NIDOA Calgary General Meeting Minutes
Date: May 13, 2017
Meeting started: 4 pm
Opening prayer: Mrs. O Eto.
· Approval of meeting agenda moved by Mr. P Eto, and seconded by Mr. Matthew Uponi.
· The President requested to move approval of the minutes of last meeting to be moved to the next meeting as the minutes were not shared with members prior to the meeting. Request approved.
· Introductions by all present; stating name and occupation/business.
Website Upgrade/Database/Social Media - Update
· Uche E. gave an update on the website update as well as a demo of the member’s database. General discussions on how to improve the database and website; recommendations provided to Uche E. for action
· The President following the demo encouraged all members to endeavour to work with one another in trying to move our community forward.
Bi-Monthly Newsletter for Members and Businesses
· Mr. Uponi provided an update on the quarterly newsletter and requested members provide feedback on the newsletter as the success of the newsletter depended on feedback from members
NIDOA Bylaw Review - Update
· Dr. Chidinma gave an update on the process of the By-Law review.
o Passed on to the executives for review.
o After which it will be posted on the website with a 21 day notice for review.
o Debated at the following general meeting.
o Adopted.
Talk by Mrs Onabadejo
· Talk by Mrs Onabadejo on her research, Topic: A sense of home in Canada. Well-being of African immigrants growing in Canada.
June 17 Business Workshop
· About 75 people registered as of today. We have a size limit of about 200.
· Event is open to everyone, so members ensure they reserve a spot before it is sold out
· We host workshops like this for free as a way of giving back to the community - meaning we need sponsors. So far, over $3000 has been raised in sponsorship but we still need some more to cover the costs. If possible, a donation will be greatly appreciated (preferably in multiples of $50)
· Anticipated budget presented for 100 attendees, 150 attendees, and 200 attendees (max.)
o 100 attendees incurs $6,081
o 150 attendees incurs $8,684 -- expected
o 200 attendees $11,393
· Suggestion to leave registration open i.e. no deadline and add a note on the registration
Revitalized Mentorship Program
· Plan for the day outlined
· Currently seeking previous mentee and mentor testimonials
Professional Talk – Business Law for Business Folks
· Talk about reducing/mitigating legal risks of business litigation
· Presentation and contact details will be on the website
· Meeting was sponsored by the presenters so we are very grateful
October 28 Professional Dinner
· Date is not yet fixed. It may be October 14
· Theme chosen “Beyond The Risks: Building Business Without Borders”
· Still confirming our keynote speaker
o Send suggestions for ke
· Attendance: 120 - 240 (low and high case scenarios for the purpose of budget planning
A.O.B.
· Please pay your annual dues if outstanding
o Is credit card payment going to be available?
o Currently PayPal and Interac. Credit card fees/charges are too high for it to work right now
· Diaspora Bill discussed
· Golf Tournament - avenue to raise funds for charity ($30,000 raised in the past 5 years)
o $140 admission - all skill levels welcome
o August 8, 2017
o Looking for sponsorship - this is the main driver of fund raising. 100% of proceeds go the the organization we’re supporting
o Contact Ben Ezenta for more details
· Muideen Adeyemi
o Tickets almost sold out for Yoruba Gala on Saturday night
o Please be prompt
Motion for adjournment: L. Balogun
Seconded: K. Eto
Closing Prayer: O. Chukwu
Meeting Closed: 5:50 pm