Alford Chamber of Commerce Committee

Meeting 7pm, Monday 15th September

Present:

  • Chairman, Bob Clifford
  • Vice Chairman, Alan Whitcombe
  • Treasurer, Paul Rice
  • Secretary, Tony
  • Members Secretary, Rob Ray
  • PR, Terry Wilburn

Chairman declared meeting open at 7pm

  1. Terry: why meeting had been called in order for objectives to be ironed out where possible before the next open meeting.

  2. Rob explained in depth about time he has spent since last meeting talking with relevant people as to our standing and registration
    On Chamber of commerce Business. Rob also informed meeting that there was now a web site in operation www.alfordchamber.co.uk

    A decision is to be made when all facts have been investigated as to whether we remain independent or join under the umbrella of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Rob to research this further and to set up meeting with Simon Beardsley for a date to be confirmed

    Also Rob advises the Committee about Business Links and possible grants available, again this is to be further looked into via Rob’s contact Simon Wesley.

  3. Vice Chairman Alan thanked Rob for all his hard work.

  4. The committee discussed the constitution but decided to hold off until registration had been decide on.

  5. Terry brought up whether the market traders should be asked to join and it was agreed by all that they should.

  6. Terry and Rob have meeting with Helen Bell Skegness Standard on Wed 17th 9.30am

  7. It was suggested that Phillip and Sarah Crome be approached to design a logo and everyone agreed.

  8. It was decided by all that at this present time we are to be looked upon as the steering committee for the organisation and that as of yet nothing is set out and no membership fee could be asked for until something more concrete can be offered to its members.

  9. Nothing to report from the treasurer (Paul) at this stage and it was agreed that no bank account is to be opened yet also that the ATEC money to be transferred to Chamber of Commerce account is to be left in ATEC account as a holding account for the time being.

  10. All committee confirmed its aim was to benefit the businesses, the Town in general and all the residents in the LN13 area of all age groups.

  11. The next step for the Town council Parish Plan is to send out questionnaires to all businesses. Terry is to make contact with Jenny and let them have the Chamber’s data on businesses in our area thus covering all.

  12. It was agreed that a form should be designed by the next open meeting namely a Declaration of interest form for people to register their interest in any way they can. This form will also be available on the web site in order that it may be downloaded.

  13. It was noted that all the committee were very enthusiastic and a number of ideas were put forward that will be relevant in the future when the steering committee has finalised all the research needed and the Alford Chamber of Commerce if formally registered.

  14. Alan (Vice Chairman) is to ask Sarah at the Manor House if there is any provision for laptops to be made available for the next open meeting for everyone to be able to access the new web site.

Meeting closed at 8.25pm