Richford VT

RICHFORD ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OCTOBER 9, 2008

President Connie Burns called the regular meeting to order at 5:24 PM with Directors Wendell Fortier, Darlene Gregoire, Bill McGroarty, Albert Perry and Wallace Steinhour present. Also present was Laura Ovitt.

Secretary Albert Perry read the minutes of the September 11 regular meeting. Motion made by Wally Steinhour, seconded by Darlene Gregoire, to approve the minutes. The motion carried.

Treasurer Darlene Gregoire presented the financial statements as of September 30, noting that $1685.00 was deposited as a result of the golf tournament; $1120.00 was deposited in August. Tournament expenses totaled $1595.69, and $1000.00 was deducted to start a special projects account at the Peoples Trust Co. Motion made by Albert Perry, seconded by Wallace Steinhour, to approve the financial statements. The motion carried.

Connie Burns reported the special projects account will require a board resolution, the articles of association and a copy of the secretary of state certificate of good standing. Account signers who are not Peoples Trust customers will have to appear personally to complete the signature card. Motion made by Darlene Gregoire, seconded by Bill McGroarty, to adopt the resolution. The motion carried.

Connie Burns read a letter from Ryea and Sons Masonry, which stated that economic conditions have prevented them from adding staff in 2008.

Connie reported that Jay Peak has asked REAC to co-sponsor a job fair with the Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The job fair will be held Nov. 12 from 12 - 3 at the emergency services building. Jay Peak will provide posters. Laura will contact the St. Albans messenger to ask if a flyer can be inserted into their "Extra" paper, and will contact the Buyers Digest. Motion made by Darlene Gregoire, seconded by Bill McGroarty, to split the cost of advertising, up to $150, with Jay Peak. Laura will contact churches about putting a notice in their bulletins; Albert will put posters in stores. The WIB will work on organizing a van pool.

Connie asked the Directors their goals for 2009. Albert said he would like to see REAC form a Business Association, start up and maintain a Richford website, and revise the bylaws and reconfirm REAC's mission and purpose. Bill would like to pursue a discussion with the bank to learn about their community reinvestment responsibilities. Darlene would like to develop a program to sponsor and/or mentor people with employment challenges. Laura would like to pursue a RBEG  for a community development specialist.  

Albert reported on recent visits to Richford businesses, saying he had received a positive impression.

Ted Adriance joined the meeting to report on the website redevelopment. He and the directors had several suggestions for content. He has included random photos taken by Jean Snide, which are beautiful. Congratulations to Darlene Gregoire for her photos of the golf tournament.

The next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5:15 PM.

Motion made by Darlene Gregoire, seconded by Bill McGroarty, to adjourn at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura Ovitt
Administrative Assistant