Annual General Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2023 Annual General Meeting. We were excited to switch up the format this year, and are so thrilled at the turnout and level of engagement we received from everyone in attendance.

Below are some highlights from the meeting:

Doors opened at 6:30pm for attendees to register and view each ACA Committee’s information booth to see some of the exciting initiatives that were carried out in our community this past year.

Vice President Keith Simmons called the formal portion of the meeting to order at 7:04pm. He welcomed everyone and conducted the land acknowledgement.

Keith Simmons introduced the board, committee chairs and ARC staff. He continued with providing some highlights of the 2022/2023 fiscal year which include:

• digitization of board files which created a more efficient environment to conduct work

• the addition of new board members and expansion of committees to execute on initiatives

• ARC Social Lounge activation

• community programming added (Crafting & Wine Nights)

• feasibility study for renovation

• Class C license allowing for public access to lounge

• increased ACA membership numbers substantially and added membership benefits through connection and outreach with local Acadia businesses

• increased community engagement and visibility through more events and programs

• Hello Acadia newsletter content more engaging and relevant to readers on what is happening in the community and at the ACA

• social media presence and engagement increased substantially

Treasurer Adam Klimczak presented the audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023. Membership approved the audited financial statements as presented. Members supported the motion to appoint an auditor from The Federation of Calgary Communities for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

Director and Events Committee Chair Minh Badau presented the finalist submissions for the ACA Rebranding Contest. Membership voted with heavy majority for the new logo and branding, and this new branding will be applied over the next few months.

The following directors were elected for a 2-year term:

• President - Keith Simmons

• Secretary - Ashley Chapman

• Director, Communications Chair - Erin Tsambouris

• Director, Playgrounds Chair - Dana McCarty

• Director at Large - Marina Munro

The following directors were elected into recently vacated positions:

• Vice President - Minh Badau (1-year term)

The following board-appointed directors were elected to complete the 1-year term remaining on their 2-year term:

• Treasurer - Adam Klimzcak

• Director, Grants & Fundraising Chair - Shanon Crews

• Director, Planning & Development Chair - Jack Moddle

• Director at Large - Chris Kalyn

The official part of the meeting concluded at 8:10pm.

Meeting attendees were encouraged to stay for networking over cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, sandwiches and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages were available for purchase. Committee information display booths and committee chairs engaged with attendees regarding the initiatives that the ACA executed on this past year, as well as shared information on aspirations for the future.

Below is a high-level summary of each ACA Committee’s information:

• Membership: added membership value through “I heart Acadia” business partnership program with local area businesses offering ACA members discounts

• Volunteers: high level of engagement and participation with volunteers this year. Immediate upcoming opportunities include casino fundraiser shifts, the kids’ holiday party and a search for grassroots soccer program coordinator.

• Projects: details about the proposed mural project for the ARC. Intent to proceed with the ARC Social Lounge renovation to attract a more diverse group of users throughout the day and year-round.

• Events: lots of events held this year, and most were free to attend for ACA members. Between 6 events held between January 2023 and September 2023, total attendees was over 1500.

• Community Engagement (Programs): Good Food Box program is highly utilized. Launch of new community grassroots soccer program in Spring 2024. Looking to connect with local area artists to host regular Crafting & Wine Nights in the ARC Social Lounge.

• Communications: social media presence created this year and has grown in followers and engagement. New website launched late 2022. Revamp of Hello Acadia newsletter content to create a more engaging magazine.

• Grants & Fundraising: new chair appointed to this portfolio earlier this year. Intent to centralize grant requests and fundraising efforts for initiatives.

• Planning & Development: new chair appointed to this portfolio earlier this year. Acadia is seeing more development proposals and this committee’s responsibility is to review planning, development and transportation matters that pertain to the community.

• ARC: new branding applied throughout building. New uniforms for staff. Social Lounge now open to public as opposed to being a members only lounge. Expanded Frankie’s concession menu.