On Halloween weekend 2009, IATNL Chairperson Paul Wylezol, Treasurer Kevin Noseworthy and Trail Director Arne Helgeland attended the 2009 IAT Annual General Meeting at Stanley Bridge, Prince Edward Island. Also present were chapter representatives from Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and PEI. Guest speakers included PEI Tourism Minister Valerie Docherty and Binational Tourism Alliance Executive Director Arlene White.
As is the custom, the AGM weekend began with an informal Thursday evening reception, including “refreshments,” followed by dinner (including refreshments), followed by animated conversation … and more refreshments.
The official meeting itself began early Friday morning and covered a range of topics, from Chapter reports to the new IAT website, to 2010 expansion into Europe and Greenland. Maine’s Will Richards presented the IAT’s new introductory slideshow, while the IATNL premiered its new promotional video by Flagler Films.
As the meeting was winding down, IAT President and founder Richard “No Pack” Anderson announced it was time for him to step aside and let a new generation take the lead. With that he nominated IATNL’s Paul Wylezol to take over as President, and Quebec’s Eric Chouinard as Vice President. The motion passed uncontested.
(l-r.) Richard Anderson, IAT Founding President, Arlene White, Executive Director, Binational Tourism Alliance, Hon. Valerie Docherty, PEI Tourism Minister, and Paul Wylezol, new IAT President
On Halloween (Saturday the 31st), the IAT AGM wrapped up with a short ribbon cutting ceremony and hike of the new Dromore Woodland Trails, PEI’s new section of IAT. This network of trails provides a pleasant 1 to 2 hours’ walk through mostly coniferous forest along a small country stream.
In closing, thanks goes out to PEI’s Denis Dunne for organizing a successful 2009 IAT AGM. It was a pleasant affair as usual, combining relaxed camaraderie and formal business with an invigorating autumn hike. Next year’s AGM will be held in New Brunswick, and if 2009 was any indication, we’ll once again welcome new members to the IAT family!
To view more photos of the 2009 IAT AGM go to IATNL Flickr…
