YORKTON - YBID hosted a Membership Appreciation Night and AGM Wednesday at the Painted Hand Casino.
The AGM was the last function for YBID outgoing chair Doug Hull.
Donna Brothwell, executive director of the organization said as chair Hull had some real nice feathers in cap in his three years; 2021-2023.
“Not only has he been there to hand out over $125,000 of BIIP (Business Improvement Incentive Program) grants from YBID, he has been at every grand opening, film festival, brick mill, chamber, presentations to Council, and YBID events that he could attend which are many,” she told Yorkton This Week.
Projects in his time include; rock wall entrance to Highway #9, veterans banners, moving of the clock and tipi project, standing Santa parade to rolling parade, clean sweep winter creation and move to SaskAbilities, mural restoration, and of course June Days.
Hull will stay on the board as past chair and does say he will help our new chair where needed, said Brothwell.
In the executive director report to the AGM, Brothwell continued on the theme of YBID being a busy organization with many investments and program to enhance the city and business district.
Brothwell said through the year every member was in some way contacted by dropping in or calling, leaving a card, messaging by Facebook or emailed.
Projects in 2023 included:
The Clean Sweep summer program, which Brothwell said YBID was proud to continue with SaskAbilities as the Clean Sweep Organization. The summer program was given $10,000 and winter $6,000.
The Flower Pot program for 2023 saw $45,000 spent on the program.
Other spending included continuing existing funding agreements with $50,000 to the Dracup Bridge walking project – the final payment, $50,000 as the first payment of three for work on the Highway #9 entry.
The old mill received $5,000 as the final installment of a $25,000 commitment.
Other sponsorships included the Film Festival, Chamber Business Dinner, and Seniors Mobility Car.
The Santa Claus Parade remains a major project with $20,000 budgeted for the parade Nov. 25.
Likewise June Days was a big success with $25,000 spent putting on the events held each Thursday in June of 2023 at City Centre Park. YBID also received funding from PHCDC, SaskLotteries and SaskCulture for the days.
Mayor Mitch Hippsley said YBID is good for the city.
“YBID has been just exploding in our city,” he said. “You’ve opened a Pandora’s Box in a very positive way.”
Hippsley continued by saying it’s important to remember what community is.
“It is you. You make the city turn and fly,” he told those at the AGM.
