Webster-Dudley Business Alliance

Annual Meeting Minutes

October 24, 2007

The annual meeting of the Webster-Dudley Business Alliance was called to order at 5:55 PM by President Rebecca Leonard. Officers present were: Debra Horan – Vice President, Alma Morey – Treasurer and Caryl Savard – Secretary. Directors present were: Sandra Edwards and Mary Ann Fontaine.

President’s Report

• The Webster-Dudley Business Alliance has over 50 members
• Business/Community Assessment Survey was created, distributed, and results presented
• Domain name was purchased, website presence established
• By-laws were written and adopted
• Non-profit status preparation has been started and is ongoing
• Officers and Board of Directors held six meetings
• Two major advertising campaigns were completed
• Informational flyer was created
• Bi-monthly networking events were held at various members’ establishments
• Webster-Dudley Business Alliance logo contest was held and a winner/logo was selected
• Started open dialogue with Webster and Dudley town officials
• Four committees were formed: Event Planning/Public Relations/Fund Raising Committee, Local Government/Grant Writing Committee, Membership Committee & Parking/Safety Committee.
• Downtown Parking Survey was completed

Treasurer’s Report
Debra Horan read the Treasurer’s Report, as Alma Morey had to leave early. The Treasurer’s Report is as follows:

Beginning Balance	$1,778.02
Receipts	$1,295.21
Interest	$0.00
Disbursements	$806.48
Ending Balance	$2,206.75

2008 Proposed Projects

• Promote local business shopping
• Develop marketing brochure
• Recruit new members
• Establish unity in proceedings with Town Officials
• Create Plan of Action for Webster and Dudley’s future as it relates to local businesses
• Investigate attracting new business to Webster and Dudley
• Support clean up and beautification of downtown areas
• Promote members’ businesses through networking
• Encourage and retain public involvement
• Build awareness of resources
• Explore member discount program
• Assist Webster and Dudley working together
• Launch and distribute quarterly newsletter
• Coordinate joint advertising and collaborative event advertising
• Research holding a business expo

Help is needed with the following:

• Promotion of positive attitude with local businesses
• Inviting potential members to attend a meeting or networking event
• Constructive input and feedback

Networking

Mary Ann Fontaine commented that networking has benefited her business significantly in the past year.

Elections

Ballots were distributed to the members for election of the offices of Vice President and Treasurer, and 3 Board of Directors.

Thirteen members voted. The results were read by member Ann Beck and observed by Angela Clark, non-member. Votes were tallied by Caryl Savard and observed by Sandra Edwards. The results of the election were as follows:

Office and Term	Name	Votes Received
Vice President – 2 years	Debra Horan	13
Treasurer – 2 years	Alma Morey	13
Board of Directors - 1 year	Mary Ann Fontaine	12
Board of Directors - 1 year	Sandra Edwards	10
Board of Directors - 1 year	Cindy Smith	9

The Annual Meeting was concluded and adjourned at 6:40 PM.

Caryl Savard

Secretary