NEWS RELEASE
THOROLD COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUP
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President Denise Palomba welcomed 19 past and current members of the TCAG Inaugural meeting of the Honourary Board of Governors (HBOG) Wednesday night.
“In our Board Work Plan for 2016/2017, the Board of Directors included a goal to develop an Honourary Board of Governors," Palomba stated.
"We passed a Motion to adopt the Terms of Reference at the May 2018 meeting of the Board. The purpose is to retain past Board Member involvement in the TCAG while providing the current Board of Directors with perspective and insight from valued past volunteers.”
Palomba introduced TCAG Founding Board President Fred Neale, who is also serving as the first Chair of HBOG. Chairman Neale commented:
“As the founding board president and now given the privilege to serve as the inaugural chair of the Honourary Board of Governors, I would like to add my welcome to all of you. The TCAG has been proudly serving the Thorold community since 1981 and many, many committed leaders have served on our Board of Directors since that time.
"There is a wealth of experience and wisdom in the room tonight and out there among those past board members who are unable to join us tonight. The HBOG gives us all a chance to continue our connection with the TCAG while providing input and advice to the current Board."
After dinner, TCAG Executive Director Dan Pelletier facilitated a brainstorming session which all in attendance participated in, offering their insight and enthusiasm. Priority suggestions included:
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The TCAG has a great history of service to tell. Work on articulating the Case for Support to expand on the philanthropic power of this valued charity.
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Strategically revisit the relationship with the City of Thorold to ensure that the residents of Thorold are best served in the delivery of recreation and leisure services. The consensus in the room is that the TCAG delivers outstanding value per capita.
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95 per cent growth over the past four years has led to the likelihood of outgrowing the facilities at 131 Richmond. Therefore new and/or additional space will be needed to accommodate continued growth - Strategically position the TCAG for potential support from new corporate and public sources.
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Formalize a strategic planning cycle for the next 5-10 year period.
All those in attendance offered input and advice for the current Board of Directors. Neale remarked, “It was an incredible evening, allowing us to renew acquaintances and make some new ones, while gathering valuable information for the TCAG to continue moving forward successfully.”
The meeting was attended by three of the original (1981) members of the Board of Directors, including Fred Neale (founding president); Peter Jurmain and Roslyn Kocot, as well as by six past presidents: Fred Neale, Peter Jurmain, Roslyn Kocot, Mike Charron, Dave Hayes and Karen Blackley.
Six current and past members of Thorold City Council, including former Mayors Mal Woodhouse and Henry D’Angela, along with former Coun. Mike Charron and current Council members Fred Neale, Ken Sentance and Nella Dekker were in attendance.
At their February meeting, the current board will review all feedback from the Jan. 23 meeting and develop a go-forward strategy. All in attendance pledged to continue with this concept and meet again, at least annually.
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