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The Western Fair Association held its 2005 Annual General
Meeting in the Carousel Room on the fairgrounds yesterday
with more than 240 of the Association’s business, government
and community directors, members and guests in attendance.
Western Fair Association’s Chief Executive Officer,
Gary McRae called the meeting to order and county greetings
were given by Warden Tom McLaughlin. Controller Bud Polhill
brought city greetings on behalf of the mayor.
President Denny Lang welcomed members and guests and delivered
the evening's opening remarks. His address outlined that “we
must clearly delineate a roadmap that will lead us into the
next decade” and although he talked of the past fiscal
period, he imparted to the audience the importance “for
the next year, to persevere with our goal of debt management
and business growth to prepare the Association for its next
stage of development. We must not lose sight of our vision
for the future of this outstanding entertainment centre.”
Following the address from the Association’s President,
Gary McRae C.E.O., made a report on the financial statement
and outlined that “although the Association recorded
an operating surplus of 3.8 million, these funds are fully
committed for debt servicing and capital maintenance of expanded
facilities.” Chief Operations Officer, Hugh Mitchell,
took the podium next and talked to the audience about “a
three-year roadmap for the organization in the format of the
new operational strategic plan.” Mr. Mitchell stressed
that “the goal line has moved and the marketplace requires
Western Fair to up its game!” According to Mr. Mitchell,
the Association is now challenged to “better manage
and measure operating costs, debt management, enhance live
racing, and identify which elements in terms of corporate
image, event and entertainment options have a positive impact
on the community and are relevant to the needs of today’s
customer.”
Also at the meeting, the 2005/2006 Board of Directors was
elected. Denny Lang continues in his role as President. Vice
Presidents Ken Levy and Jack Davis were also re-acclaimed.
Newly elected to the Western Fair Board of Directors were:
Ron Lackey, representing the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food, Bob Earley, representing the London Rotary Club
and Tim Kelly, representing the Optimist Club of Southeast
London.
President - Denny Lang
Vice Presidents - Ken Levy, Jack Davis
Ray Chowen, Bob Earley, Al Edmondson, Hugh Fletcher, Jean
Johnson, Tim Kelly, Ron Lackey, Warden Tom McLaughlin, Counc.
Bernie MacDonald, Alan Marr, Don McCallum, Jamie O’Shea,
Cont. Bud Polhill, Bill Reath, Counc. Fred Tranquilli, Gary
Weese, Bill Zwambag
Jan Delaney, John Ferris, Hugh P. Filson, Bill Grieve, Karl
Nevin, Bill Trudell, John White, Gary E. Williams
Anne Eadie - 519/438-7203 EX 223
aeadie@westernfair.com
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