Long Beach, WA

Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, July 11, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant

CALL TO ORDER.  8:04 am

INTRODUCTIONS.  Mikel Burns, Jill Grey, Keith Schwartz, Gayle Borchard, Dian Barker-Sayce, Merry Scharfe, Jennifer Thompson, Jane Holeman, Steven Linhart, Eve O’Dell, Wayne O’Dell, Fidel O’Dell, Sherry Hash, Keleigh Schwartz, Kimberly Armstrong, Ragan Andres, Vin Ciaramella, Larkin Stentz,.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion R.Andrew, 2nd  V. Ciaramella. Approved Unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT Sherry gave a written and verbal report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
•   Insurance.  Sherry asked for approval regarding our festival insurance.  This year there is an option for $329 for risk of acts of terrorism.  Total without the terrorism add-on is $6940.  Agreement to pay as proposed (without terrorism add-on).

COMMITTEE REPORTS
•    Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/21/08.  Sherry Hash reported the event made money this year, despite having invested in timing equipment and chafing dishes for the chowder.  Next year the race will expand to a half marathon.  Jeff Harrell will be on the committee next year.  The chafing dishes are available to other events; ask Sherry.  Ed Streit took great photos and they are on funbeach.com. Next year:  June 13, 2009.
•    Doggie Olympic Games, 06/21/08. Jill Grey reported a 27% increase in registrations this year.  Next year will include free events at the pre-registration event.  There will be puppy events next year for dogs (probably) 4-12 months old.  There are more than700 photos on funbeach.com.  Next year:  June 19-20, 2009.
•    Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08.  Gayle Borchard passed out information regarding a 10% off coupon promo merchants can participate in.  Rack cards were passed out and have been distributed widely; 5000 were distributed.  The art poster was shown; advertising posters will be here in a few days.  Art posters are available for presale through Don Nesbitt’s gallery.  Gayle will also be selling on eBay.  Wendy Murry created a myspace identity for Jake.  There was a photo shoot of Jake around the Peninsula.  Contest on funbeach.com.  T-shirts will be for sale at the event for $20.  Presale to merchants at $15.  Hoodies are also available; ask Gayle.  Merchants can have their names put on the reverse for an additional $3.  Setup starts at 10am; the party ends at 10:30 pm.  A volunteer signup was passed around.  Volunteers are needed!!
•    Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08.  Jane Holeman reported the program will be available in about 10 days but will be held until the first of August for distribution.   Poster is for sale at Campiche Studios and online at kitefestival.com.
•    SandSations, 07/25-26/08.  Dian Barker-Sayce reported there are three Master’s groups.  Baskets and packets will be prepped next week; Keleigh will send out an announcement when the date/time/venue are confirmed.  Sculpting starts at 9am and is over by 2; winners announced at 2:30 pm.  Cameras, sunscreen and popcorn will be available through the SandSations booth.  Long-sleeved, light blue t-shirts are $16.  White hoodies are $31.  We should be getting Oregonian Arts & Entertainment coverage.  Bank of Pacific Dreamweaver radio psa is showcasing SandSations.
•    Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08.  Steven Linhart reported that he and Ragan met with Mother Goose (aka Mrs. Claus) to firm up details.  No poster contest or cookies this year.  Same Santa as last year; he’ll arrive by horse and carriage.  Sunday will be Frosty the Snowman’s birthday party.
•    Blue Grass Festival, No report
•    LBMA After Hours.  No report

OTHER REPORTS
•    Liaison.  Steven Linhart reported that Ocean Park Chamber meetings are suspended until September.  Ilwaco Merchants discussed signage at length.  Steven passed out Railroad Driving Tour, Saturday Market brochure and Ocian in View postcards.  Steven also noted that Department of Transportation had crossed wires and mowed over the plantings on Hwy 101. It will be replaced.
•    SummerFest, May-August.  Ragan Andrew reported that, thanks to Anchor Realty, there will be a live kangaroo and other interesting beasts downtown this weekend.  Shows start at 10 am Saturday and Sunday with about 5 shows throughout the day.  It is also beach safety weekend.  889 people rode the horse wagon over 4th of July weekend.
•    City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.   Mikel Burns reported that last LTAC focused on radio and tv ads, as well as a wide variety of print coverage.
•    Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.  Mikel reported that the July Board meeting was canceled.  Ketih reported on the the funbeach.org/blog site that is a great resource for merchants.
•    National Heritage Area.  Gayle Borchard reported that Destination: The Pacific will likely not sunset for another 6 months.  Transition is happening to Columbia-Pacific Heritage Area.  There is a challenge about partial information being shared in the community.  Please contact Gayle if you hear mis- or incomplete information circulating.  Feedback is always welcome.
•    Kite Museum.  No report.
•    Loyalty Days 2009.  No report.
•    Surf Perch Derby.  No report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•    Larkin Stentz asked the group to send letters to local grocery stores requesting they stop using plastic bags and use alternatives only.  President Mikel asked Larkin to write a proposal and bring it back to the group under New Business.
•    Dian Barker-Sayce reminded folks that cell phone tickets are $125 and there is an inexpensive bluetooth visor clip that lets you talk hands free.
•    Jennifer Johnson is co-chair of the Finnish American Festival.  Posters are available.
•    Gayle extended thank you to Sherry for all her assistance in information sharing with other festival chairs.
•    LBMA Board Meeting: July 18, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant
•    LBMA Regular Meeting: August 1, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant

ADJOURNMENT 8:55 am.