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PRESENT:- Susanna Lindsey (Chairperson) Health Focus

Farrell McManus (Treasurer) F A P Financial Services Ltd

Susan Richards (Secretary)

Ann Davies (President)

Mike & Sue Fedeczko Traethllawn B&B

Paul Harris Border M’ment Training

Stephen Kaye Multi Services Wales Ltd

Tracy Williams Powys County Council

APOLOGIES:- Julie Anthony, Carol Arran, Rosie Beswick, Margaret Bywater, Julie Davies, Karen Gittins, Ros Jones, Kelly Mansell, Robert Robinson

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (Held 30th September 2008)

Tracy Williams reported that Sandra Jones, Conservation Officer at Powys County Council had not left her work position as to what had been reported by Robert Robinson at last months meeting. However, she has now left her position on 23rd October 2008 and it is hoped her replacement will be in position before Christmas, with the signs for businesses off the main street completed by Spring. Other than this, the minutes of the last meeting held on 30th September 2008 were correct and approved and signed by the Chairperson.

CORRESPONDENCE – There was no Correspondence

FEEDBACK FROM NEW DEVELOPMENT SITE

Due to Robert not attending tonight’s meeting, Susanna read out a letter from him reporting that the deadline to return the completed surveys relating to future plans on Welshpool is 7th November 2008. Chamber agreed that individual wishes should be expressed, rather than Chamber expressing their views on a whole, as everyone has their own opinion, making it difficult to write an opinion as a whole. It was agreed for Susanna to email Chamber members reminding them to complete their survey. Ann Davies raised the question of who was going to be sorting out the completed surveys and recommending as to what decision would be carried forward to Powys County Council. Cllr Kaye reported that Robert and two or more Councillors would be collating the surveys of which then the recommendations will be carried forward to the relevant persons. Action: Susanna

WELSHPOOL WINTER FESTIVAL – 6th December 2008

Susanna expressed that Welshpool Chamber should support Welshpool Winter Festival as it was good for the town and it gains much support from other organisations within the town, Chamber Members agreed. It was agreed that Chamber would support the event by having a “Chamber Stand” with Susanna and Farrell manning the stand. It was agreed to hold a Raffle at the stand so any donations for Raffle Prizes would be most welcoming, along with any other ideas/suggestions to generate Chamber funds - Please contact either Susanna or Farrell on the above numbers if you can donate a prize or have any ideas on what Chamber could have on the stand. Action: Susanna/Farrell

CHRISTMAS TREES

Susanna reported that she has already had several people approaching her wishing to have a Christmas tree. Due to Julie not attending tonight’s meeting Susanna reported that Julie will be organising the Christmas Trees for shop proprietors who wished to erect a tree. Susanna suggested that it would be rather inviting if Christmas Trees were placed on the main roundabouts in Welshpool (Raven, Buttington, Station) of which decorations could be made by children in local schools. Chamber Members thought this was a good idea, so it was agreed for Susanna to approach the Highways Department, PCC to find out if there would be any implications in erecting Christmas Trees on the roundabouts, and to write to businesses on the Industrial Estates asking for sponsorship to enable this to take place. Action: Julie/Susanna

SOCIALS

Susanna reported that 50 people attended the Marketing Talk given by Ben Kench, the Can Can Man. Feedback from the evening was good/excellent and that people enjoyed networking at the event and wished to see future talks and social evenings. Evening social events that were highlighted from the feedback included:- Web Site Design, Stationery Design/Marketing, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Management Courses and Business Seminars. Tracy informed Chamber that she could find speakers from Powys County Council to discuss these issues as these are all key features that Powys County Council can offer businesses. Tracy also highlighted that there will be grants available for supporting local events such as the Montgomery Canal Festival and support and funding may be available for Chamber’s website providing the necessary criteria is met. It was agreed for Tracy to give an overview talk to Chamber at their January meeting on exactly what support and business services are available to local businesses and local events, which at the same time will encourage calibrating of working together/networking. Action: Tracy

Susanna reported she is now in current talks with Carol Arran of the Pool Card and Kaye Derwas, Secretary, Federation of Small Businesses regarding a combined casual Christmas Social i.e. pub quiz. Steve Kaye thought this would be a good idea and it was agreed for Susanna to push this forward, informing Chamber Members with a date at next months meeting. Susanna

TREASURER’S REPORT

Farrell apologised to Chamber for writing out a cheque to the Can Can Man for his recent Marketing talk he gave, when there was insufficient funds in Chambers account to do. However, this has now been rectified with a balance of £150 in Chambers Account with additional funds awaiting to be paid. Action: Farrell

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Telephone Numbers – Ann Davies reported that there was no contact/telephone numbers for anyone wishing to contact any Chamber Officer. It was agreed that in future all Correspondence should include names and telephone numbers of all the Officers. Action: Secretary

Chamber Committee - Susanna expressed that she is enthusiastic for Welshpool Chamber to grow and spread their wings over to a wider area to get businesses uniting, Chamber Members agreed. In order to expand, Susanna informed Chamber Members that there will be a lot more work involved, and that a Committee will have to be formed, whereby other members can help Susanna and the other Officers to achieve a growing, successful Welshpool Chamber, everyone at the meeting was agreeable to this, hence a Committee to be formed shortly.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Tuesday, 25th November 2008, at 6.30pm in the Royal Oak (Jacobite Suite).

The Meeting closed at 7.55pm.