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Long Beach Merchants Association | Regular Meeting
Friday, February 5, 2010, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

CALL TO ORDER:  8:05 am

INTRODUCTIONS
Steven Linhart, Paula Mraz, Merry Scharfe, Craig Smith, Ruth Ann Hocking, Jane Holeman, Diane Barker-Sayce, Jeff Harrell, Sherry Hash, Bob Andrew, Ragan Andrew, Jerry Phillips, Wayne O’Dell, Judie Andrew, Nancy Little, Dave Little, Keith Schwartz, Robert Merrill, Holly Beller, Gayle Borchard, Stu Freese, Liz Rogers, Lacie Dewitt, Laura Price, Lois Roberts, Becky Johnson and Cathi Bonney

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Minutes were approved unanimously as written

TREASURER’S REPORT –Given verbally and attached in the Secretary’s binder

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
•    2010 Budget

NEW BUSINESS
Camel Ulbricht – Autism Awareness Walk/Fundraiser on March 20th, 2010.  Camel gave out handouts and spoke about the Walk for Autism.

***No actions were taken in said meeting*** Secretary’s laptop was stolen and therefore all notes taken with*** Secretary has learned to back up said documents.

Below are the reports that were given

COMMITTEE REPORTS
•    Blue Grass Festival
•    Beach To Chowder Run/Walk
•    Doggie Olympic Games
•    SandSations
•    Jake’s Birthday
•    Kite Festival
•    Holidays at the Beach
•    LBMA Holiday After Hours,

OTHER REPORTS
•    Kite Museum
•    Loyalty Days
•    Surf Perch Derby
•    SummerFest
•    Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau
•    Liaison to Long Beach City Council
•    Liaison to Ocean Park, Ilwaco

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next LBMA Meeting: March 5, 2010, 8:00 am, Benson’s
The meeting was adjourned.

Long Beach Merchants Association  |  Regular Meeting
Friday, December 4, 2009, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

CALL TO ORDER 8:10 am

INTRODUCTIONS
Sherry Hash, Ruth Ann Hocking, Troy Rodenbaugh, Rick Schimelpfenig, Bob Andrew, Ragan Andrew, Judy Andrew, Dian Barker-Sayce, Steven Linhart, Keith Schwartz, Keleigh Schwartz, Craig Smith, Paula Mraz, Jane Holeman, Wendy Murry, Holli Beller, Brandy Ferguson, Dennis Roberts.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve as written by Dave Little, 2^nd by Ragan Andrew. Unanimously approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT Sherry Hash gave a verbal report (attached).

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Election of Officers.  Written ballots were used to elect the following slate of officers:  President Steven Linhart, Vice President Merry Scharfe, Treasurer Craig Smith, Secretary Paula Mraz, Board Member Sherry Hash.

Appointed by President Steven Linhart were Ruth Ann Hocking (1-year Board seat), Kay Buesing (Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau Board), Jerry Phillips (Liaison to Long Beach City Council), Dave Little (Liaison to Ilwaco and Ocean Park Merchants).

NEW BUSINESS

Rick Schimelpfenig gave a presentation on QR Codes, which will be showing up on points of interest around town.  Some will include information while others will be part of a tour of Discovery Trail.  Merchants should contact Rick http://www.qrable.com or Keleigh http://www.beachdog.com for more info.

Sherry Hash distributed “Tri-Power”, a newspaper of the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association, which includes information on the group’s cleanup on our beach.

