Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 8:00 AM MidFlorida Federal Credit Union, 7^th Floor

Attendees: Kevin Jones, Bill Hatten, Anne Furr, Jean Bunch, John Hutto, Kay Morgan, Margaret Stevens, Gloria Brooke, Sandy Serletic, Franck McCauley, Dan Stetson, Jim Nixon, Eric Belvin, Julie Townsend, Lori Powell, and Andy Cowper & Ted Baker of Enagic (guests).

The meeting was called to order by Kevin Jones at 8:10AM.

Minutes from the May 27 board meeting will be emailed to board for approval.

Treasurers Report: Gloria Brooke said that the finances look good, but we are still $11,000.00 short in dues collections. Ellen continues to work with members in getting their dues paid.

Presidents Report: Kevin reported that the new BDC brochure is ready. Julie will meet with the downtown business owners to discuss our position as an additional marketing arm for them to use in filling vacant storefronts. Kevin also wants to focus on the parking issues that prevail in downtown. Discussion followed with Jim Nixon offering numerous suggestions and ideas about driving home the message that there is a plethora of free parking in downtown. Perhaps a “What’s Hot in Downtown” article in the Ledger might get the attention of folks who frequent downtown Lakeland.

Committee Reports:

Events: Julie talked about First Friday. Posters have been distributed for the July 3 event celebrating Independence Day. The event will begin at 4:00 rather than 6 due to the increased amount of people off that day. There will be bounce houses, the kiddy train, face painting, etc. Jean Bunch will be at loggia at Lake Mirror for her presentation of the new DVD on the history of Lake Mirror. August is the annual Dogs Days of Summer; September “Stuff the Desk” or something like that, will be collecting school supplies and MidFlorida has agreed to a sponsorship for that event.

Florida Southern College will host Parents Day on September 25-26 for students arriving for fall session. Bill Hatten and Julie are discussing a “mini” First Friday type of event from 4-7 focusing solely on parents and students. More details to follow.

Programs: Jean Bunch will b our speaker at the July 1 General Membership Meeting. She will share her new DVD about Lake Mirror and its history. Jean has contacted city officials and others in hopes of having them in attendance that day. The August meeting will be a membership forum which will be a type of free form discussion/leads type meeting. It will give the membership a chance to get to know one another a bit better.

Advertising: Julie discussed the “new & improved” newsletter format. We will now have a 16 page, 4-color, glossy piece and it will include a map and legend in the center for visitors. The next issue will be available in July.

Membership: Ellen reported 149 members.

LDDA: Anne Furr had 4 points of interest:

1. There are two LDDA board seats up for election. Qualifying takes place

between August 17 at noon and noon August 21. Elections will be held

on October 6, 2009. Janet Tucker is running again, but Jerry Herring

is not.

1. The new brand will be officially unveiled at First Friday on July 3. Tattoos

will be on hand for this event and new promotion will offered each month

in order to fully integrate the brand into the community.

1. The Farmers Market is open Wednesdays 11-4 and Saturday 8-2. It will

be closed on July 4 and thru the month of August.

1. The next LDDA Board Meeting is July 16^th at 8:00AM at City Hall.

Executive Director Report: Julie said that the Annual Luncheon may become an Annual Dinner. This would allow more merchants to attend and bring their spouses. Discussion followed regarding the silent auction, event times and program.

Beer Fest is still in the works for downtown sometime in 2010. Julie and the beer fest committee will be hammering out the details and present their findings at a future board meeting.

With no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Powell

Secretary