MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF FELIXSTOWE CHAMBER OF TRADE AND COMMERCE HELD AT FLUDYERS ARMS ON MONDAY 13^th MARCH 2006

PRESENT – Harvey Smith Chairman, Louise Berrill Secretary, John Brinkley Treasurer, Stephanie Simmonds, Shaun Rudduck, Mary Brinkley, Barry Williment, Jado Kapitan, Dick Calvesburt, Stanley Harries, Dr Janet Massey, Caron Symes, Hannah McCourt, David Preston

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Charlie Manning, Roger Hewitt

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – The minutes of the previous AGM for 23^rd March 2005 were read by the Secretary, accepted as a true record and signed by the chairman.

PROPOSED: Shaun Rudduck                                           SECONDED: John Brinkley

MATTERS ARISING – There were none

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT –  

Once more it is time to review the chamber’s activities over the past 12 months.

It has been a busy period for change in many respects:

1.       Introduction of quarterly networking events for formal business and fun meetings

2.       Increased Advertising within the Evening Star and East Anglian advertising Felixstowe events and attractions for 2006.

3.       Quiz Night’s have become increasingly popular

4.       Membership has doubled

5.       Website and directory of members up an running

6.       Employed a Town Centre Co-ordinator (Hannah) to co-ordinate activities / events and increase membership.

7.       Quarterly newsletters are now issued to members

8.       Plan to advertise on the London Underground - £2,200 for total cost (£450 for a small photo).

Market Towns Initiative

I attended a day’s seminar at Newmarket regarding ‘Niche Marketing for Market towns’.  This outlined the activities that could be carried out and explained the route required to obtain additional funding.  We would have to form a ‘market town’ group.  It was suggested that this should replace the current Resort Regeneration Group.

Suffolk Business Forum

I attended the first breakfast meeting for the newly formed group.  Felixstowe Chamber should continue to attend these meetings. 

Advertising

Within the Easter Leisure Guide - the Chamber has prepared a page which outlines the events for the coming year and provides a short synopsis of Mannings, Ocean and Family Amusements.

There is a future opportunity for the Chamber to contribute towards a London Underground advertising campaign.

New Trade Co-ordinator

Hannah joins the Chamber as the new Trade co-ordinator.  Her work so far has been of great value to the chamber and has resulted in 6 new members.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS –

Copies were available to all attendees.  These were discussed.  Thanks given to John Brinkley. 

PROPOSED:  Stephanie Simmonds               SECONDED:  Shaun Rudduck  

APPOINTMENT OF EXAMINER OF ACCOUNTS –

C T Haughton can no longer audit the annual accounts.  Mr Keith Horn was nominated to undertake this task. 

PROPOSED:  John Brinkley                               SECONDED:  Stephanie Simmonds

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN –

It was recognised that Harvey has worked extremely hard during his term as Chairman / Vice Chairman.  Shaun Rudduck was nominated as the new Chairman for the forthcoming year.

PROPOSED: Louise Berrill                                SECONDED:  Caron Symes

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN –

Harvey Smith agreed to continue as Vice Chairman for a further year.

PROPOSED: Stephanie Simmonds                                SECONDED:  Caron Symes

ELECTION OF HONORARY TREASURER –

John Brinkley willing to continue for a further year.

PROPOSED:  Barry Williment                            SECONDED:  Stan Harries

ELECTION OF SECRETARY –

Louise agreed  to continue for a further year.

PROPOSED:  Harvey Smith                               SECONDED:  Shaun Rudduck

ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE –

·          The following members were proposed and seconded for Newly Proposed Members:

·          Jado Kapitan (Barclays)

·          Dick Calvesburt (Suffolk Chamber)

·          Hannah McCourt (Trade Co-ordinator)

All other members of executive committee to continue

PROPOSED:   Harvey Smith              SECONDED: John Brinkley

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1900.

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Chairman

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