Minutes of LBMA Regular Meeting, 08/01/08
Friday, August 1st, 2008Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, August 1, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant
CALL TO ORDER. 8:03 am
INTRODUCTIONS. Mikel Burns, Steven Linhart, Jill Grey, Wayne O’Dell, Sherry Hash, Jeff Harrell, Vin Ciaramella, Flint Wright, Ragan Andrew, Dave Little, Merry Scharfe, Dian Barker-Sayce, Dee Dee Eaton, Kay Buesing, Jill Grey, Robert Merrill Jr, Keith Schwartz, Bob Andrew, Ruth Ann Hocking, Judi Andrew, Gayle Borchard, Jerry Phillips, Eve O’Dell,
APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Motion R Andrew. 2nd Linhart. Unanimously approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT. Sherry Hash gave a verbal report; written version submitted for file.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS. None.
NEW BUSINESS
Festival & Event Budget Requests to City of Long Beach. Sherry Hash provided balance sheets to each of the Festival/Event Chairs. Mikel Burns relayed the suggestion that LBMA submit a joint budget for all events. Mayor Andrew clarified that requests are due in September and should include history showing need. Mikel asked Festival Chairs to remain after the meeting to schedule a work session. Later scheduled for 09/19/09, following the LBMA Board meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
SandSations, 07/25-26/08, 07/17-18/09. Mikel reported on a successful year with teams from around the country as well as a good number of regional teams. Thanks to all the volunteers. Dian Barker-Sayce reported that SandSations share of the insurance seems high. She also noted that the work load on her was too high and she won’t be able to continue in that capacity, recommending the SandSations committee be expanded. Mikel noted that additional fundraising needs to be pursued and welcomed input. Combined total of tees and hoodies ordered was 215, fewer than last year. 123 remain.
Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08. Gayle Borchard brought posters, sweatshirts, t-shirts to the meeting for distribution and purchase. There is also a supply of event posters at the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau (Gayle extended thank-you to Una Boyle, Exec. Director). “Day of event” volunteers are needed, especially to mill around during the concert 6:30-10:00 pm-ish to help people find restrooms, etc. There will be a finalizing meeting/meal/t-shirt folding/fun at Gayle’s on the evening of Thursday 08/07/08; all Jake volunteers are welcome.
WSIKF: Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08. Merry Scharfe reported that everything is on track. Kay Buesing reported that Seattle Times is doing a piece on kiting on the Peninsula and the Festival specifically. Programs are out but there is a distribution problem so merchants are advised pick up at Midway Printery if needed. Jill Grey volunteered to pick up and deliver to the Visitors Bureau. Kay has 7 buses coming; Ragan Andrew has 3 buses scheduled to attend during WSIKF
Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08. Steven Linhart reported on progress, working with Ragan. Advertising slides are to the theater. Santa is confirmed.
Blue Grass Festival, 4/27-28-29/09. Ruth Ann Hocking reported that all the bands are lined up, including one from Nashville. She will be emceeing two other bluegrass events this month.
LBMA After Hours. Ragan and Mikel are talking about combing LBMA after hours in the fall with Ragan’s “Toolbox” lecture series.
Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/13/09. Sherry Hash reported on probable increased advertising this year to support the half marathon. Bob Andrew indicated that Brian Baird was interested in increased use of Discovery Trail during the event. There is an outlet there for increased public relations and media.
Doggie Olympic Games, 06/19-20/09. Jill Grey reported work on pre-event collateral. Pre-registration pizza party will be at Lighthouse Resort in 2009.
OTHER REPORTS
SummerFest, May-August. Ragan announced events for the coming weekend. Only 5 weeks left!
City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Mikel noted there has been no meeting on which to report. There was a camera crew in town SandSations weekend, taping for new TV commercials.
Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Mikel reported that Una was unable to attend due to doing radio interview. Jill Grey requested event info be forwarded to her ASAP as she is promoting events through online calendars. Ruth Ann reported that she gets a lot of positive feedback about our Visitors Bureau and how helpful they are.
National Heritage Area. No report.
Liaison. Steven reported that Ilwaco is still meeting with topics being neighborhood-specific. Ocean Park Area Chamber is on hiatus until September.
Kite Museum. Kay reported on two new exhibits. They are featuring the featured flyers from Switzerland. “Kites Have Pull” showcases the technology of kites, including kites pulling tankers.
Loyalty Days, 05/02-03/09. Bob Andrew reported that everything is on schedule and the committee goes into full swing in September. Flag sales are going well. Ragan reported on “Operation Backpack”, the project of Jr Miss Loyalty which delivers backpacks of school supplies to underprivileged youth in our community at a cost of about $50 per “stuffed” backpack. They need backpacks! Distribution will be later this month.
Surf Perch Derby. No report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Council Meetings:
Monday, August 4th
Monday August 18th
Monday, September 8th
Monday, September 15th
all at City Hall, 7:00 pm.
Comp Plan final hearing August 11th at City Hall. Call for details: 360.642.4421
Dave Little introduced his new business, Peninsula Computer Repair & Consulting (360) 642-0504. He does computer network, repair and training and is committed to staying local after having been downsized from the position that moved him to the Peninsula.
LBMA Board Meeting: August 15, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant
LBMA Regular Meeting: September 5, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant
ADJOURNMENT 8:38 am.