April 3, 2009

AGM Press Release

Forty-six people were in attendance at Monday's chamber AGM, which was held at Long Beach Lodge.

The AGM started with a Canape Reception in the Great Room. Sponsored by Long Beach Lodge, the menu included but was not limited to seared albacore tuna with wasabi avocado, crispy polenta and balsamic soy; pistachio crusted lamb chop with little qualicum blue cheese and port pear reduction; poached BC spot prawns, dungenous crab, carbonated citrus salad and dill crème fraiche. The food was simply amazing.

After the Reception, members and guests gathered in the Conference Room. Before the meeting, Donna Fraser presented a short video clip on the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, which was followed by guest speaker Curtis Cook, Executive Director of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. Curtis shared the preliminary results from a regional economic analysis being conducted in conjunction with the Clayoquot Forest Communities program.

The AGM agenda always includes a Summary Report from the chamber President, but unfortunately Larry Nicolay was not able to attend the AGM because of commitments in Vancouver. Larry did provide a letter which was read by Vice President Don Travers. After 10 years on the chamber board, the past 5 as President, Larry stepped down from the board. A Keith Plumley serving platter was bought as a gift for Larry's years of dedication to the chamber.

Summary Reports were presented by the Chamber and Tourism Tofino Executive Directors.

Sharon Lingenfelter, ED for Tourism Tofino, presented a summary of the marketing initiatives being developed by the Tourism Tofino. Tourism Tofino has just launched a Spring Ad campaign which will run for 14 weeks, starting March 30th. For more information visit http://www.yourtofino.ca. Other marketing initiatives include media relations press releases, a Canadian Tourism Commission Video Shoot and other marketing initiatives through the web site.

The Chamber Executive Director presented a summary of the chamber's accomplishments over the past year. A series of luncheon meetings which focused on small business development were held. Topics included point of sale systems, programs offered by Community Futures, how to become an employer of choice, marketing for small businesses, and opportunities through the 2010 Olympics.

The chamber also organized Green Breakfasts, a monthly gathering of anyone interested in 'green'; a chance to meet regularly to chat, debate, socialize and connect with others in Tofino who are passionate about environmental and sustainability issues. As a result of the Green Breakfasts, the chamber has created a Composting Committee to develop a community composting program.

The chamber has developed a Sustainable Purchasing Policy which it will be encouraging members to sign on to. The policy identifies independent, third party social and/or environmental product service label standards, like Ecologo, for buying materials, products and services.

The chamber took a number of strong positions on a number of issues, including parking and transportation in Tofino, mining on Catface Mountain, research and development for closed containment salmon aquaculture, and the development of independent power projects.

Other initiatives by the chamber included working with and attended the Ecotrust/Pembina Carbon Neutral Workgroup meetings, organized federal all candidates meeting, attended the More Power To You conference in Vancouver, working with Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks on the development of a Big Tree Trail Development Plan, attending the CBT Fund Raising Seminar, organizing the provincial all candidates meeting, and attending the Healthy Food/Healthy Community workshop.

Before the election, the chamber board recognized Stephen Ashton for his 12 years as a chamber director. While on the board, Stephen acted as Vice President, developed the first chamber web site for free, and Chaired the Membership Services Committee for a number of years.

The evening concluded with the election of the new boards for the chamber and Tourism Tofino. The new boards are as follows.

Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce

• Ram Tumuluri - Cable Cove Inn (President)
• Don Travers - Remote Passages Marine Excursions (Vice President)
• Miche Milford - Affinity Guest House (Treasurer)
• Roland Arnet - Lagoon Island Mericulture
• Jay Bowers - Pacific Surf School
• Naomi Carson - Tofino Tech
• Krysta Demers - MacKenzie Beach Resort
• Warren Rudd - Tofino Natural History Society
• Douglas Wright - Tlaook Cultural Adventures

Tourism Tofino

• Duane Bell - Middle Beach Lodge
• Perry Schmunk - Long Beach Lodge
• Charles McDiarmid - Wickaninnish Inn
• Jay Mohl - Clayoquot Ventures
• Dave Pettinger - Pacific Sands Beach Resort
• Lore Rowland - Tofino Motel
• Jay Gildenhuys - Shelter Restaurant
• Maureen Fraser - Common Loaf Bakery
• Kati Martini - Inter Island Excursions