At 7 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the County Council Office, the Ponoka Agricultural Society gathered for their Annual General Meeting. President Sherry Gummow welcomed all in attendance and introductions followed. The minutes of the 2007 Annual General Meeting were reviewed before the directors and committee reports were presented and read aloud. The reports concentrated on each directors and board members contribution to the Ag Society throughout the year giving special thanks to other board members, members at large and volunteers who helped make all events not only possible but successful. The reports were accepted as presented and the meeting continued.
Unfinished business
•A logo has been selected and is being used on all Ponoka Ag Society materials including advertising, clothing, signs, etc.
New Business
•The motion to move the fiscal year of the society from a 12-month period starting on the first day of Nov. to a 12-month period beginning on the first day of October each year was carried.
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•The motion to set aside $200,000 in additional funds for the Ponoka Ag Events Centre project, and to hold them separately from other Ag-society funds in an interest bearing account until the decision is made by the Ponoka committee currently working on the project to use it, was carried. These funds are in addition to the already pledged funds of $75,000 and any grants that may be approved through the organization.
Setting aside $200,000 derives from a worst-case scenario plan for the Ponoka Ag Events Centre. It was concluded that if the centre never hosted a single event, the cost to keep the building heated, lit, staffed and maintained was estimated to cost $200,000 a year. If this happened, all four participating partners, which include the Ponoka Stampede Association, The Town of Ponoka, Ponoka County and the Ponoka Ag-Society, would provide $50,000 each year for a period of four years to keep the centre up and running.
-Cecilia Dykstra reviewed the proposed budget for next year. It was suggested that scholarship amounts be increased and the suggestion will be taken into consideration at the first meeting of the new executive.
Election of Officers
The election of new officers took place. Sherry Gummow remains president, the vice- president is now Les Greipl, the secretary is now Donna Davies and Cecilia Dykstra remains treasurer. The directors are Larry Lentz, Craig Jacklin, Greg Bowie, Lauraine Weir, Kelly Christensen, Dale Fath, Joyce Winter and Gail Luce.
Conclusion
It was decided that the Annual General Meeting of 2009 take place on Nov. 23.
After this motion was carried the meeting was adjourned.