APOLOGIES : Olive Brown, Pat Logan, Michael Ackerley, Derek Crook, Jo Reade, David Gracie, Georgia O’ Neill.

MINUTES : Minutes of the meeting on 2nd September 2002 - approval held over.

MATTERS ARISING : RE - CYCLING - In Derek’s absence Sandy ran through the details of the meeting which will take place on the 12.11.02. Georgia has e - mailed all members with information and <SANDY> will contact Derek on advertising the meeting.

FERRY COMMITTEE - Minutes to Chamber site - ongoing.

OVERLAND ROUTE - No update in Jo’s absence.

WEBSITE PROMOTION - The website has been added to various search engines. Work is ongoing to link our site to approx. 500 sites.

ROAD UPGRADE - Sandy welcomed Alasdair to the meeting and opened this section of the meeting by suggesting that due to EU enlargement funding for the final upgrade between Salen and Tobermory would be impossible if not undertaken soon. The major drawback being that a plan to upgrade the road does not exist.

Alasdair confirmed that no plan is in place but advised that the route is known. A general discussion followed with Alasdair advising why plans are unavailable and suggesting methods of how to start a campaign to rectify this. It was agreed that <SANDY and ALAN> will draft a letter to be sent to potential interested parties. ie MP’s, MSP’s, the Press etc. Alan P. will try to push the idea through Holiday Mull etc. Alan Mc pointed out that we must ‘sing from the same hymm sheet’. Alasdair noted that as Mull has such a high percentage of the ‘A’ roads in Argyll, excluding trunk roads, we should get a better deal.

PRESIDENT : Sandy has received information on accessing finance for business, community and voluntary ventures. These are the A & I community economic dev. programme, the West Highland euro leader + project and the A & I local economic forum. Website details to follow.

Sandy attended the Local Economic Forum in Ardrishaig and raised several local issues.

Sandy commented on the threat to small and rural post offices. The conclusion of a meeting he attended in Oban was they must be supported or they will disappear.

Olive has faxed Sandy with an idea to celebrate the Chamber’s 10th anniversary at our annual dinner. - November agenda.

AIE Roadshow - The Roadshow is for new and existing businesses with regard to finance, grants and training. The event takes place in the Isle of Mull hotel on the 31.10.02 (2pm - 7pm) and 1.11.02 (9am - 1.30pm). <GEORGIA> will post details on the website.

Sandy advised that it is unlikely he will be able to attend the Insuleur meeting in November.

COMM. TRUST UPDATE - No report in Pat’s absence. A discussion followed on the Food Festival.

WEBSITE - Alan P. reported on Georgia’s behalf that the website server was unreliable and should be changed when the contract is up. Georgia will update next meeting.

TREASURER - A smoke free Tom advised that he is fighting fit after his illness and reported a balance of £2915.40.

SECRETARY - Alan reported on the correspondence received in the month.

AOCB - Alan Mc has been approached by a member suggesting the Chamber should try to organise a stand at the Scotland Travel Fair in Glasgow, April 2003. Alan will investigate further and report back.