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Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, July 11, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant

CALL TO ORDER.  8:04 am

INTRODUCTIONS.  Mikel Burns, Jill Grey, Keith Schwartz, Gayle Borchard, Dian Barker-Sayce, Merry Scharfe, Jennifer Thompson, Jane Holeman, Steven Linhart, Eve O’Dell, Wayne O’Dell, Fidel O’Dell, Sherry Hash, Keleigh Schwartz, Kimberly Armstrong, Ragan Andres, Vin Ciaramella, Larkin Stentz,.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion R.Andrew, 2nd  V. Ciaramella. Approved Unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT Sherry gave a written and verbal report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
•   Insurance.  Sherry asked for approval regarding our festival insurance.  This year there is an option for $329 for risk of acts of terrorism.  Total without the terrorism add-on is $6940.  Agreement to pay as proposed (without terrorism add-on).

COMMITTEE REPORTS
•    Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/21/08.  Sherry Hash reported the event made money this year, despite having invested in timing equipment and chafing dishes for the chowder.  Next year the race will expand to a half marathon.  Jeff Harrell will be on the committee next year.  The chafing dishes are available to other events; ask Sherry.  Ed Streit took great photos and they are on funbeach.com. Next year:  June 13, 2009.
•    Doggie Olympic Games, 06/21/08. Jill Grey reported a 27% increase in registrations this year.  Next year will include free events at the pre-registration event.  There will be puppy events next year for dogs (probably) 4-12 months old.  There are more than700 photos on funbeach.com.  Next year:  June 19-20, 2009.
•    Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08.  Gayle Borchard passed out information regarding a 10% off coupon promo merchants can participate in.  Rack cards were passed out and have been distributed widely; 5000 were distributed.  The art poster was shown; advertising posters will be here in a few days.  Art posters are available for presale through Don Nesbitt’s gallery.  Gayle will also be selling on eBay.  Wendy Murry created a myspace identity for Jake.  There was a photo shoot of Jake around the Peninsula.  Contest on funbeach.com.  T-shirts will be for sale at the event for $20.  Presale to merchants at $15.  Hoodies are also available; ask Gayle.  Merchants can have their names put on the reverse for an additional $3.  Setup starts at 10am; the party ends at 10:30 pm.  A volunteer signup was passed around.  Volunteers are needed!!
•    Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08.  Jane Holeman reported the program will be available in about 10 days but will be held until the first of August for distribution.   Poster is for sale at Campiche Studios and online at kitefestival.com.
•    SandSations, 07/25-26/08.  Dian Barker-Sayce reported there are three Master’s groups.  Baskets and packets will be prepped next week; Keleigh will send out an announcement when the date/time/venue are confirmed.  Sculpting starts at 9am and is over by 2; winners announced at 2:30 pm.  Cameras, sunscreen and popcorn will be available through the SandSations booth.  Long-sleeved, light blue t-shirts are $16.  White hoodies are $31.  We should be getting Oregonian Arts & Entertainment coverage.  Bank of Pacific Dreamweaver radio psa is showcasing SandSations.
•    Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08.  Steven Linhart reported that he and Ragan met with Mother Goose (aka Mrs. Claus) to firm up details.  No poster contest or cookies this year.  Same Santa as last year; he’ll arrive by horse and carriage.  Sunday will be Frosty the Snowman’s birthday party.
•    Blue Grass Festival, No report
•    LBMA After Hours.  No report

