DIA improves bottom line

DIA Manager Jeff Serran shows off the associations new branding at the annual general meeting Wednesday.

With money in the bank, new businesses opening and new development on the horizon, the Downtown Improvement Association has a great deal to celebrate.

During Wednesday’s annual general meeting downtown merchants and businesses owners were advised that the board had cleared away a $30,000 deficit.

Bob Alger, DIA Board Chair, says the got into a deficit situation when the previous board and its previous manager failed to watch the bottom line.

“When we came on with the last board our mandate was to take care of that $30,000 deficit,” he explains.

“This group and the group before us had a mandate to manage the money more frugally and make sure that there were dollars well spent all the time to get our best bang for the buck. And not have this open handed throwing money at a project.”

“We’ve spent the money I think wisely and constantly under the scrutiny of the whole board on a month to month review.”

The board ended the meeting with a round table discussion where members discussed their concerns about lighting, safety and security. Alger said they are looking to resurrect the partnership with Canadore’s Law and Security program.