Long Beach, WA

Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, September 12, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant

CALL TO ORDER 8:11 am

INTRODUCTIONS Jeff Harrell, Keith Schwartz, Sherry Hash, Jane Holeman, Larkin Stentz, Jill Grey, Dian Barker-Sayce, Merry Scharfe, Bob Andrew, Ruth Ann Hocking, Dave Little, Jerry Phillips, Judi Andrew, Ragan Andrew, Mikel Burns, Steven Linhart, Steven Watts, Pat Iverson, Eve O’Dell, Wayne O’Dell, Jennifer Johnson.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Motion R Andrew, Second D Barker. Unanimously approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT Report give by Sherry Hash and attached.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Board met with Debbie Bighill from Strand Insurance regarding event insurance coverage and splits.  Steven reported that costs were re-aligned with actual event attendance

NEW BUSINESS
• LBMA Business of the Year 2007 / EDC Award:   Kay Buesing, World Kite Museum
• Membership Drive.  Steven reported that there is no increase in dues for 2009.  He and Keleigh re-vamped the membership brochure. Invoices will be mailed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
•    Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08 & 08/08/09.  Ragan Andrew reported that there are still t-shirts for sale at Pioneer Market.  Jake’s MySpace page is very active.   Wendy Murry is the new chair.
•    Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08.  Jane Holeman reported that all the financials aren’t in quite yet.   She commented on recent letters to the Editor of the Chinook Observer; both stemmed from interactions with the Police.  Sales were down due to weather but the weekend was strong as the weather improved.  Merry Scharfe reported vendor count was down a little, due to a few deaths and gas/lodging prices this year.
•    Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08.  Steven Linhart  reported that he and Ragan are finalizing details at this point.  Ragan confirmed Frosty, Santa & Mrs. Clause will be in attendance.  Jerry Phillips has volunteered to play the role of the Conductor.  Bob Andrew  reported that the Boardwalk needs some repairs and lighting/power are part of the discussion.
•    LBMA After Hours, TBD.  Ruth Ann Hocking reported that she’d like to work with Mikel to put on the next event in November.
•    Blue Grass Festival, 04/27-28-29/09.  Ruth Ann Hocking reported that 9 bands are confirmed and PR/advertising for the event has extended to our other events.
•    Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/13/09.  Sherry Hash reported on another group planning a marathon;  the two groups will work together and the run may be between Long Beach and Ocean Park.
•    Doggie Olympic Games, 06/19-20/09.  Jill Grey reported on a “save the date” promotion in progress.
•    SandSations, 07/17-18/09.  Mikel Burns reported that she and Dian Barker-Sayce have been working on budgeting.  Peninsula Pharmacies has been selling t-shirts and the City of Long Beach came through with some roll-over funds, so the event is just about in the black.

OTHER REPORTS
•    SummerFest, May-August.  Ragan Andrew reported that SummerFest has concluded for the year.  She’s working with a band to perform Memorial Weekend 2009.
•    City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.  Mikel Burns reported that the TV commercials will be ready to view soon and she will share with the Merchants.  Bob Andrew requested the videos also be sent to City Council.  He also requested that LBMA have a representative at each City Council meeting.
•    Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.   Mikel Burns reported on dialogue at the September Visitors Bureau Board meeting;  anecdotally July was weak and August was strong.  Una is having trouble compiling occupancy information due to lack of motivation on the part of hoteliers. Jill Grey reported that the renewal packets will be very different this year and described them in detail.
•    Liaison.  Steven Linhart reported Ilwaco Saturday Market will only go through September this year.  Special booth pricing is available for September weekends.  Blues and Seafood was very successful, as was Slow Drag.  Dues are increasing of Ilwaco Merchants, from $75 to $100, with incentive to pay early and get the $75 rate.  Cranberrian Faire will change in name to Harvest Festival next year; Smithsonian will be involved.  Ocean Park Area Chamber membership is down.  Rod run had 450 pre-registered with actual registration Saturday at 942.  Attendance overall was the highest on record.  This year is the 125th anniversary of Ocean Park’s founding; celebration ideas are in discussion.  Location of Garlic Festival may change, possibly to the Beach Barons field.  Date remains June 21-22nd.  4th of July may also use the field for a carnival.    New business:  Ocean Park Signs.
•    National Heritage Area.  Bob Andrew reported that the group is working through transition between Destination: The Pacific and National Parks.
•    Kite Museum.  Sherry Hash noted the Bob Milne concert will happen again on November 8th.  Museum opens at 2pm for refreshements and the performance is at 3pm.  $35.  Pre-purchase of tickets is recommended.
•    Loyalty Days 2009.  Bob Andrew reported that President Lincoln will be in attendance this year. It will be his 200th birthday.   The committee has been putting up memorial light posts as a fundraiser.
•    Surf Perch Derby.  No report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•    LB City Council Meeting: Monday, September 15, 2008, City Hall.  7 pm.
•    LBMA Board Meeting: Friday, September 19, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant
•    LBMA Event Chairs Meeting:  Friday, September 19, 2008, 9:00 am, Debi’s.
•    LBMA Regular Meeting: Friday, October 3, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant
•    City “Tool Box” Series. October 9, 3-8 pm @ Chautauqua.  Contact Ragan Andrew at City Hall
•    Ladies Night on the Peninsula by Great NW Federal Credit Union.  Peninsula Senior Center, 5pm, October 15th
•    Welcome to new LBMA member the Long Beach Elks Club!
•    Ruth Ann reported that World Mark has a 90% occupancy booking through NEXT fall.  Average length of stay is 3.5 nights.  There is a coupon rack available for all merchants to participate.  To get a coupon, simply get them your information.
•    Steve Watts introduced himself.  He works for Employment Securities.  Joyce Prior is now working only north Pacific County.  Steve works south Pacific County.
•    Ruth Ann reported that Land Trust purchased 80 acres of wetlands and will be working with Washington State Parks on a new wildlife preserve in Long Beach.
•    Larkin Stentz announced the Boys & Girls Club has hired Debbie Coppenger as their Executive Director and that they will begin programs at Long Beach Elementary this year.
•    Sherry Hash shared advertising opportunities through the Chinook Observer Visitors Guide

ADJOURNMENT  8:55 am