AHED

Minutes of meeting – April 18th, 2013

10 a.m. – 12 noon @ Magnetawan Community Centre

Regrets: Steve Munro, Westwind Forestry; Carole Mantha, MNDM; Don Carter, Whitestone.

1. Welcome, call to order ~ Jeff Johnston 10:10 a.m.
2. Introductions of attendees
3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest ~ N/A
4. Adoption of Minutes of March 21, 2013 1^st – Merv Mulligan 2^nd – David Stewart
5. Business Arising (AHED Business)

Virginia Hastings of Starshine Video Productions is based in Huntsville, mostly operating in Muskoka and Parry Sound.  Starshine Video Productions works with small and large businesses.  Packages start as low as $2000.00 

Starshine Video Productions is currently working on a project with Whitestone highlighting area activities and attractions by creating a series 1 minute vignettes all at different times of year – in order to draw tourism and industry. 

Virginia stressed that Starshine Productions will work with municipalities or any business for that matter in working within budgets and making their service affordable.  Virginia shared a few videos of her recent work done with Explorer’s Edge – these videos are available for viewing and using in your own social media via Explorer’s Edge website Explorer's Edge

You can visit Starshine Video Productions’ online portfolio at Starshine Video Productions

Please find Starshine Video Productions’ Company Profile attached to this month’s meeting minutes along with some statistics on online videos.

6. 
   
   Reports from Community and Resource Partners

       John Santarossa/EDO Magnetawan

John was pleased to be attending his third meeting and Magnetawan was happy to host the meeting this month.  The two projects discussed at the last meeting, solar and affordable housing are ongoing.  John will be attending a conference in Toronto focused on downtown revitalization – there should be some great information on street-scaping and ways to revitalize the downtown core.  An energy audit is being done in Magnetawan to explore the usages on Municipal buildings.  John is also taking on the duties of the Deputy Clerk for the time being for the Municipality.  Magnetawan is in the running for the WFN Ultimate Fishing Town Contest – the top three will win monetary prizes.  To vote for Magnetawan please visit www.ultimatefishingtown.com/magnetawan-on Voting takes place until May 24, 2013.  Best of luck to Magnetawan!

     Carly Hughes/ Business Centre of Nipissing and Parry Sound

Carly reported that they are currently focusing on youth programs upcoming for the summer.  The Summer Company program has space for 14 students, thus far, 19 have applied – the deadline is May 17^th.  The FedNor Business Plan Challenge’s deadline is fast approaching as well - May 9^th.  The “Make Your Pitch” program, open to high school students grade 9 – 12 is a brand new program for this year – students can submit a 2 minute video pitch and submissions are voted on by the public and judges.  The contest is open from April 8 – May 3^rd.  First prize is a paid trip to the OCE Discovery Conference in Toronto and a reserved spot with Summer Company.  There was no Lunch & Learn event scheduled for April in Parry Sound but May’s meeting topic will be “Website Basics” – more information to come.

       Ron Begin/FedNor

Ron attended a Funder’s Forum on Monday April 15^th held by KPABA – he expressed that it was very interesting and encouraging to hear from small businesses.  Monday April 22^nd, Ron will be attending a Funder’s Forum in South River organized by CAEDA.  Ron discussed the possibility of pulling in the Blue Sky Region in order to present to AHED and discuss various programs they administer.

       Dustin Morningstar/CAEDA

Dustin expressed his appreciation for being invited to participate at the AHED meetings.  This will be his last week as a student intern with CAEDA.

      Laura Johnston/CAEDA

There will be a Funder’s Forum on April 22^nd, at Corner Wines in South River at 7:00 p.m.  There will be representation from FedNor, NECO, MNDM, RBC among others.  Each representative will have a few moments to speak and informal networking will take place after with participants able to touch base one on one with the various representatives.  May 13^th, there will be a Social Media Class with SOS media in Sundridge at 6:30 p.m. – please contact Laura for more information.  The CAEDA Facebook page is officially up and running.  Laura will be attending an Age Friendly Community session in Parry Sound on April 25^th.

       Merv Mulligan/McMurrich Monteith

A survey asking residents if they are satisfied with their internet services was sent out this term with the Municipal tax bill.  There has been some talk regarding the possibility of a tower going up at Bear Lake.  Also the possibility of the current tower at the fire hall being upgraded in order to install high speed.  June 1^st there will be an Anti-Fraud Presentation held and a Public Meeting in regards to the old school.  May 4^th will be the annual “Community Clean Up”.  Merv also reported that Snowmobile season has official wrapped up.

