Business group AGM
The Drouin business group will be holding their AGM meeting on August 12, but this year it’s with a difference.
The meeting will be on Zoom, with the coronavirus pandemic continuing to prevent gatherings and forcing businesses to converse online.
Beginning at 10am the meeting will cover various topics of concern for Drouin’s local businesses, as well as hearing from guest speaker Zoe Hyde, who will touch on productivity power and how to set yourself up for success.
The meeting will also see nominations for all positions in the group, with current president and original founder Helen Taylor stepping down this year.
Helen encouraged any businesses, home, or in the street to join in the meeting. With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to hamper sales among local businesses, membership to the business group is free of charge at the moment.
Helen said that while seeing the lockdown come into play again is tough, she’s seen a steady increase in sales at her shop, which she puts down to one simple thing.
“It’s worked in our favor and it’s been fortunate for us to not have this second lockdown, people are shopping local now. I’ve noticed the sales are up from this time last year. However, it’s not the same everywhere, I know restaurants and hospitality are doing it tough,” she said.
Helen has continued to open her store in Drouin seven days a week, which she says helps give the community a chance to speak and interact with others during what is an incredibly tough time.
“The mental health aspect is something we speak about. It’s something that us business owners want to try and help with by staying open,” she said. Despite the hardships being faced, the community spirit has shone through. Helen was able to help a person in need, and a week later, that person came back into the store and spent her jobkeeper payment there to say thank you.
“It’s really brought back that community spirit. Just the beautiful comments and helping each other out, it’s been a blessing to see,” she said.