SANDWICH BUSINESS GROUP

MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING

January 23, 2008

The Annual Meeting of the Sandwich Business Group took place over dinner at the Corner House Inn, combining socializing and networking with a brief business meeting.

ATTENDING 

Ben Adriance, Ted Adriance, Don Brown, Jane Brown, Lois Carmody, John Davies, Susan Davies, Julie Deak, Bob Dunlap, Judi Dunlap, Joanne Haight, Barbara Harris, Carl Harris, Diane Cook Johnson, Tom Klein, Tony Leiper, Joyce Lund, Bob MacArthur, Peggy MacArthur, Peggy Merritt, Amy Morse, Steve Olafsen, Tracey Olafsen, Nancy Papp, Anne Perkins, John Perkins, Lisa Shambaugh, Don Sutton, Jillian Traibman and Sarah Zuccarelli

CALL TO ORDER AND PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Lisa Shambaugh welcomed all to the first annual meeting of the Sandwich Business Group and called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Recapping the year, Lisa noted the following accomplishments:

• Developed the SBG brochure and produced and distributed 20,000 copies.
• Joined the Lakes Region Chamber.
• Developed the web site.
• Adopted our mission statement.
• Adopted By-Laws.
• Produced an ad for the Weirs Times
• Contributed to the Historical Society Booklet
• Co-sponsored Gallery walks
• Hosted a booth at the Sandwich Fair
• Hosted a discussion of town parking with selectmen
• Hosted a discussion of internet access and the library with Gunnar Berg of Cyberpine.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Copies of the financial report were available at each table. Treasurer Julie Deak highlighted the good news of a positive balance of over $2,000 at year end.  She also acknowledged with appreciation Don Sutton’s generous donation of time as web master, which contributed to the positive result.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

 The Nominating Committee of Joyce Lund, Lisa Shambaugh and Don Sutton proposed the following slate of officers for 2008.

President: Don Brown
Vice President: Patsy Carega
Treasurer: Julie Deak
Secretary: Bob MacArthur 

President Shambaugh asked for nominations from the floor. There were none. It was moved and seconded to elect the proposed slate. The motion carried.

With the election of new officers Lisa handed the responsibilities of chairing the meeting to Don Brown.

Don acknowledged Lisa’s work as President for the past year and led the group in appreciation for her service. He reminded the group that SBG had been launched 3 three years ago. Members have worked together to produce an annual brochure, develop a web site and collaborate on various projects designed to promote the Town’s businesses. Looking ahead to this year Don emphasized the importance of everyone getting more involved in supporting events that currently exist. We will be as effective as we are willing to get involved.

MEMBERSHIPS FOR 2008

The membership fee for 2008 will be $75 per business. This membership includes listings in the brochure and on the web site. For an additional $50 members can have an enhanced presence on the web site, including expanded description of their business and one picture. The deadline for membership dues is March 1^st.

MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS

In 2007 it was decided to alternate meetings in the morning and evening to encourage greater attendance. The format led to confusion about meeting times and there was no appreciable increase in attendance. For 2008 the meetings will be held the first Monday of the month at 8:30 a.m.

Nancy Papp offered to host some of the meetings at Mocha Rizing.  The location of future meetings will be discussed at the next regular meeting.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be February 4, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at the Corner House Inn. 

ADJOURNMENT

The business meeting was adjourned in order to continue with socializing and eating.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bob MacArthur
Secretary

[1.23.08]