CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Gerry Boyce at 7:45 pm 

INTRODUCTIONS: Gerry Boyce, Sandie Puddephatt, Louise Arsenault, Ken Arsenault, Brad Pinch, Beth Pinch, Bill Smirle, Alvin Runnalls, Estella Rose, Colin Pring, Robin Morris, Martin Schoones, Ted Celen, Joanna Helmer, Greg Pietersma, Chris Zabel, Eric Duncan, John VanBruinessen, Marcia Dion

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:  Brad asked for discussion on salespeople coming around selling wares 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  not available 

OLD BUSINESS: 

1)  Council to look into property rentals policy for whole township.  Chesterville had a Policy before amalgamation.  The people organizing the big sale in Chesterville arena would have paid $200 for permit + $900 for use of hall + taxes.  A new bylaw is being worked on to include entire municipality.  Brad asked if there would be a public meeting on this  - Council meetings can be attended by public.                             

2)  Structure Committee discussion:

• John V. said general meetings should remain same (monthly)

• Sandie P. stated the intent was not to break up Chamber but to make meetings more productive by having  meetings at a more local level to discuss items of local nature

• Eric felt South Mountain was too small for meetings on their own

• Beth is still wondering what she has bought into

• Greg asked if there were things being discussed at Chamber meetings that            shouldn’t be.  Attendance will not necessarily increase if structure changes. Perhaps we should start with constitution and bylaws and structure for meetings.

• Colin stated that South Dundas is reviewing their articles - will get a copy and              forward to Owen                   

• Joanna felt the main stumbling block was lack of communication.  She said she has been a member since Feb. yet she is still not listed on website directory.  She suggested we have a person to send emails/faxes to all members.   

• Estelle felt we should attach a questionnaire to minutes to get input from those not attending meetings

• Greg suggested we formalize minutes - people want to get involved but can’t always attend meetings

• Brad said all this sounds great but we do not have a paid full time person to do it.  We need more people to get involved or there won’t be a Chamber                         

• Eric said lets get constitution and bylaws first

• Eric, Joanna, and Greg agreed to work on this and present at Sept. meeting 

NEW BUSINESS: 

1)   Pride of Workmanship program - Marcia Dion reported on behalf of Rotary Club.  Program designed to promote pride in your workplace.  One can be nominated by employer or coworker.  Recipient receives award to recognize their efforts.  Applications available from Marcia or Birket  - return nominations to them by Oct. 1. Dinner and awards on Nov 1.

2)   Greg Pietersma gave a presentation on School Board (he is a Trustee).  He explained that we need educated people in order to provide services to others.  The role of the trustee is to keep people engaged in education. There are 4 Boards that service an area bigger than PEI - English public Board is the largest with a budget of $300 million.  He explained how the Strategic plan directly effects businesses.  Due to declining enrollment, there is room in schools for businesses to share space.  This will enable some Schools to remain open.  All schools now have high speed internet.  Another part of the plan is to develop long distance teaching (use internet) and thirdly to make character training part of the                 curriculum.  He expressed the importance of using our public school system to build our communities.

3)   Brad asked if there was a bylaw prohibiting door to door (business to business) salespeople.  Alvin will find out if  anything can be done.

4)   Gerry reported that South Dundas has a flyer that comes out regularly to keep people informed as to the happenings in the area.  Something for North Dundas to think about. 

NEXT MEETING:  Wednesday September 15 at 7:30 a.m.  Location TBA