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Long Beach Merchants Association  |  Regular Meeting

Friday, November 6, 2009, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

CALL TO ORDER 8:00 am

INTRODUCTIONS Steven Linhart, Merry Scharfe, Sherry Hash, Keleigh Schwartz, Dian Barker-Sayce, Ruth Ann Hocking, Jane Holeman, Keith Schwartz, Wayne O’Dell, Holly Beller, Jerry Phillips, Craig Smith, Dave Little, Cheri Diehl, Vin Ciaramella, Becky Johnson, Mavis Shucka, Linda Yeager, Ragan Andrew, Brandy Ferguson, Laura Price, Kay Buesing

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve by Ragan Andrew.  Second by Dian Barker Sayce.  Unanimous.

TREASURER’S REPORT Given verbally and attached.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Approval of bylaws changes previously presented.  Motion to approve by Kay Buesing, Second by Craig Smith.  Unanimously approved.
• Election of Officers.  Merry Scharfe reported there are nominees running unopposed in all seats save Treasurer.  Elections are at our December meeting.  Nominated:

1. Steven LInhart, President
2. Merry Scharfe, Vice President
3. Paula Mraz, Secretary
4. _____________, Treasurer
5. Ruth Ann Hocking, Board Member (1-year term)
6. Sherry Hash, Board Member (3-year term)

NEW BUSINESS

• Linda Yeager and Mavis Shucka gave a presentation on behalf of, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life. The local event will be June 25-26.  Volunteers are needed, as are teams.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Holidays at the Beach. Holly Beller reported on a full slate of plans and gave praise to Lacie for her contribution.
• LBMA Holiday After Hours. Ruth Ann Hocking passed out flyers and reminded all to spread the word to businesses outside of Long Beach.  Flyer attached.
• Blue Grass Festival. Ruth Ann Hocking reported she has gotten a lot of free advertising and PR, including band websites and DJs.  She was on the radio in Boise and Nashville.
• Beach To Chowder Run/Walk. Sherry Hash reported there will again be a half marathon this year and that the committee has new members.
• Doggie Olympic Games. Brandy Ferguson presented her budget to the Board, with a copy to Jerry Phillips for Long Beach Lodging Tax Committee.
• SandSations.  Becky Johnson announced “Sand in the City” which will have master builders working downtown on a sculpture for photo ops; this will take place the week building up to SandSations Saturday in the lot between the police station and Funland, downtown.  She is looking for donations of 5-gallon buckets.
• Jake’s Birthday.  Keleigh Schwartz reported that Wendy continues to develop a strong following for Jake in the alternative culture of Portland.
• Kite Festival.  Jane Holeman reported the two foreign guests have been selected; more information will appear on kitefestival.com soon.

OTHER REPORTS

• Kite Museum. Kay Buesing reminded everyone that Bob Milne is at the Kite Museum this Saturday and that they are very busy preparing for back-to-back events January through March.
• Loyalty Days. Ruth Ann Hocking reported that George Washington is coming and this year’s honorees are the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Surf Perch Derby. Dale Jacobson; no report.
• SummerFest. Ragan Andrew; no report.
• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Kay Buesing reported that all merchants need to proof their listing in the Beach Vacation Planner.  Also, that the executive committee is still working on communication to Washington State Senate regarding safety issues around Independence Day.
• Liaison to Long Beach City Council. open position;  Jerry Phillips noted the Council is working on the 2010 budget.  The City will be purchasing a new street cleaner and has secured approximately $3 million in grants for the water treatment facility.  Jerry and Ragan Andrew are traveling to Reno for a Tour operators conference.  Jerry noted that Seaside has dropped all package travel.
• City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Wayne O’Dell and Jerry Phillips reported budget and a 5-year plan are the top priorities at the moment.
• Liaison to Ocean Park, Ilwaco. Dave Little reported that Ocean Park Chamber Is looking for new officer nominations.  Roger Knight had quadruple bypass surgery.  Ilwaco Merchants report Saturday Market is in the black and should be self-supporting next year.  They are replacing worn-out tents.  Peninsula Players will present ‘Barefoot in the Park’ on Nov 16^th.  Ilwaco holiday activities kick off on December 5 with the boat parade, crab pot Christmas tree, fireworks and caroling; volunteers are needed.  The Columbia-Pacific Heritage Museum will be holding a signing event with local authors the same day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Long Beach Merchants had a great showing at the EDC Business of the Year program; thanks to all who showed up to support our choice, Dale Jacobson/Active Enterprises.
• LB City Council Meeting: November 16, 2009, 7:00 pm, City Hall
• LBMA Board Meeting: November 20, 2009, 8:00 am, Benson’s
• LBMA Meeting: December 4, 2009, 8:00 am, Benson’s

ADJOURNMENT 8:59 am

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