Peterborough L.E.T.S. Board Meeting
Monday, December 10th, 2007 - King Street
Present:
Margaret
Wright (administrator), Lori Sainte (researcher),
David Baker (vice-chair),
Tina Williams (secretary), Jade Andersen (L.E.T.S. member)
Absent: Gary Beamish (chair), Jeannine Crowe (treasurer), Martin Watkins (director of fundraising)
Guests: Karri Hull, Gordon Hull - representatives of Kawartha Entrepreneurs Meet-up (KEM)
A quorum was declared with 5 people.
Minutes:
Tina distributed the minutes. Several changes were suggested.
Markets:
Several points were discussed prior to Karri and Gordon's arrival. There was a discussion of the positive and negative aspects of various local venues.
Jade asked if we should stop serving ice cream. Lori felt it was inappropriate at the library but fine for the Potluck Market in January. Margaret felt it was unnecessary to have the ice cream in the cold months. It was agreed that free ice cream will not be offered at Markets from now until May. David offered to help pick it up.
Margaret said that at the potluck market in January, tables should be rented for $5 each. Members could pay $3 Green and $2 Canadian while non-members could pay the whole amount in Canadian dollars.
Lori stated that the cafe upstairs at the library may not be open on the day of our market. Jade might run a small cafe at the L.E.T.S.' market. Lori will be running the library market.
Margaret claimed that members liked the spirit of the Markets. Jade felt that some members just wanted to sell things. Margaret suggested having a Trading Post at Market entrance where members can post Goods or Services Wanted or Offered. Jade said that though it would be beneficial to members, it wouldn't attract non-members to come out.
Social Events/Speciality Markets:
Karri suggested holding a small market at the Jackson Creek Retirement Centre. A room was available for free to outside groups. It could hold 8 tables. A donation might be requested if the room was used on a regular basis. Margaret thought it would give elderly residents a place to shop with their friends. Both Tina and Jade thought it was a good idea. Jade suggested we call them right away. We should try to book it for April since it tended to be a small market.
Lori and Jade agreed that more social events were needed. The Markets were insufficient socializing opportunities for members. Margaret suggested starting such events in March when the weather would be warmer. Margaret favoured Friday nights. Jade and Lori wondered where the venue would be. Margaret reminded them that food attracts people.
Jade suggested renting four tables at the Farmers' Market in Morrow Park. Lori thought we shouldn't rent one because a member who reserved a table may not show. Tina wondered if a table could be sublet. Jade would call Morrow Park for more information. David was optimistic and felt it couldn't hurt to try something new since we need more traffic at Markets.
Computers/Website/Newsletter:
Jade wished to work on the website to make it more user-friendly. She was concerned that since she may not be in town long term, she wanted to find someone who could take care of the website and database after she left. Margaret suggested another member.
Jade would like to see more information released on the website. Lori was concerned that anyone would be able to see it. Jade countered that most businesses prefer that.
Jade reviewed the L.E.T.S. website with Karri on Jade's laptop. Karri showed her website - 'businessnetwork.meetup.com\427' - to Jade. It had links to affiliate programs.
Jade mentioned that she had started a Facebook group for L.E.T.S. Members. So far, only she and Lori were members.
Tina wanted to confirm the printer model number because she found a local company that may be able to find a replacement. She had already found out that Island Inkjet couldn't supply them with a new ink cartridge or refill their old one. Lori said not to bother because Metro wouldn't even refill it. Jade offered the use of one of her printers. Margaret declined saying that she would just continue to use her own printer because it was the easiest option.
Jade would like to see a puzzle page in the newsletter to encourage more people to read it.
Membership:
Jade asked if we wanted a system with a few good long-term members or one where everyone in the city is a member. Margaret answered that she would like both.
Jade is now a board member.
Advertising:
Little flyers will be made for the next meeting.
Margaret commended Lori for her e-mails informing the membership about upcoming group events.
Jade asked about the pricing for ads on the website. Margaret said she wasn't charging. Jade suggested charging $5 for an ad on the front page.
Kawartha Entrepreneurs Meet-up (KEM):
Margaret announced that Karri would be coming at 7:30pm. She will be discussing how her group could work with ours. After Karri and Gord arrived, Margaret explained the L.E.T.S. to them and Jade described the website to them. Karri asked what was currently available in the L.E.T.S. Margaret and Jade gave the following as examples:
preserves, clothing, pottery, editing, massage and many other goods and services. Karri queried further on how trades were tracked. Margaret informed her that it was a Microsoft Access database run by volunteers. Karri and Jade discussed Message Board issues.
Margaret gave Karri a member directory. Margaret told Karri that members connected with each other at Markets, through the website or by phone.
Margaret told Karri she would like to see workshops for small business owners. Karri explained that her group provided networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs. One method they used is called speed networking which is similar to speed dating. Karri thought that her members would like to join our group and vice versa.
It would cost the L.E.T.S. $100 to join the KEM. Karri offered a KEM membership in exchange for an L.E.T.S. membership. The Board agreed. Karri filled out the application forms and promised to e-mail a receipt back to Margaret. Margaret gave Karri a receipt and a membership list.
Before she left, Karri suggested another two marketing opportunities for local businesses - Business Networking International (BNI) and CommunityJointVentures.com.
Other Business:
Martin has temporarily left the board. David said he could still continue to fundraise in his spare time.
Jade is still having problems attending meetings. Meetings will now be held at 1pm on the Mondays after the market.
Margaret stated that she will be talking to someone at Barter Works.
Margaret also informed us that Jeannine would be switching the landline phone service to a cellular phone service this week.
Jade wondered who did the L.E.T.S. taxes. Margaret thought it was Gary or Jeannine.
Next Meeting:
It was scheduled for Monday, January 14th, 2008 at 1pm, same location.