Steven Linhart reported there is an event on January 14^th at the Peninsula Senior Center, 11 am – 3 pm, a volunteerism fair organized by Ernie Henson.  LBMA will have a booth and events chairs are requested to attend.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• LBMA After Hours.  Ruth Ann Hocking reported on a fun party last night!  Thanks to Kay for letting us use the Kite Museum.
• Blue Grass Festival.  Ruth Ann Hocking reported that advertising is going out over the radio and in publications, all free.
• Beach To Chowder Run/Walk.  Sherry Hash reported she is transitioning leadership to Paula Mraz.  Paula and Jeff Harrell have been working on t-shirts and logo, registration software and donations.
• Doggie Olympic Games.  Brandy Ferguson reported she has contacted all her volunteers (25) and has heard back from 7.  She’ll be putting an article in the paper to see if she can drum up more help.
• SandSations.  Becky Johnson.  No report.
• Jake’s Birthday.  Wendy Murry.  No report.
• Kite Festival.  Jane Holeman reported that Nancy Campiche is not doing posters this year, so the committee will take on the 30^th Annual poster this year and then they will decide if poster competition will be annual in the future.  Foreign guests are set.  Applied for matching grant with BELO for TV advertising.  Advertising space commitments happening now.
• Holidays at the Beach.  Holly Beller reported on a very successful event.  Donations were received.  About 200 kids pictures were taken with Santa.  Attendance for Frosty’s birthday was the best seen.  Holly would like to bring back the raffle next year; stay tuned.  10 of the 13 coloring contest winners were present for the trolley ride.  Keleigh received an email from an out-of-town family who come every year and have volunteered to help next year.  Anecdotally, there are a lot of people who commented they come back every year.  Bob Andrew reported that he got bids back for lighting the Boardwalk and initial numbers came in at about $75,000, making it not plausible.  Now investigating decorating the pocket parks.  Jane Holeman recommended that volunteer groups could bid for the right to decorate, with funds going to charity.  Ruth Ann asked about the white lights downtown and the need for them to be brighter and last longer; Bob has put that challenge out to the City’s vendor; there are technical issues but they are still working on it.

OTHER REPORTS

• Kite Museum.  Kay Buesing noted January and February are very busy months at the Museum with the Indoor Kite Fly on Jan 16-17.  We are the longest running indoor kite fly in the nation at 9 years.  February brings John Freeman to the museum.  John has taught at the museum for several years. 25 kites will be made this year, making it a BIG event on February 13-14-15.  Come watch!  Asian New Year is the following weekend with a focus on the Singapore area, which is one of the first places to ever have kite festivals.  Spring Fling is a 3+ week event over Spring Breaks.
• Loyalty Days.  Judy Andrew noted that applications are in the works; Midway Printery sustained about $25,000 in damage during the last power outage so things are a bit behind.  This year is the 60^th Annual Loyalty Days.  Coast Guard is being honored.  Coronation will be in April.
• Surf Perch Derby.  No report.
• SummerFest.  No report.
• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Kay Buesing reported on further discussion, at the last meeting, on having conversation with the State to control some of the chaos around fireworks/Independence Day.  Other news was primarily updates from Board members representing all parts of the Peninsula on holiday activities, and a presentation on QR codes.
• Liaison to Long Beach City Council. Steven Linhart reported the budget process has been finished.
• City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Ragan noted the next meeting will be December 15^th.  Sherry Hash reported that QR Coding is the group’s focus at the moment.
• Liaison to Ocean Park, Ilwaco.  Dave Little reported on Ilwaco’s holiday festivities this weekend; see http://www.funbeach.com/events/holidays/ilwaco.html for details.  Peninsula Players holiday presentation opens tonight.  Apron Auction at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum raised approximately $3,000.  Ocean Park saw 94 visitors last month, plus phone calls.  Lots of response from the Woodall’s Camping Guide.  Ocean Park Area Chamber office is now open 7 days a week, 4 hours per day, which has had a good response.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• LB City Council Meeting: Dec 7, 2009, 7pm, City Hall
• LBMA Board Meeting: December meeting canceled
• LB City Council Meeting: Dec 21, 2009, 7 pm, City Hall
• LB City Council Meeting: Jan 4, 2010, 7 pm, City Hall
• LBMA Meeting: Jan 8, 2010, 8am, Benson’s

ADJOURNMENT 8:58 am

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

Long Beach Merchants Association  |  Regular Meeting
Friday, October 2, 2009, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

