DLP General Meeting

November 4, 2009

Ellen Simms called the meeting to order at 8:03am

Introduction of Board members : Frank McCaulley-  Programs, Tim Calhoun- Membership, Jim Doig-1^st Friday, Sandy Serletic- Volunteers, Randy Anderson- Downtown at  Dusk, Lori Powell- Luncheons, Eric Belvin- Brewz Crewz, Jim Nixon- Holiday Walk About and Holiday Fest

We had and exciting past year, support has continued even in a tough economy, (new newsletter format, and e-blast)

Treasurers Report: we have $28,438.06

Membership: 143 members, membership is not limited to downtown merchants

LDDA: Anne Furr –   board meetings 8am 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays

Grand Strategy – 3^rd Wing ranked #1 will be presenting plan to promote the new Brand to board

Dr. Scissorhands:  7 Dr’s – 13 pumpkins – Steve DeBats auctioneer- fun for all

Farmers Market open Wed 11am – 4pm and Sat 8am – 2pm

Way Finding, fabricate and installing parking, welcome, and directory signs

Deb Henson, Asst Chief of Police:  staff changes are coming, many officers retiring, she has been on force 34 years. Lock your doors, can no longer follow up on vehicle burglaries, not enough staff

Executive Director’s Report – Julie Townsend:

DLP Web Site is user friendly, call if you have any comments or suggestions.

Parking: we have had some customer complaints, know what to tell them. Free parking 2hr time limit, meters, .50 per hour, free after 5pm and on weekends. There are 22 free spaces in the Bay St Lot. Go to lakelandgov.net for parking information.

Check the DLP web site for up-coming events

First Friday in the Park – DLP members who do not have a storefront

Operation Drop Zone – General Store and Fast Frame are drop- off stations for items for our service personnel

Food Drive – Nov. 6^th drop off at Traders Alley; Dec 1^st -4^th drops off in “Mitchells “lot

Brewz Crewz – Feb 20, 2010 we are hoping this will replace our auction, we will be needing volunteers, more info to come

Store Hours after Thanksgiving? Open Sunday’s? Discussion at Nov 18^th marketing meeting

Polk Theater: Dale (?) Nov 8^th – kid’s art for education program, Junie B Jones, live performance

Nov 19^th – Bacon Brothers in concert, Dec 2^nd – American Idol past performers

Establishing relationship with college students, underground Polk, thru nights, movies, battle of the bands

Historic Lakeland: Jean Bunch, 30^th anniversary Nov 12^th at FSC, Melvin Gallery opens at 5pm, refreshments at 5:30, meeting at 6:00, and architect of renovations at 7:00. Admission is free – learn about Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture

Tri-County: Belk having a fundraiser

Meeting Adjourned at 9:12am

Respectfully Submitted,

Kay Morgan