Meetings

This page will contain the minutes of the BIA's last executive committee meeting, along with the agenda of the upcoming meeting a few days prior to said meeting. Meetings are held every first Thursday of the month.

The minutes of previous meetings will be available in the Archives section of the site.

The last BIA executive's monthly meeting was held on Thursday March 4th, 2004. Here are the subjects discussed:
 

Present: Mike Wilson, President Lorraine Charlebois Gérald Gaudreau Claudette Couture Marc Dufresne, Council Rep. Estelle Mignault Louis Corbeil, Secretary

Absent: Rosanne Gratton, Vice-President Daniel Larochelle Manon Pelletier Colette Fortin

Subjects discussed :
 

1		Opening - Agenda. - Info.
2		Report of the meeting held on February 5th, 2004. - Prop. by: E. Mignault, Supp. by: G. Gaudreau; Carried.
3		Correspondence. - Municipal Project - Trees and flowers planting:  Meeting on March 11th, at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. - Memo from Timmins BIA:  February 2004. - NEWS: Publication from Downtown Younge, 2004. - Downtown Idea Exchange: American Publication, January 2004.
4		Budget 2004: Operation and Capital. - The Secretary presented a draft for the 2004 budget.  He mentioned that the Municipality has not submitted a shared expenses report for 2003.  The proposed budget capital and operation expenses are therefore based on the 2003 budget and not on the 2003 actuals.  It is decided to submit the budget anyway, as the Municipality was expecting it in February.  Members asked that the Secretary further explain Advertising and Christmas promotion expenses at the next meeting.
5		Ice Sculptures Contest. - This activity has known great success, even though the beginning was slow.  In all, 9 sculptures were built; 7 on the Carnival site, 2 at residences and 1 sculpture, the BIA sculpture, along Highway 11.  CINN Radio is thrilled with the experience and hope this activity will be held again next year.
6		Tourist Welcome Center Project - Train Station and Parking. - The Secretary presented a document explaining the project and the steps do undertake for its realization.  The project would be the responsibility of the private sector in cooperation with the public sector.  The Secretary proposed that participants from the private sector be approached before the project is presented to the Municipality and other public agencies.  The Secretary proposed that he makes his first contacts as owner of Logestion and project coordinator.  There will be no fees for the work done.  Members accepted this approach and reiterate their support to the project.
7		Dates for the Downtown Summer Festival and contact with Mr. Jay Cormier. - After discussion, it is decided that the dates for the Downtown Summer Festival stay on July 8th, 9th and 10th, 2004 as the principal attraction, funambulist Jay Cormier, is not available on other dates.  Mr. Cormier has submitted a quote for 15 hours of shows spread on 3 days, at the cost of $2,000 plus transportation, accommodation and meals, for a total quote of $2,677, including taxes.  The BIA would have to pick-up Mr. Cormier at the Timmins airport.  Members find this amount a bit high.  It is suggested to ask Mr. Cormier to pay for his transportation from Timmins to Hearst.  Banking institutions and Caisse Populaire will be approached to help fund these shows.
8		Date for the Annual Meeting and VIP guests. - It is suggested to hold the annual meeting on the first Thursday of May.  However, this date might be changed to accommodate VIP guests.  This year, a representative from Northern Tel will be invited to discuss new technologies and what they have to offer to small enterprises.  Mr. André Rhéaume will also be invited as member of the Economic Development Corporation and Municipal Councilor to explain municipal vision on economic development, numerous changes done during the past year and of the role of the BIA.
9		Patio on sidewalk on George Street. - Gérald Gaudreau proposed that the BIA support Cinéma Cartier's project to install a patio in front of the theater.  The President says that it is important that Mr. Larochelle, owner, prepare a development plan for the proposed patio.
10		Reminder of the OBIAA Conference on March 21st to 23rd, 2004. - No member can confirm their availability for this conference.