The Agri-Culture Enterprise Centre Society (AEC) held its inaugural general meeting in the 100 Mile Lodge Valley Room on July 26, and elected the group's first official board of directors.
Rita Giesbrecht says the 40 people who turned out also enjoyed a community potluck meal, as well as some good conversation.
“We’re just very excited that we are now off the starting block; we can begin to do activities and programs and engage with, and build, the agriculture community; and with all of the potential and possibilities for this region.”
The AEC board includes the original three founders Giesbrecht, David Zirnhelt and Rod Hennecker, as well as new board members Bruce Andersen, Barbara Hooper, John Hooper, Christiane Nauen, Linda Savjord and Chris Pettman.
The AEC has yet to determine what style of board it will have, Giesbrecht explains, so it’s currently operating on a consensual basis until that is resolved at a future meeting.
"It was successful. Our next key function is to continue with our membership drive, so we populate the society [to] have a body of people to work with."
The board also introduced the AEC constitution to the membership, and then approved and released it, Giesbrecht added.
"We made the determination to have a strong presence at the South Cariboo Community Fall Fair.
"We really want to support Canlan to have a strong agricultural base at the fall fair in the spirit of community development and agriculture community development."
The AEC is very supportive and integrated with the South Cariboo Meat Co-op, she says, adding it’s another large part of its mandate.
"All things food and agriculture is our domain."