The Prince Albert Exhibition put on their annual general meeting Thursday night. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Seeing the books

PAEX annual general meeting deals with a range of business

Nov 21, 2019 | 5:25 PM

Members of the Prince Albert Exhibition Association got to see the organization’s books Wednesday night at their annual general meeting.

For the fiscal year of 2019 the organization is reporting a loss of $433,662. The president of P.A. Exhibitions (PAEX) Robbie Ross explained the financial losses are a result of them having to make investments in their infrastructure.

“That was due mainly to a lot of maintenance that had to be done, there’s a lot of facilities that have been neglected for a number of years,” he said.

Specifically, Ross said when they opened up the ceiling in their kitchen facility in the main hall, it was discovered more work needed to be done. As a result, the PAEX spent $100,000 extra to fix up the facility. The bar area as well got some work done.

Looking forward, Ross who has been reappointed to his position, said he is optimistic the organization will be able to turn the corner next year. He said some of the reason for optimism is a new arrangement for the annual fair.

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“We’re teaming up with some entertainment management, that will be doing our entertainment for the fair and they’ll be holding all the risk,” he said.

Overall, Ross said the organization is in good shape despite the financial losses. He explained they were able to cover the deficit by dipping into their reserve funds. Ross added they still have a few $100,000 in the bank.

“We do have some savings,” he said.

Auditors also took another look at last year’s financial statements. After doing this it was found PAEX had a smaller surplus than previously reported. Ross said in regards to accounting, the organization is starting from scratch.

“There was a lot of numbers that we’re not sure where they came from in last year’s audit,” he said.

Another item on the agenda was the election of new members to the organization’s board of directors. Among those voted onto the board were Kim Jackson from the Prince Albert Raiders and Sherry McLennan from the Mètis Nation of Saskatchewan. Ross said he is happy to have McLennan on the board as the PAEX has talked with the Mètis Nation about doing more together. He added Jackson’s expertise will be a help.

“Everybody knows Kimbo, so he comes with a wealth of knowledge to the hospitality side of it with the bars and he’s got a big following behind him,” he said.

Also elected to the board were Mayor Greg Dionne and councilor Evert Botha. The PAEX president said having these relationships is important as it gives them a good tie to the city.

In his time as president, Ross has overseen some changes in terms of how business is done. He said they’ve heard mostly positive feedback and the vote by members last night shows most are happy with the direction.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn