Tuesday 12 October 2010, author: admin

Minutes Chamber of Commerce Exec Meeting 29th September 2010

Attending

Paul Wesley ( Chair), David Guest ( Treasurer), Helen Lovell (Press Sec), Chris Phillispon (Sec) Lindsay Garner (Membership) Graham Burrell, Karen Sheehan, Andy Garner, Pete Ryland, , Esther Young, Sandy Whale, Guests. Tony Whitty

Apologies: Lesley Loach, Alastair Sutherland (Market Traders rep)

1. Car Parking

Paul updated the meeting on the latest situation with regards to the Residents Parking Scheme and the proposals to be discussed at the next meeting of the Traffic and Transport Group on the 11th October.

The unanimous position of the Chamber is that we urgently need to find ‘common sense’ and well thought out solutions to the problems we are all experiencing. Initially to establish what ideas/proposals can be implemented immediately in order to alleviate the situation and then to take an in-depth look at solutions for the future.

Regularly updated information regarding the current situation can be found on the Chamber Website.

2. Totnes a Fair Trade Town

Karen Sheehan updated the meeting on the latest position. We are making good progress toward Totnes being recognised as a Fair Trade Town and should be applying for Fair Trade status in October.

Karen asked if we could all encourage Fair Trade when planning any promotional activity, in order to raise the profile of Fair Trade on a daily basis.

    Membership

Lindsay and Helen have been working on developments on the Website, which will enable us to access, record and retrieve information much more easily.

4. Christmas Festival update – Andy Garner

Plans for the 2010 Christmas Festivals are progressing smoothly and the dates are 7th, 14th and 21st.

Andy gave an update of the actions agreed at the meeting on 22nd September of the Safety Advisory Group. The meeting was attended by Ambulance and Fire Services, Police, SHDC, DCC traffic team south area, Totnes Town Council, Totnes Chamber of Commerce and Born Hectic.

    Baltic Wharf

Paul has had a meeting with SHDC to raise and help address the concerns of staff currently employed in Baltic Wharf. He will continue to check that existing businesses and employees will not be disadvantaged by the proposed developments.

    Sunday Food Markets

The new monthly Food Market, which will be held every third Sunday of the month 10am- 3pm has been hailed as an overwhelming success.

The aim of the monthly market is to showcase fine food from the best of Devon’s producers and retailers. The September market brought lots of customers into Totnes and is generally being received by retailers and traders alike as a significant step towards encouraging Sunday trading in Totnes.

7. Chamber of Commerce Christmas Ball – Esther Young

There will be a meeting at the Seven Stars on Wed 6th to plan this years Christmas Ball.

Next meeting TBC