CALL TO ORDER 8:01

INTRODUCTIONS
Judi Andrew, Bob Andrew, Ragan Andrew, Rob Merrill, Keith Schwartz, Linda Jessup, Wayne O’Dell, Judy MacPherson, Jay Flint, Holli Beller, Olivia Beller, Dave Little, Gayle Borchard, Craig Smith, Cheri Diehl, Paula Mraz, Vin Ciaramella, Sherry Hash, Mike Dickerson, Steven LInhart, Keleigh Schwartz

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve as written by R Andrew. Second by Vin Ciaramella. Unanimously approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT given by Sherry Hash and attached.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
• Sherry Hash reminded Event Chairs they were to bring budgets to this meeting.  She brought backup paperwork for each detailing the past 3 years of activity.

• Sherry is working with bookkeeper Kathy VinZant to get a copy of our reseller’s permit to each of the event chairs.

• The Board requested approval from the membership to raise dues from $75 to $85 effective 01/01/10.  Dues for 2010 remains at &75 if paid before the end of December, 2009.  Motion Dave Little, 2nd Judi Andrew.  Unanimously approved.

• Membership is requested to review updates to the LBMA bylaws and be prepared to request changes else vote approval at next month’s meeting.

• Nomination of officers for 2010.  A chart was provided showing positions in need of officers.  Gayle Borchard agreed to serve on the nominating committee.  Sherry Hash, Ruth Ann Hocking and Paula Mraz were nominated to serve in non-specific positions

NEW BUSINESS

• Linda Jessen, Pacific NW  4 Wheel Drive Association/Operation Shore Patrol reported on a successful cleanup and thanked LBMA for the group’s cash donation.  The group’s cleanup is always the 3rd weekend in September.  Mayor Andrew invited Linda to Present to the City Council and perhaps gain additional support from the City.

• Jay Flint of ShoreBank gave the group an update on the National Heritage Area.   Jay passed out a fact sheet (attached).  The Feasibility Study will be finished soon; it will Then be presented to the public, in a draft form, for comment.  It will then be finalized and submitted to Congress for designation, which is expected to happen before the end of next year.  The next step is a management plan for 15 years, which is followed by National Heritage Area projects.  ShoreBank’s focus is on projects that support economic development.  Mike Dickerson added that comment sites will likely be in Ilwaco, Astoria and Seaside.  He noted that a support letter from LBMA, and individuals, will be requested during the comment period.  Mike and Jay are both very open to questions and encourage all to contact  Jay Flint 360 042 4265 ext 149 or jflint@sbpac.com

• Judi MacPherson came to speak about the Doggie Olympic Games being able to donate profits to the Shelter, as was done the first year when the event was under the purview of the Humane Society.  Keleigh Schwartz (current President of the Humane Society) noted that there had been no donation made to the Shelter that year and no donation since, because the event requests, and accepts, lodging tax money (public funds).  She further clarified the way to position the event to make a donation to the Shelter is to not accept public funding to produce or market the event.  Judi then asked for their to be food on the beach, which LBMA has not allowed due to the policy to not permit vendors on the beach unless there are enough people to close the approach (~4,000).    Bob Andrew suggested that a box lunch be offered as part of the registration process.  Gayle Borchard suggested that a LBMA member business make a run to the beach to take orders for sandwiches.  Wayne O’Dell asked that Judi come back to the group with a proposal that meets the needs of the Association and the Event.  Ragan Andrew asked if the new event Chair, Brandy Ferguson, was aware of these issues, all she has to learn to be the new event chair, or that Judi was here representing the event.  Judi responded that she had not spoken to Brandy, who was not present.  Keleigh agreed to send Judi the LBMA rules at issue:

