Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. Board of
Directors Meeting
October 16, 2009 In the Council Conference Room
1. Roll Call
Attendees:
Dave Balfour, Chair
Len Clingham, Member
Jackie Boudreau, Treasurer
Najwa Murphy, Member
Moe Rondeau, Member
Barry Mechanic, Member
Absent:
Louise Boulanger, Vice Chair
Sue Tessier Mackenzie, Secretary
Helen Moroney, Member
Richard Murphy, Member
John Lefrancois, Member
Louis Yip, Member
Dave Richards, Member
Ted Garille, Member
Robert Conway, Member
Anthony Capuano, Member
Mark Brodeau, Member
Paul Eno, Member
Also Attending:
Robert Billington, President
Natalie Carter, Director of Operations
2. The meeting was called to order at
12:08 pm with a quorum present.
3. Minutes
On a MOTION by Len Clingham and seconded by Moe Rondeau, the
Minutes of the August 12, 2009 meeting were approved as
presented.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Jackie Boudreau dispensed with the
Income Statement presented dated 10/15/09. Ms Boudreau noted
that the reports appeared in order. Later in the meeting the
Balance Sheet dated 10/16/09 was presented and reviewed. Ms.
Boudreau requested a meeting be scheduled between her,
Natalie and our Bookkeeper to discuss the future formatting
of the financial reports. Natalie will schedule that
meeting.
5. President’s Report and Old Business
Mr. Billington discussed the Annual
Dinner and its success. He asked the Board to consider how
we need to step-up the Annual Dinner for our 25th
Anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2010. Dave Balfour
suggested that each member of the Board should feel
responsible to attend the meeting and bring guests. Len
Clingham suggested that participants in the meeting may not
know the cost of the chicken dinner is high and that leads
to a high ticket price. He felt we should explain the values
more.
Dave Balfour suggested we invite the Twin River Dog Owners
to support the Annual Dinner. The Board discussed the idea
of each town and city in the Blackstone Valley hosting a
table.
Billington explained that Travel Experiences Trade Show for
2009 will be delayed to 2010.
The Annual Elections of Officers will be held on December
18, 2009 at 11am at the Tourism Council offices.
Billington thanked Barry Mechanic for his support in
promoting the Back Yard Bus Tours and the Secret Ingredient
Tours.
Billington noted that Gourmet Magazine promoted our Chicken
Family Style restaurants in a their August 2009 issue.
6. New Business
Moe Rondeau wanted the Tourism Council
to investigate the fact that other states are barring
certain on-line hotel booking companies from doing business
in their state because they are not paying proper taxes to
the state. Billington agreed to contact the Attorney
General’s office.
7. Adjournment
There being no further business before
the Board, the Board t adjourned at 1:12 p.m. Respectfully
submitted,
Robert D. Billington
President