OTHER REPORTS
•    Liaison.  Steven Linhart reported that Ocean Park Chamber meetings are suspended until September.  Ilwaco Merchants discussed signage at length.  Steven passed out Railroad Driving Tour, Saturday Market brochure and Ocian in View postcards.  Steven also noted that Department of Transportation had crossed wires and mowed over the plantings on Hwy 101. It will be replaced.
•    SummerFest, May-August.  Ragan Andrew reported that, thanks to Anchor Realty, there will be a live kangaroo and other interesting beasts downtown this weekend.  Shows start at 10 am Saturday and Sunday with about 5 shows throughout the day.  It is also beach safety weekend.  889 people rode the horse wagon over 4th of July weekend.
•    City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.   Mikel Burns reported that last LTAC focused on radio and tv ads, as well as a wide variety of print coverage.
•    Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.  Mikel reported that the July Board meeting was canceled.  Ketih reported on the the funbeach.org/blog site that is a great resource for merchants.
•    National Heritage Area.  Gayle Borchard reported that Destination: The Pacific will likely not sunset for another 6 months.  Transition is happening to Columbia-Pacific Heritage Area.  There is a challenge about partial information being shared in the community.  Please contact Gayle if you hear mis- or incomplete information circulating.  Feedback is always welcome.
•    Kite Museum.  No report.
•    Loyalty Days 2009.  No report.
•    Surf Perch Derby.  No report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•    Larkin Stentz asked the group to send letters to local grocery stores requesting they stop using plastic bags and use alternatives only.  President Mikel asked Larkin to write a proposal and bring it back to the group under New Business.
•    Dian Barker-Sayce reminded folks that cell phone tickets are $125 and there is an inexpensive bluetooth visor clip that lets you talk hands free.
•    Jennifer Johnson is co-chair of the Finnish American Festival.  Posters are available.
•    Gayle extended thank you to Sherry for all her assistance in information sharing with other festival chairs.
•    LBMA Board Meeting: July 18, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant
•    LBMA Regular Meeting: August 1, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant

ADJOURNMENT 8:55 am.

Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, June 6, 2008, 8:00 am, Debi’s Restaurant

CALL TO ORDER 8:08 am

INTRODUCTIONS Mikel Burns, Terri Tucker, Steven Linhart, Dian Barker-Sayce, Gayle Borchard, Dale Jacobson, Bob Andrew, Ruth Ann Hocking, Flint Wright, Jeff Harrell, Jill Grey, Ragan Andrew, Jennifer Johnson, Terri Tucker, Keleigh Schwartz, Denise Jones, Sherry Hash, Kay Buesing.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve as written: Steven Linhart 2nd: Bob Andrew. Unanimous.

TREASURER’S REPORT Sherry reported and also submitted a written report (attached). Discussion re insurance bill ended with consensus for Sherry to review and have the policy updated, removing items no longer needing insurance.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
• Unanimous motion by the Board of Directors to make our current Past President an ex-officio Board member and to then include a permanent ex-officio seat on the LBMA Board of Directors for the Mayor of Long Beach (2nd of 2 months on agenda before voting) Motion: Gayle Borchard. 2nd Denise Jones. Unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS
• Ragan had a request from someone who has closed their business and wants to dog tags at Doggie Olympics. Information passed to South Pacific County Humane Society to do through them.
• Event Chairs meeting is needed. Event chairs will contact Mikel to arrange.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/21/08. Sherry Hash reported they are on track. Items are still being gathered for raffle. 43 pre-registrations have been received.
• Doggie Olympic Games, 06/21/08. Jill Grey reported the event will happen rain or shine.
• SandSations, 07/25-26/08. Dian Barker-Sayce reported the loss of Sondra Nash as a co-chair since she has left the area. Advertising is in place. T-shirts and sweatshirts are here. All that is left to do are “day of” activities.
• Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08. Gayle Borchard showed the original artwork by Don Nesbitt. Merry Scharfe is handling clothing. Ragan Andrew is handling press. Wendy Murry is organizing an evening event with live music. T-shirts can be pre-ordered.
• Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08. No report.
• Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08 No report.
• Blue Grass Festival, 03/28-30/08. Most bands are committed for 2009.
• LBMA After Hours. No report.

