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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-14Newcastle BIA MINUTES March 14, 2019 www.villageofnewcastle.ca Attendance: Valentine Lovekin, Theresa Vanhaverbeke, Janeen Calder, Donna Wood, Lina Schmahl, Helen Vatandoust, Jane Black, John Thistle, Bonnie Wrightman, Teresa Shaver, Margaret Zwart Regrets: Marni Lewis, Greg Lewis, Karen Bastas, Leslie Ray, Tracey Yates, Ann Harley, Joyce King 1. Attendance taken: we each introduced ourselves. 2. Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. Chaired by Theresa Vanhaverbeke. 3. Special Guest - Teresa Shaver, Executive Director, Business Advisory Centre Durham (B.A.C.D.). Teresa gave a presentation and handout on Digital Main Street project, the benefits to the BIA and how it can help with economical development in the region. To apply for the one-time $2,500 grant, business owners complete a 15 mins digital assessment and do online training. The grant money has to be spent on areas of digitalization by March 31, 2020. Non BIA members can complete the online training but are not eligible for the grant. Theresa Vanhaverbeke asked if businesses can hire an independent web developer and the answer is yes. Teresa will e.mail Helen more information. 4. Approval of February Minutes: Motion to accept: Jane Black. Seconded: Helen. 5. Business Arising from Minutes: Theresa to follow up with Leslie Ray. Leslie to contact the municipality re: the release of the $10,000. Leslie to pick up the $35,000 Levie. The Heads of Special Events did not meet. Those who need to meet before Easter are: Karen, Lina, Janeen, Marni and Ann Harley. 6. President's Report: The porta potty from Canada Day was paid by the BIA. Valentine has the invoice and a copy of the cheque. The garlands have not been resolved. Valentine will report back at the next meeting. 7. Treasurer's Report: Nothing new to report. Leslie is away. 8. Council Report - Granville Anderson Granville was absent. His secretary e.mailed Donna to find out about the BIA meeting schedule. Marg Zwart was in attendance. Theresa gave Marg an overview of what Council brings to the BIA meetings. Marg mentioned a study re: a park at the Diane Hamre Rec Centre. Bonnie Wrightman (CBOT) said there is a tenant moving into the Buster's building. Bonnie will find out who the new tenant is and let us know. The owner of the building still has to clean up and there are renos happening. The interior looks better than the outside. The fence outside blew down and is quite dangerous to pedestrians. Janeen mentioned there is no permit posted. Marg will look into this. Another new business coming to Newcastle is Gold Reflections Jewellers from the Bowmanville Mall. They will be opening in July in the old Max Milk store. 9. Committee Reports: Safety and Decor: Theresa will look into the flowers, to see if they are being ordered again this year. Advertising: Website is getting lots of clicks. Top Posts: Foodbank when No Frills had their special promotion Newfie Night at The New Massey House St George's Pancake Supper The Newcastle Drone video Instagram has 382 followers. Special Events: a) Easter Scavenger Hunt: Ann Harley is organizing this event. b) Canada Day: nothing new to report. c) Harvest Festival: nothing new to report. d) Town Hall Lighting: Janeen is on the Hall Board and their meeting is next week. e) Santa Parade: Jane said the committee will be meeting soon. f) Breakfast with Santa: Marni will organize things soon. 10. CBOT: Bonnie Wrightman: Breakfast with MPP David Piccini May 3, 2019 at The New Massey House restaurant. The new build at 109 King Street East (Tenzin's building) is open for occupancy Spring, 2019. Windows are already in on the second level. CBOT is working with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (O.M.A.F.R.A.). Their focus is on Tourism and identifying how businesses are doing: are they struggling, closing, expanding etc. CBOT will be interviewing business owners to collect stats and to see how CBOT can help. Stats will be assessed and an action plan put in place. On March 25, 2019, that mayor will make an announcement re: a new business coming to the area. John Thistle asked about the new Toyota Plant and if there would be any new jobs. Bonnie said that the employees would more than likely come from the Scarborough plant. If they expand, there will probably be a job fair. 11. Chamber News: Jane gave an update: the Chamber directory is being prepared ready for printing. May 26, 2019 is the Home Show. Two banners can be installed in Newcastle promoting the event. Blush Bridals is having a fashion show at the Home Show. 12. CIP: Nothing new to report. 13. New business: Welcome John Thistle. John has appointments for the next two BIA meetings but he will join us for future meetings. 14. Next Meeting, Thursday April 11, 2019 at 9am. 15. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn meeting by Jane Black, seconded by Valentine Lovekin.