       David Stewart/Almaguin Highlands Inc.

Dave discussed P2P – they are currently discussing and setting rate fees for ATV use this summer, the dollars will be used to maintain trails.  Their current focus is encouraging people to use the trails for events and functions.  The group meets every two months with the next meeting upcoming in May.

       Hazel Hornibrook/AHAC

The Annual General Meeting of the Almaguin Highlands Arts Council took place on April 5^th with some new people showing interest in joining the group.  Membership runs April 1^st to March 31^st.  The Almaguin Highlands Arts Directory is published every 2 years with 10,000 copies published.  The Council has 3 projects planned: the Studio and Gallery Tour is planned for August 2, 3, and 4^th.  The Art Show & Sale that was a great success last year will take place on October 25^th and 26^th.  Thirdly, the group will be campaigning artist participants for next year’s new directory.

       Dave Gray/CDO, Burk’s Falls/Armour/Ryerson

Dave discussed that the first annual Almaguin Business Expo and Market Place will be held on May 25^th at the Armour, Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Arena in the Karl Crozier Room from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for more information, please visit http://burksfallschamber.com/pub/1st-Annual-Business-EXPO-and-Market-Place.html Space is filling up fast with tables just over halfway booked.  The newly formed Chamber of Commerce has a fully functional website up now with a non-profit Community Calendar of events – info can be sent to Dave as well for updating.  The Chamber of Commerce is open to anyone in the Almaguin Highlands – their next meeting will take place on Thursday April 25^th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Armour, Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Arena in the Karl Crozier Room.  Currently, Dave is exploring a tourism focused strategic plan for the entire Almaguin Region.  Anybody wishing to cross promote information on the Facebook Page for Community Development Burk’s Falls, Armour & Ryerson, please feel free.  Also, every 3^rd Friday of the month, at 7:00 p.m., there is a coffee house event at the Burk’s Falls Village Pub – there is no cover charge.

       Jessica Busch/Women’s Own Resource Centre

Jessica reported that WORC is currently doing year end wrap up.  The Entrepreneurial Skills Training workshops were once again, very successful this year with numerous women successfully completing the program and planning on launching their own small businesses locally.  The one day resource workshop that was held on March 20^th has resulted in numerous one to one consultations here at the Women’s Centre – there is definitely a possibility of holding another event similar to this one.  The Almaguin Women’s Resource & Business Network Luncheon will be held this month on Wednesday April 24^th, at Marc Anthony’s in Sundridge from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  For more information, please call 705-386-9672 or email info@womensownresource.org There will be a workshop held on April 25^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Women’s Centre in South River.  The workshop will be “Learn how to price your product”, facilitated by Brenda Scott.

       Rosalind Hall/Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson

August 10, 2013 will be Heritage Day at the Museum – the theme will be “Artisans”.  All artisans can book a table to sell their wares for no cost.  There will be a BBQ and live entertainment with the event being free to the public.  The Heritage Day is organized by the Historical Society.

       Jeff Johnston/KPABA

Jeff reported that Cole’s internship with Perry Township has come to an end.  The Perry Farmer’s Market is still seeking a new Market Manager.  The Almaguin Highlands Information Centre is now being operated by Algonquin Base Camp Co.  Perry is set to celebrate their 125^th Anniversary this year.  KPABA is to take over the Regatta and will be organizing the Saturday night dance to be held at the Lions Park Pavilion – a full regatta is planned for this year with fireworks to follow.  KPABA will be partnering with the Legion for the bar and beer gardens.  KPABA held their quarterly connection seminar on this week with a Funder’s Forum with representation from FedNor, Muskoka Community Networks and NECO.  The Kearney legion is holding a seniors day on Saturday April 27^th, admission is $5, everyone is welcome – activities will include: lunch, darts, shuffleboard, pool, live music and a meat draw.  In May the Legion will be hosting a steak dinner.  The long weekend in May, there will be a Black Fly Sale, the Legion Garage Sale and a silent auction.

7. Correspondence
8. In-Camera (if required)
9. Next meeting date: Thursday May 16th, 2013 @ South River Village Office

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