Here are the minutes from the committee meeting held on 28th March 2006

It was confirmed that the name Seaton Chamber of Commerce be changed to Seaton Commerce this was approved by all. It was also agreed that the existing Chamber Constitution be adopted as the new constitution for Seaton Commerce.....

Seaton Commerce

Minutes Meeting held 28^th March 2006

Executive members present

Chairman Sylvia Webber, Vice- Chair Chris Byrne – Jones, Secretary Colin Donelan, Treasurer Andrew Real, Mike Griffiths, Joan Fuller, Peter Thomas.

In attendance Vice President Bob Buskin.

AGM Minutes for CoC

The minutes of the A.G.M. held on 27/02/06 were discussed and Sylvia proposed that they are placed onto the website as soon as possible, this was agreed by all.

Seaton Commerce

It was confirmed that the name Seaton Chamber of Commerce be changed to Seaton Commerce this was approved by all. It was also agreed that the existing Chamber Constitution be adopted as the new constitution for Seaton Commerce.

The new Seaton Commerce logo devised by CJD utilising the colours and form of the old logo was discussed and it was agreed that he would revise the design to include a wave form as part of the new logo.

Treasurers Report

This account was the same as discussed at the AGM held on 27/02/06.

The Christmas lights saga was discussed and CJD read out the letter he had sent to the Town Clerk – he is still awaiting a reply. With reference to the monies collected during the Christmas period and held by Tina Aedo for the Christmas Lights Fund, it was agreed that this money be written off.

It was felt that due to her inexperience; perhaps the members of the executive committee should have given her more support at the time, although no request had been made. The Police were advised of the situation and have recommended that no further action to be taken to recover the money.

Joan Fuller passed to the group a message of support and a donation of £500.00 from an anonymous donor to assist in the payment of the outstanding debt to Torbay Lighting. It was agreed by all that a further £500.00 is taken from our reserves and sent to Torbay Lighting together with a letter to outline our current position and commitment to settle the account.

It was agreed to charge £25.00 for membership of Seaton Commerce and this will include an advertisement on the Website and we would open up to small local businesses i.e. Builders, Cafes etc. offering a ‘Recommended Status’

Town Map

Peter Thomas has devised and printed 7000 copies of the Town Map at his own expense and it was agreed that Seaton Commerce will assist in distribution.

Fitness Centre at Lyme Bay Holiday Village

There was a possibility that the Fitness Centre and Gym at the Holiday Village could be made available to Seaton Commerce members at an advantage rate.

This idea would be pursued and it was suggested that a photo call be arranged with the local press to both advertise the Centre and develop further interest in Seaton Commerce. It was also suggested that Lyme Bay are to be approached

regarding their sponsorship of our website with further links added to create a more usable and adaptable website.

News Letter

CJD will begin design work for a Spring/Easter Newsletter to incorporate the new name and developments of Seaton Commerce.

AOB

CBJ has a number of St Georges Day flags which he will make available to anyone interested prior to 23rd April. Seaton Commerce will assist with distribution.

Andrew commented that the small business community was seeing a gradual upsurge in sales because customers felt that the large city stores and multiples were failing to offer the service that was readily available from the independent store this is good news for all concerned. This information will appear in the newsletter and hopefully stimulate interest in Seaton Commerce.