DLP Marketing Committee Minutes Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 8:00AM

Mid Florida Conference Room – 7^th Floor

In attendance: Julie Townsend, Ellen Simms, Gloria Brooke, Jim Doig, Eric Belvinn, Bev Hendricks, Kay Morgan, Melissa Langley, Margaret Stevens, Rod Crowley, Lori Powell

Julie called the meeting to order at 8:06.

First Friday: May’s event is a salute to Public Works with all divisions present including Lakeland Electric bucket trucks, traffic, storm water and more. Each department will have information available to the public.

Sapphires Dance Studio will also be in attendance at each First Friday.

Gloria said that we need to keep the DLP booth stocked with plenty of handouts/coupons since they go so fast. Also, it is very important to continue collecting email addresses for future use.

Jim Doig said there will be retro music and a vintage fashion show, courtesy of Rae’s Retro, at Main & Lemon Streets.

A lively conversation ensued regarding the participation of North Kentucky Avenue in holding special events that enhance the entire Kentucky Avenue experience during First Friday and turning into a true “street fest”.

Julie reviewed the themes for the upcoming First Fridays including June’s “Schools Out” and July’s……

Red, White & Kaboom: Event will be on First Friday in July and Julie is working on the connectivity between downtown and the Lake Mirror Promenade. Ellen asked Bev Hendricks if the ISO could play patriotic music during the event, but Bev explained the costs associated with a concert, and it was suggested that the Lakeland Concert Band might be a better option.

Downtown at Dusk: Linkster’s will play host to this event on April 14^th. Eric is very excited to tie his 1 year anniversary “customer appreciation night” into this DLP event and it promises to be quite a party.

Non-DLP Cross Promotions: There a many events that take place in our community where the DLP could have a presence. Those mentioned were Mayfaire By the Lake (DLP booth to be manned); Sun & Fun Fly In and The Lakeland Derby. We will strive to have information available at future events in order to drive traffic to downtown Lakeland.

Advertising & PR:

Newsletter: The newsletter will be out by the end of April.

Website: The DLP website is under redevelopment and will launch in mid-May.

Goodie Bags: Julie is out of bags but will restock and have 1,000 ready for Mayfaire. Items are needed from members.

Membership: We currently have 145 members. Invoices have gone out, but we still have $8,000.00 in receivables. Concern about the recession is keeping some members from paying their dues. We are willing to work with them if they let us know.

The current budget was briefly reviewed and new ways to promote/advertise downtown Lakeland were discussed. An 11×17 brochure with a map on one side and ads on the other was suggested. All ideas will be considered and a separate meeting will be held in the future to brainstorm.

With no additional business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Powell

Secretary