OTHER REPORTS
• SummerFest, May-August. Ragan Andrew reported events are in full swing.
• City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Mikel Burns reported we are getting a response from the TV ads.
• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Mikel Burns and Keleigh Schwartz reported on media coverage obtained by Una Boyle and Carol Zahorsky. Ruth Ann Hocking reported on media as a result of Blue Grass connections. Discussion about a strong Memorial Day weekend being an indicator that gas prices rising meaning visitors are choosing us as a destination instead of farther climes.
• Liaison. Steven Linhart reported he will be attending a Dept of Transportation meeting, along with Ilwaco Merchants, regarding signage on the highways. New Swap Meet downtown on Saturdays, 10-4, through September, on the old Red’s site, now known as “Ilwaco Town Square”. Ilwaco Pavillion will be a performance venue this summer. Ocean Park has 438 members. Garlic Festival has 46 paid vendors, down from last year due to vendors not wanting to drive as much. The Garlic Festival will continue. July 4th festival has been discontinued but parade will go on as planned. Flags for July 4th weekend on order; $50 sponsors one mile; goal is for 22 miles of flag placement. Sponsors are responsible for placement at 5:00 am and for cleanup. Flags will say, “Bring me to the parade in Ocean Park”. Gayle passed along information on a man with a tractor who would work with merchants to pull a float.
• National Heritage Area. Gayle Borchard reported that Nan Malin is interim Executive Director; Cyndi Mudge is now running Astoria Sunday Market. Bill passed; National Park Service is now in charge of the study.
• Kite Museum. Kay Buesing reported that attendance is flat. Lots of visitors from faraway places (other states and countries) as opposed to close-by areas. Mostly adults at this time of year. Receiving feedback that people don’t know where they are. Request to tell people “Turn toward the beach at the Go-Karts”. Received full page advertorial in a Bus Tour magazine Also in USA Today, which will feature as a good place to visit for Father’s Day. Bob Milne fundraiser will take place again in November.
• Loyalty Days 2009. Bob Andrew reported that 2009 is being planned, with Abraham Lincoln, Jim Getty, as the guest speaker. Had 122 entries in the 2008 parade, with 10 no-shows, which is par. Thanks to Kimberly Armstrong for radio coverage. Kimberly handed out CDs of the parade coverage (4 hours plus web). Kimberly also announced that she is no longer with the radio but plans to continue her involvement with LBMA as a representative of the South Pacific County Humane Society. Ragan reported on Junior Miss Loyalty’s “Operation Backpack” project, collecting school supplies for needy kids. Will be at Peninsula Church Center August 13-14-15 with clothing available for kids in need.
• Surf Perch Derby. Dale Jacobson reported there was beautiful weather, 90 teams. There were only 9 fish caught; the weather was too nice…

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• LBMA Board Meeting: June 13, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant
• LBMA Regular Meeting: July 11, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant
• Softball. Ragan Andrew passed out the softball schedule.
• Fireworks. Bob Andrew reported there will be an $18,000 show this year. Donations are welcome.
• PACE. Dale reported the demolition bid came in lower than expected and the same seems to be true of the remodel bid. The City of Ilwaco has had to go back and “dot some i’s” in the paperwork for the grants. This has to do with showing the City has enough money to complete the projects for this and the fire hall. Things seem to be moving along fine. PACE is the “Meals on Wheels” provider for Pacific County.

ADJOURNMENT. 8:52 am

Long Beach Merchants Association
Regular Meeting
Friday, May 2, 2008, 8:00 am, Anchor Restaurant

The meeting was called to order at 8:06 am

INTRODUCTIONS
Mikel Burns, Steven Linhart, Sherry Hash, Keleigh Schwartz, Dian Barker-Sayce, Ruth Ann Hocking, Kimberly Armstrong, Vin Ciaramella, Jennifer Johnson, Jim Neva, Jill Grey, Laura Price, Keith Schwartz, Hillary Trusty, Una Boyle, Denise Jones.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve by Steven Linhart.  Second by Vin Ciaramella.  Approved Unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Sherry Hash provided a written Treasurer’s Report, including the following account balances:  General Fund: $3,864.59.  Festivals: 19,111.04.  Kite Festival: $60,266.83.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Unanimous motion by the Board of Directors to make our current Past President an ex-officio Board member and to then include a permanent ex-officio seat on the LBMA Board of Directors for the Mayor of Long Beach (1st of 2 months on agenda before voting).  No Action.