1. To have vendors on the beach, an event must have attendance that warrants the City spending man hours to close the beach approach, which is roughly 4,000 people.
2. Event chairs must give first priority to LBMA members when purchasing goods or hiring services.  If there is not an LBMA member who can provide the goods or service, second priority goes to a non-member, local business. If there is not a local (Peninsula) business who can provide the goods or service, the event chair may go farther.  Bids are recommended for all purchases and required for any purchases over $2,500.
3. If any monies for the event come from public funds (such as lodging tax funds), profits from the event cannot be donated and can only be used to further grow the event.
4. If the event does not take public funds, it may recommend to the Board of the Long Beach Merchants a dispersal to a non-profit such as the Shelter.  The Board must approve these dispersals.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Holidays at the Beach.  Steven LInhart introduced Holli Beller as the new Event Chair.  Holli passed out her preliminary schedule and requested merchants consider extended hours during the Holidays (Thanksgiving) weekend.

• White Elephant Shindig.  Steven reported that flyers were passed out and merchants were asked to hang them about town and invite as many merchants as possible from Ocean Park, Ilwaco, Astoria, Warrenton, etc.

• Bluegrass Festival.  Judi Andrew reported that planning is strong and the event is looking great!

• Beach to Chowder Run/Walk.  Ragan Andrew reported that 3,000 save the date cards went into the Great Columbia Crossing bags.

• Doggie Olympic Games.  Steven reported Brandy Ferguson is the new event chair.

• SandSations.  Becky was not available to report.  Steven noted he has been emailing with her quite a bit and she is working hard.

•Jake’s Birthday.  No report.

• Kite Festival. No report.

OTHER REPORTS

• Kite Museum.  Dave Little noted that he is working with the museum to get skype running for One World, One Sky.  Sherry Hash announced the Bob Milne concert is at 3pm on November 7th.  $35; tickets at the museum.

• Loyalty Days.  Bob Andrew reported they have had their first meeting.  George Washington will be the speaker.  Salute to the Coast Guard this year, the 60th Annual Loyalty Days.  The theme is “Patriotism: Always Ready”.  Junior and senior courts will be working together.  Each princess will have a title.

• Surf Perch Derby. No report.

• SummerFest. Ragan Andrew reported approximately 18,000 people were on the wagon and 5,000 faces were painted over 16 weeks of activity.

• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Steven reported that a letter is being drafted to go to state and federal representatives requesting limiting of fireworks stands and sales.  Sherry Hash noted that the real problem is in illegal fireworks being brought in.  Bob Andrew noted that the economic impact on the Peninsula outweighs the safety concerns, stating the biggest amount of fireworks ever were on the beach this year and there were no injuries reported.

• Liaison to Long Beach City Council. Position open.  Jerry Phillips the budgeting process is beginning.  The new water plant is moving forward well and grants have been received for that project.  Steven Linhart noted a good trail dedication on the 19th with speakers and about 100 participants.

• City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.  Jerry Phillips reported the group is also in budget process and is working on a 5-year plan.  He’ll be presenting possible dates for working on the 5-year plan by next week.  The group is budgeting more money for the trolley so it has more of a presence during events and summertime.  Jerry and Ragan are going to a tour operators conference in Reno to try to bring more bus traffic.

• Liaison to Ocean Park & Ilwaco.  Dave Little reported that the other groups haven’t met since our last meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• LB City Council Meeting: October 5th, 7pm, City Council

• LBMA  Board Meeting:  October 16th, 8am, Benson’s

• LB City Council Meeting: October 19th, 7pm, City Council

• LB City Council Meeting: November 2nd , 7pm, City Council

• LBMA  Meeting: November 6th, 8am, Benson’s

• Ready, Respond Recover Conference on October 14th, Chautauqua; contact Cathy Russ at the EDC.

• Washington Festivals & Events [WFEA] Conference “Show Me the Money” regional seminar on October 16th at Chautauqua is being co-sponsored by the City.  Ragan reports that Event Chairs can register at the $50 rate due to being under the umbrella of the Visitors Bureau’s membership in WFEA.

