The following is the full press release issued by The Hyack Festival Association on October 23.
HYACK FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION APPOINTS FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS TO CHART A NEW, POSITIVE COURSE
(New Westminster, BC) As a result of the sudden resignation of five board members Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Hyack board of directors met to chart a positive course for New Westminster’s festival organization and to cancel the special general meeting (SGM).
With quorum established, the emergency board meeting called by president Gavin Palmer, prior to the scheduled SGM, focused on moving the organization forward. “With the sudden resignation of five board members, we acted to put Hyack back on a secure, positive footing,” stated Palmer.
The board unanimously accepted the resignations of Ron Unger, Stephen Loyd, Bill Radbourne, Patti Goss and Mariane Kazemir. It then rescinded both the president’s notice to have those directors removed from office and the board’s notice to have the executives removed from office. Then the board voted to cancel the SGM. Upon approval, emails were immediately sent out to Hyack members and phone calls made.
By building a new and vibrant board, Hyack will continue to be a positive force in New Westminster by maintaining our historical traditions in the ever changing festivals, parades and events Hyack is known for.
To fill vacancies and to bolster the expertise on the board Peter Goodwin, lawyer; Ken McIntosh, retired New Westminster police officer and Col. Glen Richmond, currently employed by the Vancouver Police Department and the Department of National Defense were appointed. Rounding up the appointees is philanthropist, business woman and 2003 New Westminster Citizen of the Year, Gerda Suess.
“For the foreseeable future we have substantial business that needs to be done quickly and efficiently. We are enthused to have these reputable citizens join our board. The myriad of talent and expertise they bring as well as the beneficial contributions they have made to our city speaks volumes. All of them, will be great assets for Hyack,” states Palmer.
Hitting the ground running, the new board wasted no time in establishing several committees, including a financial advisory committee to assure the continuation of its 42 years success record.
As these committees deal with the internal workings of Hyack, the board also recognizes its obligation to organize events for the benefit of the city and our community. The next important New Westminster event is the traditional Hyack Santa Claus Parade of Lights. Towards this end, Hyack’s parade committee will work with Key West Ford to ensure Santa’s arrival delights and entertains the children of all ages in New Westminster.
“We are now moving forward in a unified way and will continue to proudly represent our city, as we have done for the last 42 years. Building on past traditions Hyack embraces change as it moves toward an exciting future. We will accomplish our objectives while maintaining the respect we have garnered locally, regionally and internationally,” affirms president Palmer.
The Hyack Festival Association would like to extend its deepest thanks and gratitude to all our members, sponsors, politicians and citizens who have supported the organization in the past and during these challenging times. Together we will continue our work to create a bright and positive respectful future for all.
For further information please contact Gavin Palmer, president, Hyack Festival Association