NEW BUSINESS
Kimberly Armstrong reported that NNB Radio would be doing live feeds throughout the parade on Sunday.  Listen on KAST AM with some on KAST FM and all on kast1370.com via live stream.  MP3 will be available afterward.  She will be set up in front of Funland and welcomes merchants to come by and be on the radio.

Laura Price noted there are a number of counterfeit bills circulating currently and merchants should be on the lookout.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/21/08.  Sherry Hash reported the brochure was being mailed out this weekend.  Posters and flyers are also available.

Doggie Olympic Games, 06/21/08.  Jill Grey reported that Marie Maulden is mailing postcards to all of last year’s participants.  Merial Corporation is sending a 15’ inflatable dog at no charge.

SandSations, 07/25-26/08.  Dian Barker-Sayce reported that zip hoodies would be sold this year because it is rarely warm enough for just t-shirts.  Times were moved up due to Master Builders the Veilings, being concerned about the tides.

Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08.  Sherry Hash noted that Don Nesbitt had been contracted to do the poster artwork this year.

Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08.  No report.

Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08.  No report.

Blue Grass Festival, 03/28-30/08.  Ruth Ann Hocking reported that she is visiting bands.

LBMA After Hours.  Mikel Burns reported that there were 25-30 people in attendance and it was great fun.  She would like us to do another in the fall.

OTHER REPORTS

Loyalty Days, 05/3-4/08.  Ruth Ann Hocking reported there are121 entries in the Grand Parade.  The banquet has a luau theme.  She arranged free promotion on cable channel 43.

Surf Perch Derby, 05/17/08.  No report.

SummerFest, May-August.  No report.

City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.  Mikel Burns reported 3 TV commercials will be running, two from 2007 and one from 2006 while the new production company waits on weather to shoot more footage.  Radio will continue essentially the same as last year.

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau.  Kimberly Armstrong reported that Una is broacasting live on Friday mornings, 8:15 – 8:30 on KAST.  She is recapping events and happenings from Chinook to Ocean Park.  The air time is sponsored by Shelly Pollock’s NW Insurance & Financial Services.  Una Boyle reported that we recently got press in Seattle Magazine that was not negative but also not positive.  She encouraged anyone with family or friends in Seattle to ask them to write a postive letter to the editor of the magazine detailing things they enjoy doing on the Peninsula.  Also, SouthWest Air’s magazine, Spirit, includes a half-page ad as well as a paragraph of text on the Peninsula.

Liaison.  Steven Linhart reported on upcoming events in Ilwaco and Ocean Park (see announcements, below).  He also noted that Governor Gregoire has designated June 23-29 “Amateur Radio Week” in honor of the 25,000 ham radio operators in Washington.  Ruth Ann Hocking noted that this would be the last year of Ocean Park’s 4th of July Parade unless new leadership volunteers.  Discussion about how to support that effort ensued.

National Heritage Area.  Dian Barker Sayce noted the US Senate has signed legislation to approve the National Heritage Area and it now sits on President Bush’s desk.

Kite Museum.  Mikel Burns reported that Alaska Air’s magazine, Horizons, will have an article on the museum.  USA Today included the Peninsula in an article on “The 10 Greatest Places to Fly Kites”.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Razor Clam Dig Days May 3-7.

