Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc. • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 • MidFlorida Federal Credit Union, 7th Floor
Attending: Kevin Jones, Ellen Simms, Frank McCaulley, Bill Hatten, Jean Bunch, Anne Furr, Eric Belvin, Dylan Daniels, Kay Morgan, Margaret Stevens, Sandy Serletic, Randy Andersen, John Hutto, Julie Townsend, Lori Powell.
The meeting was called to order by Kevin Jones at 8:01. Guest introductions were made.
Minutes: The minutes of the July 29th board meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Ellen presented the proposed 2009/2010 budget. It’s “slim & trim” with no extra spending allowed at this point. A brief discussion about late membership dues followed with board members agreeing to contact non-renewing members that they knew in hopes they will rejoin.
President’s Report: Kevin said that the contract between Townsend Marketing Services and the DLP was up for renewal and a separate executive committee meeting would be scheduled to review the renewal.
Kevin feels that an annual audit of the DLP financials needs to be scheduled. He feels that this is very important and Bunting, Trip will charge $1,550.00 annually. John Hutto moved that we approve with a second from Frank. The only dissenting vote was from Ellen who felt it was an unnecessary expense and could be done internally.
The annual luncheon is on October 7 and the annual award winners need to be selected. A separate executive committee meeting will be scheduled to discuss the nominees.
Lastly, Kevin would like to see the formation of a “signage committee” and he has agreed to chair this committee once his term as president is over.
Committee Reports:
Luncheon: The luncheon menu selection has been made (same as last year) and contracts have been signed with The Lakeland Center. Our speaker is Marshall Goodman of USF Polytechnic. Move in will take place on Tuesday, October 6 in order to get the silent auction set up.
Auction: Frank reported that so far we only have 3 items for the auction. Each board member is responsible for bring in $2,000.00 in merchandise, but the economy is hurting our efforts. Board members agreed to step up their efforts and obtain items.
Nominating Committee: John Hutto met with his committee and the following names were submitted for nomination of the 3 available seats: Ellen Simms (re-elected), Jim Doig & Tim Calhoun. Both John Hutto and Gloria Brooke have declined nominations due to other obligations. They will both continue to support the DLP and assist whenever they can to ensure the success of the organization. A full slate of officers will be announced and voted on at the annual luncheon.
Events: Julie reviewed the Salute to Educators theme for First Friday on September 3. Mid-Florida is the major sponsor and will be collecting school supplies for the coming year.
Beer Fest is coming together. “Brew To Do” is the working name of the event right now and the next committee meeting is August 28. Jim Mela of Vintners Wine Cellar has joined the committee and is assisting with the event organization.
Programs: Bill Hatten said that our September general membership meeting on September 3 will be a debate between the three mayoral candidates. It promises to be a full house, so get there early for a good seat. October’s membership meeting is the annual luncheon. We will reconvene in November at LPD.
Advertising & PR: Julie is working on the upcoming newsletter that will be published in October. She needs stories and any ads that members want to place as soon as possible. She also reported that the DLP has 200 followers on Twitter.
Membership: The DLP currently has 146 members. The newest one is “At His Feet Ministries”.
LDDA Report: Anne reviewed the signage that will be displayed in downtown with the new LDDA logo. The LDDA has an RFP out right now to obtain bids for the marketing of the new logo within Polk County.
The Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market will reopen on September 9.
Executive Director’s Report: Julie said that the Historic Walking Tours will resume on November 8th, and a bike tour may be in the future. Details to follow at the next meeting.
New Business: Lori announced that the ‘Fancy Flea Vintage Home & Garden Market” will take place on November 14 at the Lake Mirror Center. It is the same day as the Art Festival in downtown on Kentucky Ave.
With no additional business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Powell
Secretary
