East Wellington’s chamber of commerce now has council’s blessing to continue leadership for the Erin home show.
EWCC chair David Netherton spoke to Erin councillors on May 21 on how things went at the 2013 Home & Lifestyle Show and how it did financially.
Netherton said the chamber hosted the show this year.
“We did submit a budget with a slight deficit of $795.”
Although entrance fees were down this year, Netherton said one of the goals is to not charge entrance fees for the next few years.
He said expenses were down in part through bartering.
As a result, the overall show came in with a surplus of roughly $3,300.
“What I am requesting is that the East Wellington Chamber of Commerce henceforth would like to present the show and take on the responsibility of administration and funding.”
Although he asked that this year’s surplus and the prepaid funds from 2014 vendors be directed to the chamber as seed money for future shows.
Councillor Barb Tocher asked if there was a grant given to the group for the event.
Finance director Sharon Marshall explained the way the show was budgeted for in the past few years was that any deficit the town would make up.
“We would cover any debts, but there was no transfer of grant money. And this year, we don’t have to cover any deficit.”
She suggested the $3,300 surplus should belong to the chamber.
Tocher asked whether the homeshow got a sign permit to advertise the show.
As a result of puzzled looks from the presenter, it was apparent the group did not.
Tocher suggested the group put that on its ‘to do’ list asking for an exemption.
The idea is that everyone is treated the same, Tocher said.
Councillor Josie Wintersinger asked if all of this year’s signs had been collected because she had spotted a few in local ditches recently.
Council subsequently agreed to transfer the event from the town to the chamber of commerce.
Further, the town agreed that the 2013 home show surplus and the prepaid 2014 vendor fees be transferred to the chamber.
“Congratulations and job well done,” Tocher offered to members of the chamber.
