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TV ads in future for the BIA Television is the next frontier for the Midland BIA. The BIA has weekly newspaper advertising and regular radio air time with its own jingle. Promotion of downtown Midland on a weekly basis is the next step, members were told at the Midland Business Im- French | John Stoddart °% Brenda DeRosier provement Area annual meeting. The question of the or- namental nodes remains just that: - a question. Before the annual meeting the board decided not to have a vote on the nodes as part of that meeting. Information about the nodes will be given to BIA members, and a vote to keep or remove the nodes will be held some time within the next 90 days. Board of directors spokesman Ray McLarney said the nodes question is both a divisive and an emo- tional issue. The issue '"'is bigger than any of us thought," he said. The 90 people at the din- ner, representing more than 50 BIA members, received a glowing report on the BIA's health from McLarney. The Midland BIA is without a doubt the best BIA in Ontario, he said. Downtown Midland stands out "in a sea of sadness, degradation and wipeouts'"' in comparison with the commercial cen- tres of other area com- munities such as Penetang- uishene and Waubau- shene, McLarney said. He also reported that a "real accord" has been reached between the BIA and the Parking Authority. Improved relations bet- ween the BIA and the Chamber of Commerce are "dangerously close." And McLarney was pleased to be able to introduce two members of Midland coun- cil sitting in the audience. Financially, the BIA "couldn't be in better shape."' The 1987 budget for promotion was $70,000. An increase, of no more than five per cent, will be added to swell that figure in 1988, McLarney said. Downtown Midland will be promoted during the Christmas shopping season on radio between Parry Sound and Owen Sound, at a cost of $7,500. During that same period, $3,500 of newspaper advertising will be purchased. Selection, service and the heart of the community is the promo- tional theme. A downtown businessman whom the BIA board didn't realize was a member until quite recently, but who paid $1,900 membership in 1987, complained that the enforced BIA membership did nothing for him. Dennis Brabant, owner of the Bayshore Lanes bowling alley, received a public apology. McLarney said the board was derelict. Brabant was promised every consideration in be- ing included in BIA pro- motions in 1988. Meredis Place owner Jim Meredis urged his business neighbors to get to know and support each other. Personality and hard work is more important than money, he said. "Personali- ty and feelings mean a lot." John Stoddart joined Brenda DeRosier, Judy French, Shelly Gianetto and Ray McLarney on the board. Mike Collins, Ernie Cowden, John Gianetto and Sharon Park retired. Page 12a, Wedr<s. ay, November 25, 1987 Scanning the skies Members of the Huronia Astronomical Society hold their meeting this week at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. The group meets every other Tuesday, and this week it's time to move inside for a film and general discussion. Shown here are club members Craig Stewart with a six-inch reflector and Happy Holiday Values Pete Davenport with a three-inch Schmidt Cassagrain telescope at the club's last obser- vation night two weeks ago. O SAVE 20% on all in-stock P.V.C. Vinyl Venetian Blinds Choice of 5 colours SAVE 40% Draco Custom Made BLINDS SAVE 70% on in-stock Wall Coverings From leading manufacturers of quality wall coverings Benjamin ~ Moore PAINTS Your Benjamin Moore Dealer LAMERS PAINT & WALLPAPER 313 King St., Midland 526-7411 Mountainview Mall Midland 526-5511 EN