Chamber Chat: AGM February 2018
Sadly this year’s AGM was not very well attended but then there was no wine tasting! Nonetheless we hosted a good cross section of our membership
THE PRESIDENTS REPORT
Hugh Fink gave his report highlighting the positive year the Chamber has had: increased membership, active committee and a successful events programme. Additionally the Chamber image was updated, we launched the business directory ‘Boroughbridge Independents’, became more active on social media and attracted the attention and support of Stray FM. He then went on to outline the challenges ahead: inevitable loss of long-standing members as they reach retirement, demonstrating relevance to potential new members, “busy lifestyles” of the membership and Committee, and financial pressures –specifically how to fund the Christmas lights after 2018.
Going forward he emphasised the Chamber’s on-going support for a number of community projects including the purchase of a new noticeboard on Fishergate. In addition to updating the business directory the Chamber were launching a website to support local businesses.
He concluded by thanking ex-President Simon Cooney and members of the Committee for their work, Reed Boardall and the Best Western Crown Hotel for on-going practical and financial backing, and finally Robert Chamley, the Chamber Secretary, for his time and commitment.
THE TREASURERS REPORT
Colin Fenny presented the financial that had been prepared by BCT Accountants. Overall a positive year: Business Buzz managed to remain self-funding through the year, the dinner dance stayed in the black and Race Night raised sufficient funds to support the Christmas lights with the help of the Town Council. A generous donation of £500 plus a grant from the Town Council has enabled us to order the noticeboard mentioned above. This, plus to the cost of the new website, would now come out of 2018/19 accounts.
This year the membership fee has been increased to £50, still less than a £1 a week. The increase will help us support existing and new initiatives.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Chamber Officers were re-elected uncontested and are as follows:
President – Hugh Fink, FINK
Vice President – Simon Wetherald, Wormers Direct
Treasurer – Colin Fenny, Reed Boardall
2 Business Directory & Website Update
Chamber Members Commence Marketing have undertaken the development of our new website. The website will host an on-line version of our business directory: Boroughbridge Independents. The web version will be open to non-members but the hard copy version will remain members only.
The website will also provide a platform for promoting events, sharing news and promoting membership.
We hope to go live at Easter.
3 Business Buzz Events Programme
We are pleased to announce a further four dates for our popular Business Buzz networking events. All sessions start at 7pm and last until approximately 9pm. Sessions are usually themed and provide an opportunity to meet other local business folk:
26th April Hosted by new members The Punch Bowl at Marton cum Grafton
28th June; 13th September; 15th November
These sessions cost £7.50 for members / £10 non-members including a bite to eat. To plan food and also because some venues have limited space you do need to book in advance.
Topics to be confirmed – watch out for further details via email or the Chamber’s Facebook page.
4 Freedom of Boroughbridge Parade, 7th May
The 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps have been invited to receive the honour of The Freedom of Boroughbridge on 7 May 18. This will involve a parade and ceremony plus they are arranging to entertain with family activities.
This is an important event for the town and the Chamber is glad to support it. The 7th May is a bank holiday and many of the town’s shops would normally not be open. However, given that this is a special occasion we would like to encourage you to support the event by opening. If that is not possible then can we encourage you to simply turn out and enjoy the day! The more the merrier!
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Note about Committee Meetings:
If you have questions for the committee or wish to raise an item on the agenda of a future meeting please contact the Secretary via chamberoftradeboroughbridge@gmail.com 10 days before the Committee meeting (first Wednesday of every month). You should also contact the Secretary if you would like to receive the full minutes of any meeting.