Mull and Iona Chamber of Commerce
Minutes of meeting held at The Isle of Mull Hotel at 8 pm on April 7th 2008
Present: Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Georgia O’Neill
, Brendan Walsh, Jane Chauvet, Derek Crook
Apologies for absence: None
Election of Officers for 2008-9:
President: Proposer Seconded by
Sandy Brunton Derek Crook B. Walsh
No other candidate.
Sandy Brunton elected.
Vice President Proposer Seconded by
Brendan Walsh Jane Chauvet M. Ackerley
No other candidate.
Brendan Walsh elected
Secretary Proposer Seconded by
Jane Chauvet B. Walsh M. Ackerley
No other candidate.
Jane Chauvet elected
Treasurer Proposer Seconded by
M. Ackerley S. Brunton Jane Chauvet
No other candidate.
Michael Ackerley elected.
Derek Crook agreed to continue to take minutes.
Minutes of the last meeting: Proposed that these be accepted as a true record: proposed by G. O’Neill, seconded by S. Brunton. Agreed unanimously.
Matters Arising from the Minutes of the last meeting:
Following the success of the Business to Business Event it was agreed that initiatives were needed to build on the success of the food producers at the event. The President reported that the Food Festival this year would be of limited scope as the Mull and Iona Trust had decided that it was not cost effective for it to continue organising the event given the lack of supporting action from the producers themselves who benefited but seemed disinclined to provide any organisational structure. Georgia has contacted Susie Chalupa about preparing a press release explaining the amount of time, effort and money that had gone into to the event over the years and its public success and importance to the islands’ economies.
Further action. It was agreed that 1) the Board explore ways of attracting funding for the Festival 2) to see if Martin (?) could be involved (3) bring the producers together when the information had been assembled. AP all Board members to research and email each other
Annual Dinner and AGM: This had been a great success and the Board expressed its appreciation of the services provided by The Glenforsa Hotel. At the AGM transport had once again emerged as the point of most concern and the one which needed most lobbying for improvement. AP It was agreed that Michael Ackerley should write to Calmac detailing the inadequacies revealed by Michael’s recent experiences at Oban pier and pointing out the lack of information for the public about the delays of completing the programme of improvements at the Oban ferry terminal.
Travel Expo 08. No information available from Holiday Mull. AP Brendan Walsh to investigate.
Royal Mail: Re-organisation of Mail Services on the Islands
The President had spoken to Alan Reid MP who had suggested that the Chamber lobby PostCom. SB expressed scepticism about getting anywhere satisfactory. However, M.A reported an improved collection service from the Ulva ferry area. AP. The President and Secretary to write to POSTCOM
Ferry Services Enquiry held at the Corran Halls, Oban recently by the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee of the Scottish Executive. Had been attended by 9 MSPs and 3 community organisations including the Chamber represented by the President. AP Board members to respond individually when the report appears.
President’s Report. The President has attended a meeting at Inverness called by the Scottish Chamber of Commerce to discuss the formation of a Highlands and Islands Chamber Group. The meeting had agreed to investigate the benefits as it was felt that there was huge potential benefits for such an organisation to act as a lobbying group, particularly at European level. The Scottish Chamber of Commerce would look to support small Chambers of Commerce.
Treasurer’s Report: A credit of £3203.69.
Secretary’s Report: 1. The DVD on how to drive on single track roads was now ready. AP The President to deliver the CD to Calmac. 2.B2B attendees who said they would join the Chamber to be reminded. AP the Secretary. 3) Letter to the MOD as previously decided to be sent. AP The Secretary
Oban Airport: BW reported that there was now no re-fuelling facilities even for emergencies and there was a continuing lack of progress with the facility. AP BW to maintain a watching brief.
AOB: BW reported that the first of the seaplane flights to Tobermory Bay had brought its first bundle of tourists to Mull.
Next Meeting. Monday May 5th at the Isle of Mull Hotel at 8pm