HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-22 AGMNewcastle Downtown Business Improvement Association 2019 Annual General Meeting
January 22, 2019 6:OOpm at The New Massey House.
In attendance: Sheila Hall (CBOT), Greg & Marni Lewis (Desjardins Insurance), Theresa
Vanhaverbeke (Syvan Developments Limited), Masood & Helen Vatandoust (Keller
Williams), Debbie Miller (Newcastle Home Decor), Jane Black (Chamber of Commerce),
Karen & Gus Bastas (The Massey House), Linda Hansen & Wendy Westwood (Parade
Committee), Lina & Maddy Schmahl (Studio 37), Granville Anderson, Janeen Calder
(Newcastle Massage Therapy), Mayor Adrian Foster, Valentine Live-in & Effie (Lovekin
Law), Leslie Ray & Sue Holder (Ray & Company), Ryan & Amber Ormiston (Foodland),
Tracey & Roger Yates, Councillor Marg Zwart.
Regrets: Krista Klawitter, Ann Harley, Richard Mazar, Catherine Peterson, Donna Wood,
Kevin Adams
1. Call to Order by the Chair — Valentine Lovekin
a. Welcome to special guests: Mayor Adrian Foster, Granville Anderson,
Councillor Marg Zwart
Valentine was reminded of Mark Hendrix and his involvement with the BIA. The BIA is
interesting, there are lots of type A personalities. It can be kind of a challenge. It is a real
pleasure to work with the BIA. There are many engaged businesses, continue coming
out, your opinion makes a difference.
2. Approval of 2018 Minutes
a. Moved: Karen Bastas
b. Seconded: Helen Vatandoust
c. Carried
3. Approval of the Actions of the Board of Management
a. Moved: Greg Lewis
b. Seconded: Tracey Yates
c. Carried
4. Treasurer's Report and Approval of the 2019 Budget —Leslie Ray
This year the BIA budget had a shortfall of $7930. We have requested to use
$10,000 from the west end money to cover the cost of the Banners.
The amount of $35,000.00 was approved for the 2019 budget.
a. Moved: Janeen Calder
b. Seconded: Joanna Bastas
c. Carried
5. Report on Safety and Decor — Theresa Vanhaverbeke
Businesses are reminded to take responsibility of their own sidewalks in front
of their businesses, once the initial snow is cleared by This will avoid
any slip and fall incidents that may result in lawsuits.
6. Report on Special Events
Karen welcomed and thanked the parade committee for all their hard work
(Wendy Westwood, Jane Black, Linda Hansen). The cost of the parade is
$20,000, the bands are the largest expense. The Christmas tree fundraiser was
successful for its first year. They had 16 trees auctioned off this year and are
hoping to auction 28 in 2019, they will be adding wreaths as an option. The
committee is always looking for more help, if you are interested or know someone
that would like to help please contact Karen.
Harvest Festival has had some interest already and there is chatter about plans for
this year. Watch for updates later this year. If you have any comments or ideas
please contact Lins Schmahl.
The Santa Breakfast was a huge success, it had record numbers attending this
year. The Vatandoust team have stepped down from planning it this year, but are
passing the torch onto Greg and Marni Lewis. Thank you for making this event
such a success Helen and Masood!
This was the first year for the Town Hall Lighting. It was very successful, with
amazing feedback. 13 businesses opened their doors for the evening, and
provided crafts and activities to more than 100 kids. If you are interested in
helping this year, contact Janeen Calder.
7. Officers of the BIA
The 2019 Board this year:
President: Valentine Lovekin
Vice President: Karen Bastas
Treasurer: Leslie Ray
Secretary: Marni Lewis
Advertising Chair: Catherine Peterson
Safety & Decor Chair:
Events Chair:
If anyone is interested in taking on any of the available positions let us know.
8. New Business:
Valentine would like to acknowledge and thank, Theresa Vanhaverbeke for all her
hard work in many BIA roles over the years. She has been dedicated to
promoting the downtown businesses and is always there to help.
8. Motion to Adjourn
a. Moved: Helen Vatandout
b. Seconded: Karen Bastas
c. Carried