Long Beach Merchants Association  |  Regular Meeting
Friday, April 6, 2012, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

 CALL TO ORDER 9:01 am

 INTRODUCTIONS

• Officers:  Steven Linhart, Merry Scharfe, Ruth Ann Hocking
• Directors: Sherry Hash, Jane Holeman, Craig Smith
• Members & Guests: Brent Dennis, Dale Jacobson, Gayle Borchard, Holly Beller, Nicki Whittle, Keith Schwartz, Laura Price, Patrick Wedos, Gina Kolhage, Ragan Andres, Michael Myers, Troy Rodenbaugh, Stephanie Grober, Kay Buesing, Deb Sterling, Jim Tweedie, Bob Andrew, Judi Andrew, Sue Ellyson, Gene Miles

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• MOTION by Bellar to approve the minuets as written. Second by Bob Andrews. Unanimous.

TREASURER’S REPORT

• Given orally and attached.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Missy Bageant has resigned as Secretary, effective immediately.  LBMA Bylaws (Item VII, Section 3) dictate an officer or director must fill the position until the next regular election.  The Board will resolve this at their April 20^th meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

• None

COMMITTEE REPORTS   

• Doggie Olympic Games.  Keleigh Schwartz reported that Mollie couldn’t attend due to a work conflict.  The new website is nearly ready to launch and a volunteers meeting is on the close horizon.
• Sandsations.  Ragan Andrew reported that new chairs Jenny & Marty from Aloha Charlie’s are working on getting master’s teams, and on a brochure.  They need volunteers!
• Jake’s Birthday.  Wendy Murry is on vacation this week; Keleigh Schwartz reported that everything is on schedule.
• Kite Festival. Jane Holeman noted the foreign guests are booked, one from Germany and one from Japan.  Information about both can be found on kitefestival.com as well as the new facebook.com/kitefest.  This year’s poster was done by Don Nesbitt and will be available for purchase in about a week.
• Beach To Chowder. Sherry Hash said registration is online this year at beachtochowder.com.  The timing equipment is on its way.  An ad will come out on 4/15 in NW Runner magazine and online.  Some challenges in separating the 5/10K Walk/Run from the Marathon, but they’re working it out.
• Holidays at the Beach.  Holly Beller said a logistics meeting would be happening soon.  Santa will be in the Loyalty Days Parade on his motor-trike and at the Banquet (not in costume).

OTHER REPORTS

• Kite Museum.  Kay Buesing reported on a busy spring break.  The treasure hunt, culminating in passing out merchant coupons has been very successful.  Specials for Soldiers featured the Museum in this week’s ad in The Ranger.  Seattle Times sent a reporter and a story is expected in the 4/29 issue.
• Loyalty Days. Bob Andrew noted the event is in 30 days.  Almost all the tables are sold for the banquet and everything is on track.  Trophies are currently on display at Bank of Pacific and Great NW Federal Credit Union and will rotate to Key Bank and other locations with security cameras. Veteran’s Field, next to the Police Station, is having concrete work done on which the bell will be placed, and 7 flag poles have been ordered.
• Surf Perch Derby. Dale Jacobson is chair for the first year. Flyers are out; the event is always the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, which is May 19 this year.  Prize money has been increased.
• SummerFest. Ragan Andrew passed out rack cards with the summer schedule. And reported on information she had gotten at the Washington Tourism Alliance meeting.
• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Holly Bellar reported on statistics indicating visitation to the Visitors Bureau building is up over 2011.  60% of visitors are from WA while 30% are from OR.  New Director started work this week; a reception will soon be held for Andi Day.  Volunteers are needed.
• Liaison to Long Beach City Council.  Steven reported that Obie’s is coming down on Thursday.  The new rehab center will be ready to open toward the end of this month.  The new Performing Arts Center at 6^th N and Pacific (formerly Wild Hair) is open.  Lightship Restaurant is moving into the Chautauqua Lodge facility and Scapece is opening in its place mid-April.  Gayle Borchard said new Design Guidelines have been completed and are up for Council approval at their next meeting.
• City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has been renamed “Long Beach Marketing Committee”.  Craig Smith echoed that Specials For Soldiers needs more merchant participation.  Send offers, certificates, questions to military@funbeach.com
• Liaison to Ocean Park, Ilwaco.  Laura Price gave a detailed report which will be posted to the LongBeachMerchants.com site soon with dates and other information.
• Farmer’s Market. Gayle Borchard said the market will open May 10^th, with a 3-6pm schedule this year.  14 vendors are confirmed.  Hot food will be available on site.  Manager Sarah Shapiro is looking for sponsors.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Correspondence.  Steven Linhart read a request he had received to distribute political flyers at events, and his response which said our events are non-partisan and so no, but they could distribute in public areas away from the events.
• Project Safe Haven.  Gayle Borchard asked merchants to write letters of support for this model Tsunami Sand Dune project.  Letters can be sent to City Hall at PO Box 310, Long Beach, WA 98631.  Questions to Gayle at 360-642-4421.
• New Merchant Deb Sterling introduced herself and her company, Sterling Concepts, which does training and facilitation projects.  She offers discounts to locals. She passed a flyer for a May 3^rd Marketing Mojo workshop, inviting all to attend and offering $25 off the $149 entry fee.
• Food4Kids Backpack Program.  Jim Tweedie passed out flyers on a fundraising dinner at the Shelburne on 4/22.  He noted that about half of the kids at LB Elementary are on the subsidized meal program, and about half of those are enrolled in the backpack program, which sends food home over the weekend for kids.  Sponsorship, as well as donations of cash, food, and time are all welcome.
• Peninsula Sheet Metal is closing as an independent business and moving back under the umbrella of Active Enterprises, per Dale Jacobson
• Gina with Traveler’s Companion apologized for not showing up twice when on the LBMA meeting agenda.  Deadline for ads in in 2 weeks.  Circulation is 80K.
• Peninsula Arts Association has taken over the “old kite museum” building on 3^rd N and Ocean Beach Boulevard, according to Gene Miles.  Art events will take place at the adjacent Depot Building.
• The Washington Tourism Alliance passed out $400 bills at their recent summit.  Ragan Andrew read tourism facts from the back of one and explained that tourism revenue in Washington equates to $400 per resident.
• LB City Council Meeting: April 16, 7:00 pm, City Hall
• LB Marketing Committee Meeting: April 17, 9:00 am, City Hall
• LBMA Board Meeting: April 20, 8:00 am, Benson’s
• LBMA Meeting: May 4, 8:00 am, Benson’s

ADJOURNMENT

Respectfully submitted,  Keleigh Schwartz, 04/06/12