Tall Ships / Nautical Renaissance, May 14-19, Ilwaco

Volunteerism Workshop with Carol Lail, May 13, 5:30 -8:30 pm, Chautauqua Lodge

Bylaws Committee to begin mid-May.  To participate, contact Keleigh Schwartz

Disaster Preparedness with LuAn Johnson, PhD, May 21, 1-3pm, Ocean Park Fire Hall

LBMA Board Meeting: May 16, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant

LBMA Regular Meeting: June 6, 8am, Debi’s Restaurant

ADJOURNMENT  The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 am.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of the Long Beach Merchants Association was held on Friday, March 7, 2008, at 8:00 am at Castaways Restaurant.

CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order at 8:05 by President Mikel Burns.

INTRODUCTIONS: Mikel Burns, Steven Linhart, Sherry Hash, Keleigh Schwartz, Jane Holeman, Dian Barker-Sayce, Keith Schwartz, Kay Buesing, Jill Grey, Ragan Andrew, Sondra Eaton, Ruth Ann Hocking, Denise Jones, Lori Buckwalter, Cathy Russ, Laura Price, Brandy Ferguson, Gina Kolhage, Joyce Ranglia.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Motion to approve: Ragan Andrew. S: Jane Holeman. Unanimous.

TREASURER’S REPORT was given by Sherry Hash.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. BUDGET. Sherry Hash presented the proposed budget for 2008. Motion to approve: Ragan Andrew. S. Denise Jones. Unanimous.

NEW BUSINESS

1. The Board requested approval on the following board-approved motion: “LBMA-Sponsored events must obtain approval from the LBMA Board for vendors of any kind. Event attendance must be great enough to close the approach before vendors will be considered.” (Current estimate is ~4000 attendees to close the approach). Motion to approve Board’s proposal made by Jane Holeman, second by Jill Grey. After considerable discussion, it was decided that the motion would be put aside until next meeting.

2. Gina Kolhage from Flannery Publications made a brief presentation regarding advertising available in their Visitors Guide.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Blue Grass Festival, 03/28-30/08. Ruth Ann Hocking reported that this year’s event is expanded and will include a tent at Chautauqua Lodge. She’s been able to obtain additional, free, radio coverage throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Beach To Chowder Run/Walk, 06/21/08. Sherry Hash reported that Don Nisbett is doing t-shirt and brochure art. Steven Linhart showed the new timing machine purchased for the event.

Doggie Olympic Games, 06/21/08. Jill Grey reported that their next meeting will be March 11, 5:30 pm @ the PUD. All are welcome. Tri-fold brochure and web page are both in development.

SandSations, 07/25-26/08. Sondra Eaton reported that volunteers are needed. The City can no longer give cash to the event and last year’s weather has left the committee with a $3000 deficit problem to solve. SandSations is $1,500 overdrawn going into the event this year and Masters fees are traditionally about the same amount. The committee is rethinking the event; Masters may not be paid to come this year. Sondra will notify Keleigh of the next committee meeting and an announcement will go out to the LBMA e-list.

Jake’s Birthday, 08/09/08. Ragan Andrew reported that Gayle Borchard has stepped up to chair and some exciting surprises are in the works.

Kite Festival, 08/18-25/08. Jane Holeman reported that brochures are in development. Merry Scharfe has been receiving vendor applications. There will be no ad sales for the program this year. Only kite stores and Peninsula events will be offered advertising. This is because of the work involved in selling ads and the costs of developing and laying out the ads, along with printing a larger document.

Holidays at the Beach, 11/28-30/08. Steven Linhart. No report.

LBMA After Hours, April 24, 2008, 6:00 pm @ the World Kite Museum. Mikel Burns reported that the event will be held at the Kite Museum for $100. The focus of the event’s activities is FUN. Ideas and committee members are requested. Contact Mikel. Event Chair are requested to bring display materials for their event.

OTHER REPORTS

City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Mikel Burns reported a production company has not been chosen and that LTAC has not met since the last LBMA meeting.

Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Mikel Burns reported that the Annual Meeting went very well. Jill Grey requested all event information be forwarded to the office as soon as possible. Keleigh Schwartz reported that Guest Directory ad sales open this month and have a strong return on investment. The Guest Directory is the Visitors Bureau’s 3-ring binder, placed in hotel, motel, B&B and Vacation Rental rooms, as well as at RV Park, Port and other public front desks.

Liaison.
• Steven Linhart passed around cards so Long Beach Merchants can invite potential members to join our meetings.
• Ocean Park Area Chamber: All businesses north of Cranberry Road will appear on the opwa.com website, whether they are members or not. The 63rd Annual Rodeo will be chaired by Nancy Campiche; ad sales for the chute are in progress. Seafood Festival in Nahcotta, chaired by Taylor Seafoods, will be held the last weekend in May. The Ocean Park sign has been refinished and looks great.
• Brandy Ferguson reported on Ilwaco’s Black Lake Fishing Derby, outlining changes in this year’s program. Sponsored t-shirt, new logo (designed by a local child), more prizes, pancake breakfast at New Life Church (across from Black Lake), search and rescue dog program. Flyers were distributed.
• Denise Jones reported on the recent, highly successful Women’s Heart Health event, which was at maximum capacity. Ocean Beach Hospital has hired Joe DePaulo as their new CEO, beginning in May. He is from rural New York.

National Heritage Area. No report.

Kite Museum. Kay Buesing showed Oregon Coast Magazine’s excellent coverage on the Kite Festival and Kite Museum. She also showed AKA (American Kite Association) Magazine, which did a nice article on the Windless Kite Festival. There are 23 people in town today and through the weekend for an event.

Loyalty Days, 05/3-4/08. Ruth Ann Hocking reported that April 18-19 coronation activities are on track. “Betsy Ross” will be here for the Loyalty Days festivities. The Navy will be honored this year; the banquet will be on May 3rd.

Surf Perch Derby, 05/17/08. No report.

SummerFest, May-August. Ragan Andrew reported that new chairs and a new tent have been purchased. Sundays will have “Art in the Park”, including make-and-take children’s art activities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Festival Chairs Meeting re Marketing. March 14, 8am, Anchor Restaurant.
2. Board Meeting: Thursday, March 27, 8am, Anchor Restaurant.
3. Next General Meeting: April 4, 8am, Anchor Restaurant.
4. Bylaws Committee to begin mid-May. To participate, contact Keleigh
5. Cathy Russ passed out “You Spoke We Heard”, the Pacific County Economic Development Council newsletter.

ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 am.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of the Long Beach Merchants Association was held on Friday, February 1, 2008, at 8:00 am at Castaways Restaurant.

CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order at 8:08 without a quorum.

INTRODUCTIONS. Mikel Burns, Steven Linhart, Ruth Ann Hocking, Sherry Hash, Jill Grey, Kimberly Armstrong, Ragan Andrew, Una Boyle, Wayne O’Dell, Dale Jacobson, Vince Ciaramella, Gene Miles, Gayle Borchard, Keith Schwartz, Jane Holeman, Keleigh Schwartz.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Minutes are available for review on www.longbeachmerchants.com.

TREASURER’S REPORT. Sherry Hash presented a written and verbal report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