ADJOURNMENT 9:11 am

Long Beach Merchants Association  |  Regular Meeting

Friday, September 11, 2009, 8:00 am
Benson’s by the Beach Restaurant; 504 S Pacific in Long Beach; 642-3300

CALL TO ORDER 8:02 am

INTRODUCTIONS
Keith Schwartz, Jerry Phillips, Troy Rodenbaugh, Cheri Diehl, Kay Buesing, Merry Scharfe, Jane Holeman, Diane Carter, Wendy Murry, Sherry Hash, Dave Little, Steven Linhart, Keleigh Schwartz, Dian Barker Sayce, Craig Smith, Ruth Ann Hocking

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion was made by Dave Little to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by Merry Scharfe.  Unanimous.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Sherry presented an oral report (hard copy to the Secretary).

Dian Barker Sayce moved that our annual liability/auto/property in storage insurance policy of just of $5,000 was divided between events based on percentage of event attendance:  Jake 2.08%, Holidays at the Beach .83%, SandSations 10.40%, Doggie Olympics 2.08%, Beach Run, .83%, WSIKF 83.16%.  Seconded by Merry Scharfe.  Unanimous.

Board approved payment of $490/year in lieu of determining actual back use tax.  Be advised that all receipts need to go to the Treasurer so appropriate use tax can be calculated on an ongoing basis.  Note that resale certificates are only good through end of 2009; beginning in January, there is a reseller’s certificate that must be on file in order to sell without charging sales tax.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Event Dates.  Keleigh Schwartz passed out event dates for the next 5 years.  Event chairs are to verify dates right away else live with them as they’ll be published and given to magazines, etc. by the Visitors Bureau.  Events that are tide based are not projected; those event chairs are asked to define dates at least a year or two out and get them to Keleigh, and the Visitors Bureau, ASAP.

Doggie Olympic Games: Chairperson needed.  Steven Linhart reported we do not have an event chair.  Jerry Phillips offered that Ragan Andrew can assist for the coming year but she will not be taking over the event.  Jerry will talk to Gene to see if Ragan can be the chair this year so the event will be published in Visitors Bureau publications; there is a timeline issue.

NEW BUSINESS

Ruth Ann Hocking passed a sympathy card to be signed for the Jacobson family who recently lost long-time LBMA supporter Jean Jacobson.  She noted that Jean never complained about people and never said no to the Merchants when something was needed.  Service will be on the 26^th at Pentillas.

Bev Arnoldy, Pacific County EDC’s Ready, Respond, Recover Conference, made a brief presentation on the upcoming conference (Oct 15 @ Chautauqua Lodge).   Registration is $25 until Sept 18 and $35 thereafter.  A limited number of scholarships are available on a first come, first serve, basis.

Diane Carter, Peninsula Saddle Club, re Doggie Olympic Games.  The Saddle Club is interested in moving the Doggie Olympics to the Rodeo Grounds.  Handicap access, as well as all access, is easier.  There is an arena, clubhouse, bleachers, and plenty of parking.  The club would like to include a food drive for the Humane Society as part of the event.  Discussion about moving date away from Garlic Festival and Beach Run ensued.  D.O.G. is tide-dependent while held on the beach.

Request from Diane Carter to not schedule SandSations on Rodeo Weekend;  Dian Barker-Sayce noted that SandSations is scheduled around the tides.  Diane Carter asked that Rodeo weekend be avoided, if at all possible.  Merry Scharfe responded that the event had to choose the weekend in July with the best tide for the event and apologized if that meant the events were on the same weekend.

Membership Drive.  Merry Scharfe and Steven Linhart reported that the drive is underway.  2010 dues will be decided upon at the September 18th Board meeting; all are welcome to attend.

Steven Linhart reported the resignation of Steve Kidd as Liaison to LB City Council.  Any volunteers?

Call for Nominations: “Business of the Year 2008”.  Steven Linhart reported it is time for us to choose our candidate and called for nominations to be given to him publicly or privately.  The Board will be finalizing next week at their meeting.  Note: Reception is 10/24/09 @ Raymond Elks; Bus available for RSVP by 10/9/09;  $15; hors d’ouevres & wine.  RSVP 360-642-9330.

