Blyth BIA outlines key priorities for the year ahead at AGM
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
The Blyth Business Improvement Association (BBIA) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, March 14 at the Blyth and District Community Centre. Inclement weather had postponed the meeting from its original Feb. 29 date.
Once quorum was unhurriedly reached, Chair Angela Cullen called the meeting to order. In absentia, Treasurer David Sparling provided a financial report and proposed budget for 2024, offering a view of the BBIA’s fiscal health. The report reveals a surplus of $20,293.63 carried over from 2023. The coffers will see $10,608 added from the 2024 levy and $578 from associate memberships, amounting to a total revenue of $31,479.45.
Under expenses, several projects from 2023 are continuing into the new fiscal year. These include purchasing new main street banners for a total of $3,000, new Christmas decor for $9,000, signage for $1,592, $6,000 for new main street garbage/recycling cans, along with $960.50 allocated for auditing 2023’s financial records.
Total proposed operating expenses amount to $1,267, broken down into $160 for meeting expenses, $100 for office supplies, $1,000 for an audit fee and $7 for a bank fee. Memberships with the Ontario Business Improvement Association and the Huron County Chamber of Commerce will cost the BBIA $529.61 this year, or $281.01 and 248.60 respectively.
The budget’s focus shifts next to marketing strategies, with allocations of $1,500 for website improvements, $1,800 for the Hometown Holiday Weekend and New Year’s Eve fireworks, $1,000 for Blyth Friday events and $1,500 for new merchants’ grand openings. A notable absence in the marketing budget was an allocation for social media, reflecting a deliberate choice in resource management.
The balanced budget, approved unanimously, sets the foundation for the BBIA’s activities in 2024.
The AGM also saw the election of members to the board of management. Notable among the nominations were returning members Cullen, Sparling, North Huron Council representative Kevin Falconer, Cat O’Donnell from the Wonky Frog, Vice-Chair Shane Yerema from Hotel Lux, and service organization representative John Stewart from the Blyth Lions Club. Newcomer Leonie Dolmage, owner of the recently launched Lunar Lounge Salon on Queen Street, also joined the board.
Rachael King from the Blyth Festival, who has been a significant asset to the BBIA in her role as secretary, is stepping down. Her absence will surely be felt as the board moves forward.
The BBIA discussed possible options for boosting membership participation. Visiting the meeting, Denise Lockie, North Huron Community Engagement Officer, suggested studying successful initiatives from other Business Improvement Associations for ideas on how to raise awareness of the BBIA and its activities.
The next meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, at the Blyth and District Community Centre.