1. Post Office Box Keys. If anyone has a PO Box key, please return it to an officer.
2. Bylaws Update. Keleigh Schwartz reports that there may have been updates to the bylaws that were not officially made. Jane notes that there is an amendment to remove an officer and will work with Keleigh to find or re-create. Keleigh will post bylaws to the blog; all members are encouraged to review and talk to an officer if they see the need for changes. The bylaws will then be updated with opportunity for review, followed by approval.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Blue Grass Festival 03/28-30/08. Ruth Ann reported they are moving along!
2. Beach To Chowder Run/Walk 06/21/08. Sherry reported the cost of the timing equipment is more than expected, about $1,100. The committee would like to purchase the timing device and then let Ilwaco High School use it also. Research continues.
3. Doggie Olympic Games 06/21/08. Jill Grey reported there are plans in the works for having a pre-event pizza part at the Breakers. Lions club will provide hot dogs on the beach the day of the event. There will be no vendors. Jill needs a Board member to sit on the committee. Please talk to her if interested. Jill asks how to spend money; Jane explained that she must have a budget on file with the Board and, provided expenses are in the budget, bills can be submitted to our bookkeeper, Kathy Vinzant, and they will be paid.
4. SandSations 07/25-26/08. Mikel Burns reported that she is talking with Ruth Ann about fundraising ideas.
5. Jake’s Birthday 09/08/08. Ragan Andrew reported that the event is on track. Gayle Borchard reported that Ragan can assist, but cannot run an event for the Merchants due to her employment with the City. Ragan is willing to do most of the leg work; we need a volunteer to officially chair. Ragan will draft an email and Keleigh will send to the LBMA e-list.
6. Kite Festival 08/18-25/08. Jane Holeman reported that featured flyers will include a guest from Switzerland. They are working on changing the way the event program is produced; there will be no ads.
7. Holidays at the Beach 11/28/08. Steven Linhart; no report.

OTHER REPORTS

1. City Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Mikel Burns reported that two commercial production companies were reviewed. Una is pursuing additional applicants to interview.
   
   
2. Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. Una Boyle reported that the Visitors Bureau assisted with the “Eye of the Storm” forum on Jan 26th and that the results of the event will be published in the paper and on the event’s blog. Una is working with Ragan to create a brochure for tour groups and also to put together 450 bags of promotional gifts for the tour operators.
3. Liaison. Steven Linhart reported 81 members of LBMA as of Jan 1. Flyer circulated on Robert Allen Howell, a Level 3 sex offender in Raymond/South Bend who is not to be on the Peninsula. Grays Harbor Community College is presenting an entrepreneurial course, February 2nd, 9am-3pm.
   
   
4. National Heritage Area. Gayle Borchard reported that the goal of $50,000 raised has been met. The community forums are scheduled March 3-8; details available on http://www.columbiapacificheritage.com. Public input is very much wanted.
   
   
5. Kite Museum. No Report
   
   
6. Loyalty Days. Ruth Ann Hocking reported that Ben Franklin is engaged to Betsy Ross! That is, the folks who portray them are, and they’ll be here.
7. Surf Perch Derby. Dale Jacobson reported the LBMA trailer will be replaced this year and may not be ready before July. Surf Perch Derby will be the first weekend after Mother’s Day.
8. SummerFest. Ragan Andrew reported her budget is larger this year and she is using it to present more music, “Art in the Park” on Sunday afternoons, which will be a child-centered ‘make and take’ art project. Beefing up the safety presentations and activities this year.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. LBMA After Hours in latter part of April @ World Kite Museum. Mikel Burns reported that the e-Board is planning.
2. Mikel also reported on an Ad hoc committee to develop “Festival Chair Guidelines” document. February 8, 8am, Castaways.
3. Next Board Meeting: February 15, 8am, Castaways.
4. Ragan Andrew introduced New Northwest Broadcasters Radio representative Kimberly Armstrong. Kimberly would like to support community activities and will work with merchants on Public Service Announcements.
5. Ruth Ann Hocking introduced Wayne O’Dell, who recently became the broker/owner of Anchor Realty.
6. Una Boyle reported on a Community Forum sponsored by the City of Long Beach on Feb 20th. The focus is on strengthening the network of tourism-related businesses and organizations.
7. Ragan Andrew reports on the NW Festivals and Events conference March 16-18. She is looking for two merchants to attend with her.
8. Una Boyle reported that the Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting/party will be February 28th, beginning at 5;30 pm, with a theme “The Summer Vacation You Never Had”.

ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 am