Long Beach Merchants Association | Regular Meeting
Friday, March 6, 2009, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

CALLED TO ORDER  8:00 am

APPROVAL OF MINUTES.  Motion to approve as written by Ragan.   Unanimously approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT. Given verbally and attached in the Secretary’s notebook.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2009 Budget.  In Sherry Hash’s absence Steven Linhart read the treasurer’s report, which will be voted on at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
Lyons Club, Al Harper,  re Lions Convention.   Being held this coming weekend.   Dale Jacobson is Lions District Governor.   Having a conference in town 13th & 14th.   Has received nice donations for commodity gift bags for those attending the conference.   Also collecting door prizes.  International guest from South Carolina, Bill West.   City Mayor will be at the Chautauqua Lodge to welcome everyone Saturday morning at 8:30.  Speaker from Guide Dogs for the Blind presenting at 10:30 am.   Lunch open to the public.
Mr. Tac re Road Work project.  Working with Historical Society, Chinook Tribe and City of Long Beach to minimize impact on businesses.   Portions of highways 101 and 103 will be paved this summer.  Federal stimulus funds were received enabling four additional miles to be paved.   Parallel parking areas downtown will not be repaved.  Total closure will be 4.5 days, depending on weather.
There will be pedestrian crossings every 400 feet.  South Idaho and Washington will be used as detour routes.  The contractors hired to do the work will be required to notify businesses that will be affected by closures at least 3 days in advance of closure.  Vendors will be able to post signs along the detour route.
Closures will occur during weeks of June 15th, June 22nd, July 6th, July 13th and July 20th (depending on weather).  The downtown section, from 15th SE to 13th NW being scheduled for the week of June 15th.  Closures will start at midnight on Sunday and reopen at noon on Friday.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Blue Grass Festival. Ruth Ann Hocking reported that there are weeks to go until the event.   There have been many inquiries and attendance is expected to be high.  The guest from Italy seems to be drawing a little different group.   There will be 24 sets of music offered in two locations.
Beach To Chowder Run/Walk.  Steven reported that a meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, March 7, 8:30 am at the Teahouse in Ilwaco.  Work is progressing on a brochure.
Doggie Olympic Games.  Jill Grey reported that they are receiving positive feedback.   There will be a limit of 125 dogs.  The event may have to go to a 2-day format in future.   Registration forms are almost done.   Will be mailing out 500.   Order forms for T-Shirts are available.   Selling a limited amount at event, also fleece dog coats embroidered being sold at event.  Volunteer meeting this Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the PUD.
The event focuses on education for people on how to be a better dog owner.  Jill asked if anyone knows of dog organizations – rescues, pure breed rescues, etc., to please let her know.   Dave Lowell suggested that a fundraising element be added to help raise money for the training of a drug dog.
SandSations.  Dian Barker-Sayce noted that the committee had a meeting this week.  Event will take place July 17th &18th.  Adjustments to budget have been made, not as many t-shirts & sweatshirts will be purchased as in past.   City not able to donate awards money – thus awards are being reduced.   Looking for a new chair.
Jake’s Birthday.  No Report.
Kite Festival.   Jane said there is a big line-up this year.   Kite master from Kite Runner, the movie, will be there demonstrating fighter kites.   International visitors will be attending.
Holidays at the Beach.  Steven Linhart.  Moving forward, looking for a new chair.
LBMA Holiday After Hours. Ruth Ann Hocking announced that there isn’t much to report now.  Event will be next December.

OTHER REPORTS
Kite Museum – Steven Linhart read a letter from the Kite Museum.  The letter explained that the debt for the new building has been paid off.   Names of donors are displayed on glass etched recognition wall.
Loyalty Days – Event is less than eight weeks away.  Coronation program is only six weeks away and will be held in the Hilltop auditorium on April 19th.   There will be no queen this year, all miss loyalty applicants will be ambassadors.   Parade going well, over 40 applicants.   Looking for vehicles to carry dignitaries in parade.   Dignitaries are signing up early.  Loyalty day buttons are in.   Table sponsorships beginning to come in for the banquet – usually a sell out.   Two dignitaries will sit at each table along with six guests.   Abraham Lincoln is Grand Marshal.   Buttons are available for purchase in supporting merchants’ stores & also being sold by the girls – money raised helps buy their dresses.    LBMA splits cost for insurance for parade.  Motion for LBMA to support loyalty days – passed unanimously for $450.
Surf Perch Derby – Scheduled for May16th, Saturday after Mothers Day.  Last year was a bummer – beautiful day but the fish weren’t biting – only seven fish caught.   Project is designed to lure tourist to surf fish.   Lions & Kiwanis manage the event.   Little tougher to get donations due to the economy.
Summerfest – Ragan – Ragan Andrew reported she is finalizing the schedule, which will be out by the end of March.
Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau -Jerry reported the importance of the Tuna Classis being held the weekend of August 1st.  Fish caught are given to the food bank.   Event attracts 600+ people.  Event is August 1st.  Ragan Andrew has information on sponsorship opportunities.   The Bureau is going to be closed while having their floors refinished, anyone needing brochures was encouraged to get them today.
Pacific County Economic Development Council – Kathy – ‘Shop Local’ window clings are available.  Thank you to the Ports for help printing the stickers.  February newsletter was handed out.   Weyerhaeuser laid off 50 people yesterday from Raymond Mill.  Unemployment is 12%, which hasn’t been seen since the 80′s.  Kathy is working on getting ‘Hospitality Boot Camp’ training to come to the area.
Liaison to Long Beach City Council.  Steve Kidd reported that ads are going out for City Engineer, contract being renewed.  Bids going out for the Beach Pavilion.   Courts ordered new equipment.  City may get some stimulus money.
City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee – Wayne O’Dell talked about advertising and how to link people in.   Targeted advertising, such as ads in Dog magazines for Doggie Olympics.   There were a lot of creative ideas & brainstorming at the last meeting.   Una to report Visitor Bureau statistics in June.    Concern over Sandsation funding discussed.    May have an LBMA representative as a voting member.   Expanding committee to include an RV representative.
Liaison to Ocean Park, Ilwaco.  Dave Little reported ticket sales started 2/11 for OP events.  Ilwaco:  Big increase in membership this year.   Black Lake fishing derby looking for $150 sponsor to buy t-shirts for kids.   Saturday market, same prices as last year, larger spaces, more publicity, and additional signage.  OP – Ad in NW Airlines magazine.   4th of July parade is on.   Garlic Festival moved to Wilson Field.   OP & Ilwaco folks talking about getting representation for those areas in the paper – Observer doesn’t have the staff to cover meetings.   Paper is open to receiving announcements from businesses to be included in their business section.
National Heritage Area – Bob – same as last months report.
Youth Camp – Gayle Borchard explained that representatives are working diligently to keep the youth camp.  It’s not over yet, we’re still in the fight.
Property – 1315 S Idaho – owned by LBMA, has three buildings on property.  Kiwanis & Lions are using portions of the buildings.   The roofs need repair and are estimated to cost  $7,000, which isn’t in the budget.   LBMA paid $40k in 1995 for property.   Now paying $980 annually for taxes.  Board considering putting the property up for sale.    Then will lease space for storage.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
LB City Council Meeting – March 16, 2009, 7:00 pm, City Hall
LBMA Board Meeting – March 20, 2009, 8:00 am, Benson’s
LBMA Meeting – April 3, 2009, 8:00 am, Benson’s
Tomorrow is Rotary Oysters & Art at Chautauqua 6:00 pm
Lighthouse resort open for people to see.   Facility offers a meeting room and kitchen.

ADJOURNMENT

Minutes by Kim McAbee