BACC AGM June 21, 2011

Written by BACC Admin | 23 June 2011

The 2011 AGM for the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce was held at the Masonic Hall on Tuesday June 21st.  The doors opened for registration and breakfast at 7:30 am and the AGM got underway at 7:50 am.

There were three business displays for attendees to see and learn more about some of our local businesses, The Bridgewater Comfort Inn, Lighthouse Motel and Mab's Jewels and Jems. Jenny Hardy, BACC's representative with Preston and Associates who are the providers of our Chamber Group Insurance Plan was also on hand with information for anyone interested in exploring the advantages of the plan.

The Treasurer's report was good news with the information that for the first time in several years BACC made a small profit.  This was accomplished through the reduction of the weekly work hours of the Executive Director and close monitoring of other expenses.  Grant Thornton were appointed as the auditors.

The manager of the local Visitor Information Centre, Dan Hennessey gave an update on the Centre and gave information on how business owners and managers can benefit from the centre. 

There are two new board members joining the board to fill vacant positions.  These are Laura Gibson, manager of the local BMO branch and Owen Thomas, and Associate with Ferrier, Kimble and Thomas a law firm operating in Bridgewater. The new executive will be announced following the first regular board meeting which is slated for early July.

The report on the Board activities, the Executive Directo's report and the President's report showed just how busy the past year has been for the chamber.  There have been several events hosted by BACC,

•  A Home Based Business Association networking event,
• An after hours networking event
• Breakfast with the Mayors
• Christmas Lighting Contest as part of the Chirstmas on the Lahave Festival
• Curling Fun Spiel
• Meetings with the Provincial Caucus and the Finance Minister
• Breakfast with Jamie Ballie, Provincial leader of the Conservative party
• President meeting with Gerald Keddy, MP
• Federal Candidates Forum
• Participation in several committees including PRAC and BDA Marketing
• Membership Benefit Information Evening at NSCC
• A big thank you goes out to the organizers, the hosts and the attendees at all of these events.

Judy Koster and Craig Collins were presented with pewter pins in recognition of their contribution to the BACC and in appreciate of their roles as past presidents of BACC.

Both the Executive Director and the President stressed the importance of member involvement and feedback to the organization.

While this year has been a busy one, the next few months will also be busy. Watch your events calendar on our website to get all the details of upcoming member events.  www.bridgewaterchamber.com

The meeting was adjourned by 9:00 am.