DURING the AGM of the Mid Devon Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, held at The Globe Hotel, Sampford Peverell, all of last year's officers were re-elected for to serve for 2009/10.

Chris Prentis of Supertramp continues as Chairman, with Jerry Allen of Metcalfe Allen Ltd as Vice Chairman and Henry Joynson, second Vice Chairman. Warwick Knowles of Pagemarks is Secretary.

Chris Prentis explained: "As Branch Officers, we are all the same old team in Mid Devon. BUT we are full of hope for a great and interesting future as we have two new committee members. Both are prominent members of the Tiverton business community, who like to make things happen.

Mike Boniface is Commercial Director of the leading printing business in Tiverton, Maslands, established in 1878. He is also a leading light at Tiverton Fly Fishers.

Steve Lodge runs the design house, Oxygen Creative Services. As Tiverton's own impresario he also launched the very successful monthly Comedy Nights in Tiverton's New Hall.

The meeting was sorry that Harry Hill-King, a stalwart committee member for many years, had chosen to stand down for health reasons. "We will miss his sharp commercial eye and very willing support," said Chris.

After the elections, members and guests enjoyed a buffet and listened to three very interesting speakers from local businesses. Bill Brown of Green Biodiesel , Joe Gasson of Thermal Engineering Systems and Winston Reed of Tiverton Energy Centre talked about sources of alternative energy here, on our doorstep, how they have embraced new technologies and are producing green alternatives that can be used right now or will very soon be available.