SEVENTH MEETING OF THE YEAR 2003

1.0 REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR

· appointment of three new board members will be confirmed in time for next meeting

· total board complement increased by one

· always need committee members who are not board members

· ask Michael Landry to do presentation/orientation at next meeting

Allan Seabrooke assumed the Chair for the discussion of Items 2.1 and 2.2.

2.0 APPOINTMENTS

2.1 It was

Moved by Brian Harvey

Seconded by Tony Wong

THAT Mario Miranda be appointed Chair of the Markham Theatre Advisory Board for the year 2008.

Resolution carried.

2.2 It was

Moved by Neil Fernandez

Seconded by Tony Wong

THAT Brian Harvey be appointed Vice Chair of the Markham Theatre Advisory Board for the year 2008.

Resolution carried.

Mario Miranda resumed the Chair for the balance of the meeting.

3.0 ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM THEATRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 28^TH, 2008.

RECOMMENDED: THAT THE MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM THEATRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 28^TH, 2008, BE ADOPTED AS CIRCULATED.

4.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

4.1 Financial Performance and Business Plan Tracking - Brian Harvey, Chair, Mario Miranda, Pat Kincaid, David Banfield, Michael Landry

· financial year-end not yet ready; expect some time next week

· year-end numbers appear to be quite improved over last year; good news

· last year’s deficit was $300K; think $240-270K for this year

· increase in number of PES show numbers

· new marketing initiatives

· positive news moving in right direction; congratulations to staff and board members

5.0 MANAGER’S REPORT

· attendance 5,000 less people in 2007 note closed August for renovations

· February events – romantic events – PES shows - Blind Date, Viennese Valentine, Anastasia, Romanza; Unionville Theatre Company – Beauty and the Beast; Opera York

· Valentines Day – chocolate dipped strawberries and wine tasting

5.2 P.E.S. Sales Update

· Wise Monkey was a challenge but knew it would be

· new seniors’ matinee performances added

· first matinee a wonderful performance; free coffee and cookies provided

· three to four bus loads of seniors and participation house

· gentleman called and said was here for four shows in one week; best he’s ever seen

· numbers good for tonight’s comedy show

5.3 2008-2009 PES Programming Update

· about 80% done; should be final for the next meeting

5.4 2008 Business Plan

· strengthen connection with community

· develop stronger school relationships

· also want to continue community partnerships

· meeting next week with Royal Conservatory of Music

· continue Values and Benefits Study

· focus on customer service; upgrade lobby

· build up on-line ticket sales and web site

· plan 25^th Anniversary for 2009-2010

· redesign sponsorship package

· Cultural Services organizational review

· PES and programming – start to think more in advance when poor PES sales

· use tickets to partner with media, including multicultural media, in exchange for advertising

· had significant increase with radio stations; has improved sales

· Ming Pao advertised Lee Trio

· five or six radio stations as media sponsors

· work harder with those who know cultural communities

· may want to work with others; cutthroat business

· need to be cautious and sensitive

· Chinese-Canadian radio more appropriate than print

· better ways to take advantage of unsold tickets

· short term communication problem – subscriber e-mail?

· building list but some resistance to using e-mails

· adding section to web site; number of different initiatives

· next year’s season gala – Natalie MacMaster – being announced early

6.0 SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

6.1 Fundraising and Sponsorship Development - Neil Fernandez, Chair, Jennifer Kah, Genny Landis, Dennis Cline, David Tsubouchi, Wendy Woof-Severn

· 2007 was good year

· $85,000 budget; slightly over at $90,500

· moving in right direction

· need volunteers – David Tsubouchi will be working with sub-committee

· advertising budget $28,000; achieved $24,750

· first marketing piece for Natalie MacMaster end of February

· first right of refusal to sponsors of Roch Voisine

6.2 Special Events

· 25^th Anniversary in 2009-2010 – much to celebrate

· need sub-committee, including staff

· seeking volunteers – can be new people

· going to approach previous Chairs and board members

· all board members should be on it; members need to show commitment

7.0 ACTION ITEMS

7.1 Highway Sign Update

· updated design approved today; to Council this week

· manufacturer says won’t take long to do

8.0 OTHER BUSINESS

8.1 Royal Conservatory of Music

· updated history

· was on hold but now going ahead

· partners have been interviewed

· more information at February meeting

· will know steps to move project onward

8.2 New Theatre Space

· tour made of new theatre in Mesa, Arizona; built from sales tax revenue

8.3 Unionville High School

· high school band one of two Canadian bands going to China for pre-Olympics celebrations

· fundraising concert at theatre March 3^rd

· Mayor’s group will be attending concert in Shanghai; good news

· example where work with media in exchange for tickets

· good contact at Rogers – Tina Murphy

· Les Miserable was wonderful show by UHS

· excellent job done in a very short time

9.0 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday, March 31^st, 2008, 5:30 p.m.

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

10.0 ADJOURNMENT

· 6:35 p.m.