Steven Linhart reported we had received a request for donation of cash and/or door prizes from Operation ShorePatrol.  Their event is Sept 19-20.  Keleigh Schwartz offered to bundle any discounts or other offers for those traveling from out of town to the event. A motion was made by Jane Holeman to donate $250 to Operation ShorePatrol.  Seconded by Dave Little.  Unanimous.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Jake’s Birthday.  Wendy Murry reported on a great event.  She got out of half the debt she inherited and made a lot of new contacts.  She has received lots of positive feedback from out-of-towners.  Ruth Ann Hocking commented that she has heard about Jake’s birthday while out on Bluegrass events.  Wendy also noted the event draws out younger people, both out of town and from the area.

Kite Festival.  Jane Holeman noted that Frannie O’Neil is no longer involved with t-shirts due to illness; the event is looking for a new volunteer for t-shirts and for the first aid booth.  Also, the brochure and program committee needs new leadership.    This year’s event was noted as one of the best ever and two World Records were broken.

Holidays at the Beach. Steven announced that Brandy Ferguson and Holly Beller will co-chair Holidays at the Beach this year.

LBMA Holiday After Hours.  Ruth Ann Hocking.  First Thursday in December; white elephant exchange.

Blue Grass Festival.  Ruth Ann Hocking has been to five festivals since our last meeting and has done quite a bit of emcee work and promotion of our event.

Beach To Chowder Run/Walk. Sherry Hash noted the Great Columbia Crossing is coming up next month.   A flyer, created by Brandy Ferguson, will go in 3000 packets for entrants.  Beach to Chowder is still looking for a new chair and additional volunteers.

SandSations.  Dian Barker Sayce reported that everything has been turned over to Becky Johnson.  The event is in the black!

OTHER REPORTS

Kite Museum.  Kay Buesing reported the museum has had a very good summer.  Smithsonian Free Pass Day is September 26^th; go to Smithsonian.com for the pass, or pick up the magazine.  Oregonian coverage is part of the event.  October 10-11 is One Sky, One World Kite Fly to promote peace and understanding amongst cultures.  This year will feature skype communication between events.

Loyalty Days.  No report.

Surf Perch Derby.  No report.

SummerFest.  No report.

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.  Kay Buesing will attend the LBMA Board meeting to discuss what’s been happening at the Visitors Bureau as relates to safety, trash and fireworks over Independence Day.  All are welcome at the Board meeting.

Liaison to Long Beach City Council. Jerry Phillips noted the City is still working on the water plant; they are getting quite a number of grants.  Steven Linhart noted the Discovery Trail Dedication on September 19^th and invited all to attend.  Ray Gardner will be doing a blessing and all state representatives have been invited.  9am-1pm, Bolstad approach.

City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Jerry Phillips noted that meetings were suspended last month due to summer business.  The committee is working on a 4-year plan.  The trolley will be more present next year.

Liaison to Ocean Park, Ilwaco. Blues and Seafood went well; they sold out of t-shirts.  Final Art Walk was last night; Slow Drag is tonight.  Ocean Park is looking at advertising and increasing their web presence.  Garlic Festival came out in the black and will be at Wilson Field again next year, as will Independence Day.  Visitors Center in Ocean Park is open 4 hours per day and is getting quite a bit of traffic.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ruth Ann noted that the Governor has asked us to fly flags at half-mast today, 9/11.

Rotary club has taken over the Christmas Angels program from the Grange and is doing a golf tournament as a fundraiser on October 17th.  Donations for raffle prizes are needed and welcomed!  See Jane Holeman, Keith Schwartz or Keleigh Schwartz.

LBMA Board Meeting: September 18, 2009, 8:00 am, Benson’s

LB City Council Meeting: September 21, 2009, 7:00 pm, City Hall

LBMA Meeting: October 2, 2009, 8:00 am, Benson’s

ADJOURNMENT 9:08 am