Club Assembly

Sheila, with the help of Treasurer Glenn and Vice-President Jim as well as Rotarian Bob Cranch, presented a detailed overview of Bingo and the impact lost revenues are having on the club. She said club executives continue to monitor bingo operations along with the board at Rutherford Bingo to ensure the club's  interest are protected. New regulations by the province will change the way bingo operates and should improve our position but they don't take place until May and some of the important detail is still missing.

Vice-President Jim made three presentations to council in August, October and January and was successful in getting licence fees waived at least until the new budget is prepared in April.

Meanwhile the club also initiated a meeting with the Brampton Community Service Foundation (BCSF)

RUTHERFORD BINGO is a non-profit Corporation, wholly owned by the Rotary Club of Brampton, which "owns" the Rutherford Bingo Hall and operates it as a Charity Bingo under contract with the Brampton Community Service Foundation. BCSF distributes playing time to more than 30 charitable organizations in the community.

All parties agreed to continue to discuss ways to make bingo more attractive to customers and they will contue to meet under the leadership of Bob Cranch. The goals of the ongoing review remain:

- Treat Rotary and community volunteers with respect
- Identify consensus improvements and create a plan with a long-term approach to community fundraising opportunities
- Stabilize revenue for future Rotary Budgets

The Rotary Board and Rutherford Bingo Board will continue to monitor bingo and its impact on the club.

Rotary Glen

Sheila reported that negotiations were underway for the contract extension of Carl's Catering at the Glen. The expectation is that they will be completed this spring in time for the October renewal date. The current contract once renewed expires in September 2012.

There are other issues affecting the Glen property. Queen Street road widening may impact on the access to our property. It may also impact on future zoning.

Bob Cranch and Jim Inglis are working on a response to the Region. Future Glen Board activities that still need to be determined include:

-Value in the future as residential development
-Value in the future in current zoning
-Desire/timing by neighbors for coordinated activity

Managing Rotary

With decling bingo revenues, Sheila reported this year's budget has been redrafted twice since July. Nearly $170,000 has been cut since the original budget.

The short-term crunch is manageable, with prudent spending.

Meanwhile the board continues with strategic planning, establishing long-term goals and objectives for the organization.

Sheila said the challenge of not having bingo revenues provides Rotary with:

- Opportunity for revitalization of membership activities, fellowship and new partnerships
- Renewed focus on emerging Rotary events/activities (i.e. Rib 'n Roll)