Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc.

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - Lakeland Police Department Community Room

The meeting was called to order at 8:02 am.

Treasurer’s Report: We have $42,664.42 available. Financial report was approved and filed as presented.

Program: Dr. Bill Hatton introduced Mr. Dale Anderson, Executive Director of the Polk Theater. Mr. Anderson gave an engaging presentation about the Polk Theater including history, upcoming events and some exciting new endeavors such as film festivals and actual moviemaking at the theater. It was apparent that Dale is excited about his new position and we look forward to visiting the theater for upcoming events.

President’s Report:

Committee Reports:

Events: First Friday is this Friday, April 3 and the theme is Bike Night. LPD will be there to promote bike safety for adults and children. Oncology on Canvas will again be on Kentucky Avenue near J. Rowan Galleries and Arts on the Park will have an event going on as well. Downtown at Dusk will be held on April 14 in conjunction with Linkster’s first anniversary. Eric has quite a party planned and invited everyone to drop in for great libations and entertainment.

Programs: Mr. Hatten is planning to have a speaker from Florida Southern College at the May meeting.

Advertising/PR: Julie reported that the newsletter is being wrapped up and will be published in April. If anyone has any articles or ads to go in it, please contact her ASAP. The website is undergoing an update and will be much more user friendly. Training will take place to teach our members how to update their information. The DLP has a Facebook Page and can now be found on Twitter.

Membership: We have 145 members.

LDDA: The Downtown Curb Market will be open on Wednesday’s beginning today, April 1. Downtowners will be able to pick up fresh produce, flowers and other handmade items from the vendors. Hours are 11:00AM-6:00PM. Anne also presented the new brand with the logo for Downtown Lakeland that was created by Kiku Obata.

Executive Directors Report: On CSX, there were two presentations by the cities of Orlando and Poinciana for the rail deal. If the bill passes, Julie will be headed for Tallahassee the second week of April. Paula Dockery is still working hard to defeat this effort.

Two board vacancies were open and have been filled by Eric Belvin of Linkster’s and Kay Morgan with Brooke Pottery.

With no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:01.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Powell

Secretary