OLDS — The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Olds & District Chamber of Commerce.
Plans had called for the board to choose its 2020 executive March 18, the first meeting after the chamber's annual general meeting (AGM), which was held March 11.
However, executive director Caroline Bodmer says that meeting didn't occur "due to COVID-19 self isolation protocols."
In an email, Bodmer said as a result, the previous executive remains in place, including president Mark Johnson.
Bodmer said she is hoping to arrange a virtual meeting soon so a new executive can be chosen.
The chamber's AGM was held at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 105 in Olds.
During that event, Johnson said there are indications that eventually, some new businesses might be coming to town,
“I can’t reveal too much, but there are some pretty exciting businesses coming to town and some really exciting things happening with some of our existing businesses,” Johnson said.
He noted the chamber is part of an economic development secretariat that includes the Town of Olds and the Olds Institute.
“I can’t say everything that’s going on, because some of it’s still in development, but one of our infused beverage companies here in town has now expanded their distributorship to British Columbia,” Johnson said in an interview later.
“So when you expand your distributorship, that means you’re making more product which means you need to hire more.”
During the meeting, four new people joined the chamber’s board of directors.
They are Sundai Cody of Cody and Company law firm, Murray Elliott of Mountain View Publishing, Charlotte Hogarth of Century 21 Gateway Real Estate and Judy Schlichenmayer of Torrock Sales & Service.
The 2020 executive will be chosen when the board meets March 18. What is known, though, is that Johnson is stepping down as president and will become past-president.
Tribute was also paid to retiring directors Janice Widmer of Widmer Realty, Dan McPherson of MHR Law, Erin Wallace of Ramada Olds, Martin Linlove of Olds College and Tracy Gardner of the Olds Regional Exhibition.
A five per cent increase in membership fees was approved. It takes effect next year.
Financial statements were also approved.
They showed that cash and the bank funds were $9,649, down from $28,652 in 2018.
Total 2019 assets were $14,404, compared to $29,228 in 2018 and $25,740 in 2017.
The 2020 budget calls for total revenue of $109,844 and total expenditures of $109,600 for a net surplus of $244.
The actual 2019 budget saw total revenue of $88,447 and total expenses of $99,857, for a loss of $11,410.
Dale Mackie of Scotiabank and Bill Hall of Westview Co-op were reappointed as auditors for next year.
