Council Minutes AGM February 26th, 2023

LBoT AGM Minutes                                      Date: January 26th,2023

Attendees:

20 members of LBoT Council and Membership present.

 CTO: 6:24PM

 Adjournment: 6:54PM                                        

Agenda Approval:

Minutes Approval:

 Yes – (GF)(AS)

Minutes

Agenda item:

 President’s Report

Presenter:

 Jamie Myra

Discussion:

Jamie summarized his President’s Letter and highlighted the return of tourism in 2022, and that while wonderful to see, it was also clear that this exacerbated staffing concerns. Our guest speaker, South Shore Tourism Cooperative (SSTC) would have spoken about this but had to cancel due to a family emergency. We look forward to working with SSTC on ways to mitigate this in our region.

Jamie also mentioned the record year our campground had and that next year is already up 20% in bookings over last.

Another highlight of the year was the return of Saltscapes and the TIANS summit which we were excited to be able to attend. The LBoT will also be reinstating our Bursary program for graduating high school students in Lunenburg.

2022 was a year of collaboration, with the MBTCC on Oktoberfest and with TOL and FMA on other events. We also rejoined the Lunenburg Cultural Collective (LCC) and our staff attend those meetings.

Conclusions:

 We are looking forward to the 2023 season and on further collaborations.

Action items

Person responsible

Deadline:NA

Agenda item:

 Belliveau Veinotte’s Financial Reports

Presenter:

 Lisa Mutch, BVCA

Discussion:

 Lisa gave a presentation that reported on two years of financials, the year ending Oct 31st,2021 and the year ending Oct 31st 2022. Both years had very similar numbers overall, however Lisa noted that in 2021 there were still some CEWS and CEBA funds represented as well as deferral of much of the Shop Local funding. Campground revenue was up over 2020 due to Netflix campground rental and there were a few small capitol purchases (Baby Barn, Snowflake Lighting)

2022 was a very good year for the campground, with revenue up by $75k over pre covid. Deferred Shop Local funding shows up in 2022 which accounts for fundraising being up over previous. Staffing related grants are down about 47K from pre covid and both wages as well as campground utilities are up but Lisa noted that this makes sense due to increased traffic at campground and VIC.

Conclusions:

 Lisa states that our reports and records satisfied applicable Canadian accounting standards. There were no questions from the floor. Motion to approve financial reports: Passed (RJ) (WW)

Action items

Person responsible

Deadline: NA

 Agenda item:

 Nominating Committee

Presenter:

 Gale Fullerton

Discussion:

Gale first thanks outgoing Council members, Jason Huskilson and William Wells. A special presentation is made to William Wells to thank him for his long service to the LBoT.

Gale reports that we have 1 new nominee for Council, Lisa Tanner. She also reports that current Director, Sam Eisener will be moving into the position of Secretary.

During call for nominations from the floor, Martin Ruiz Salvador and Adam Bower, both nominate themselves. No opposition from the floor.

Jamie Myra then introduces Deputy Mayor Peter Mosher who congratulates and welcomes the new 2023 Council.

Jamie also takes a moment to introduce the Town’s new CAO, Jamie Doyle and state that we look forward to working closely with him.

Conclusions:

 Jamie thanks all who attended and adjourns the meeting at 6:54PM

Action items

Person responsible

Deadline: NA

 Special Notes:

 After the financial presentations, there was a question from the floor regarding future plans for the Lunenburg Board of Trade once the campground lease has expired and the land has been sold, as per the Town’s plans.

Jamie Myra responded to say we are working closely with the Town on this topic, and that we should have the ability to remain during the 2023 season and there is some hope that we can remain through the 2024 season as well. We will also be working with the Town on other ways for the LBoT to garner revenue and continue operations.

Ultimately while the Board of Trade would love to stay indefinitely, we understand the need for development and growth within Lunenburg which would necessitate the sale of the land.