employee assistance program).
Business support component included in the benefit plan: 6 hours for lawyer, 6 hours for accountant, and 6 hours for human resources specialist.
Elections:
Current Directors: Steve Richards, Barbara White, Doug McKenzie, Vice President Linda Zukiwski, President Rodger Cole, Treasurer Dale Unland. Keith Johnson, one of the original board members from October 2014, has resigned. Dennis Ward, John Hauptman, and Darrell Bohlander were nominated and elected to the three open positions for 2 year terms.
Update on a few
issues in the County
of Wetaskiwin:
(Larry McIver):
Fire ban: The conditions evaluating fire danger is reviewed by the county daily.
Lake Revitalization: ban on cosmetic fertilizer, other magic but unproven ideas are being discussed at great length.
Moved by Linda Zukiwski that the meeting be adjourned at 9:45 pm.