10 a.m. – 12 noon @ Kearney Seniors Lounge
Present: Jessica Busch, WORC; Chantal Perron MacIntosh, WORC; Carly Hughes, Business Centre of Nipissing/Parry Sound; Shelley Willis, EDO Powassan; Don Carter, Whitestone; Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; Jeff Johnston, USCO; Dave Gray, CDO Burk’s Fall/Armour/Ryerson; Carole Mantha, MDNM; Racheal Costello, MNDM; David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Karen Insley Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Dan Willmore, Algonquin Park; Jason Lorbetskie, Algonquin Park; Roland Cilliers, Almaguin News.
Business Arising (AHED Business):
Motion to Amend Agenda 1st: Don Carter 2nd: Merv Mulligan
Jason Lorbetskie, Assistant Park Superintendent – Operations South – Algonquin Provincial Park and Dan Willmore, service contractor, Magnetewan Management Inc. were interested in exploring options for improvements to the last 8 km of the Forestry Tower road. An 8km stretch of gravel road requires resurfacing with aggregate. The stretch is inside the boundary of Algonquin Park and provides access to Magnetewan Lake. It is an expensive project that requires a lot of planning to complete. Potential exists to partner with the local Graphite Mine to crush aggregate or work with the local municipality and stockpile aggregate in the Butt pit along the Forestry Tower Rd. It was agreed that another meeting would be scheduled for June 19th to discuss options further.
Dave Stewart and Karen Insley Stewart brought a report in regards to the signage project for the Almaguin Highlands (please see report attached to this month’s minutes). Karen read the document provided to AHED attendees. Jeff Johnston explained that AHED is an informal group who, although they can provide moral support, cannot be involved nor provide the lead in pursuing this project. Dave and Karen are pursuing this project further, independently of AHED.
Jeff Johnston motioned for a resolution to further clarify the project:
Be it resolved, although AHED offers moral support in regards to the Almaguin Highlands Signage Project, AHED has no official or formal involvement with the project.
1st – Don Carter 2nd – Merv Mulligan
Carly Hughes/Business Centre of Nipissing/Parry Sound
Carly discussed programs being offered by the Business Centre. The Free Youth Entrepreneur Program will provide 20 youths in the Nipissing/Parry Sound region aged, 18 to 29, with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneur skills and ultimately start their own business. The program will be a combination of online learning and hands on workshops. The Microlending for Women Program is aimed at low income women that are interested in becoming entrepreneurs. The project officer will work one on one with qualified women through workshops, mentorship and coaching to develop a strong business plan, learn valuable business skills and research microlending opportunities for which she can apply to at the end of her program. The Summer Company Program is a great opportunity for youths to develop entrepreneurial skills and make money at the same time – there are still some spots needing to be filled locally. The Gala for the FedNor Business Plan Challenge will be held on June 3rd this year in North Bay. For more information on any of the programs offered by the Business Centre, please contact Carly at carly.hughes@vianet.ca
Dave Gray/CDO Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson
Dave reported that the Festival of Almaguin Business (FAB 2014) will be taking place on Saturday May 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Ontario Street in Burk’s Falls. Businesses can still register by contacting Dave.
Rosalind Hall/Ryerson
July 26th is the Burk’s Falls Museum’s Heritage Day run by the Historical Society. This marks the 10th Anniversary.
Jessica Busch/WORC
The Women’s Own Resource Centre has wrapped up the Entrepreneurial Skills Training Sessions once again with a total of 35 women participating in the program and 26 completing the program successfully. Balanced Living will be offered at WORC on Thursday May 22nd and Thursday May 29th. The Almaguin Women’s Resource & Business Network’s next luncheon will be held on Wednesday May 28th at Edgewater Park Lodge in Kearney with a topic of “Making the Most of Networking Events”. WORC will be hosting a “Summer Clothing Exchange” starting the week of June 23rd – WORC is currently collecting new and gently used clothing for the exchange. WORC will also be collecting new and gently used books for the annual Book Sale with proceeds going directly to WORC to support new and ongoing initiatives. WORC’s Annual General Meeting will be held on June 18th at 7:00 p.m. all are welcome. For information on any of the programs offered by the Women’s Own Resource Centre, please contact Jessica or Chantal at 705-386-9672 or email info@womensownresource.org
Shelley Willis/EDO Powassan
Shelley reported that the Maple Syrup Festival, despite the weather, had approximately 5000 people in attendance. The Economic Development Day held in April was successful as well with approximately 50-60 people in attendance. There will be a golf tournament held on June 20th in support of the Powassan Sportsplex for some much needed upgrading. The Trout Creek Community Centre will also be hosting a golf tournament on June 28th. The Lions will be holding a Quilt Auction on May 24th at the Community Centre.
Racheal Costello/Intern for MNDM
Racheal introduced herself and would be happy to return.
Carole Mantha/MNDM
Carole reported that MNDM’s programs are on hold while the election takes place. Applications can still be submitted for consideration.
Don Carter/Whitestone
Don brought the new Whitestone Community Directory for 2014. The annual directory is produced by the Whitestone Conservation Association which is a non-profit incorporated organization.
Merv Mulligan/McMurrich Monteith Township
Merv reported that May 20th is the first night for Baseball/Soccer – 6:00 p.m. for ages 4-7, 7:15 p.m. for ages 8 and up – The weeks alternate for baseball and soccer. There will be a baseball tournament in early June. There will be a craft sale on July 5th. The Rabies Clinic will be held on May 29th at 7 p.m.
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