Peterborough LETS Board Meeting
Monday, April 6th, 2009 - King Street
Present: Lori Sainte (Administrator), Margaret Wright (Vice-chair), David Baker (Chair),
Tina Williams (Secretary)
Regrets: Jeannine Crowe (Treasurer)
Administration:
Margaret declared that there was quorum. She later moved that the minutes for the February board meeting be accepted as amended. David seconded this motion. The motion was carried.
Markets:
Lori commented that the Library Market was okay. David disagreed saying that it wasn't very good overall. He would like to have seen more middle class people. He did point out that the library attracts low income people. Lori suggested spending more money on advertising to bring out more people. She suggested putting signs up on the way down to the auditorium. Tina asked if signs could be put up. Lori answered that signs are allowed because she had seen other renters put up signs. Lori had already booked the library for the December Market.
David complimented Lori on the Garden Market Flyer.
Margaret presented a new Market sign. She informed the board that it had been made by a LETS member. Tina suggested the member put their name on it to advertise their work. Lori disagreed saying the sign should promote everyone at the Market and not just the sign maker. However, Tina insisted that the artist's business cards be on hand in case any one asked.
Margaret stated that the next Market at Knox Church would be tried at later hours than before. It would run from 12 pm to 4 pm. Setup would start at 11 am. Our Space would run the kitchen again as a fundraiser. Margaret would like to see some of the Market take place outside since sales are usually better that way.
Margaret insisted that she liked the idea of Market Themes because they tell the people what to expect. Tina also stated that vendors were not stuck to the theme and could sell items that were unrelated to it.
Margaret reminded the board that the September and November Markets would be taking place at Knox Church.
David felt that this year's Market Schedule was good and well thought out. However, he did feel that more help was needed with advertising.
Lori stated that Markets will not be taking place this year at Evinrude Centre due to the cost. David was concerned that the group would have lost money. Margaret thought it could be a possibility next year.
Membership:
Margaret told the board there was one new member announced in the last newsletter. There was also one new member who had applied through e-mail. Lori stressed that this membership wasn't official until the membership fee was paid.
Margaret reported that there was not a lot of renewals this year. She hoped to get more at the May Market. David suggested sending out another reminder to members. Lori stated that she would send out another round of reminder e-mails.
Lori stated that updated Green pages were available.
Lori asked that a time be set for the next Annual General Meeting. Margaret will try to book a space for June 19th.
Advertising:
Lori got suggestions from a member about internet promotion. She mentioned this member's ideas to the board.
Lori needed to update the website. Margaret suggested asking LETS members for technical help.
Lori announced that she would continue to design flyers for the LETS on her own computer due to problems accessing the computers at the Peterborough Social Planning Council Office. She also repeated her need for assistance with manning the LETS desk at the PSPC during the Wednesday office hours.
Lori asked about paying for advertising suggesting newspaper ads or on Cogeco. Tina wondered about display ads. Lori wondered if an ad could be placed under The Garage Sales section of the classified ads for the June Market. Tina offered to phone around for rates.
Margaret felt that the zoo sign was good publicity. Lori said it could be used again but that she would check.
Lori suggested handing out flyers at the Garden Show, Tina asked if the board would need permission or to rent space to do this. Lori didn't know but she thought it was likely.
Lori announced that she was not able to attend Global Youth Day on April 23rd. She requested that someone else attend since the event could make people more aware of the LETS.
Finances:
Margaret stated that we were financially okay. She also stated that our chances of receiving a city grant seemed promising but it would only be $250 Canadian. Last year, the LETS received a grant of $1000 Canadian from the city.
Next Meeting: Monday, May 25th, 2009, 630pm; King Street
