DLP Board Minutes – January 26, 2011
Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
MIDFLORIDA 7th Floor Conference Room
Attending: Daniel Stetson, Lori Powell, Frank McCaulley, Jean Bunch, Kay Morgan, Lynn Dennis, Eric Belvin, Jim Nixon, Randy Andersen, Julie Townsend, Ellen Simms and Chuck Welch
Excused – Tim Calhoon
The meeting was called to order by President Stetson at 8:05 am.
Minutes: Kay Morgan presented the minutes of the DLP Board of Director’s meeting of Wednesday, November 17, 2010 for acceptance. Motion to accept pending minor corrections was made by Eric Belvin, seconded by Frank McCaulley – unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Jean Bunch presented the December 31, 2010 financial statements. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Reports was made by Frank McCaulley, seconded by Jean Bunch – passed unanimously.
The following accounts were submitted for write-off as uncollectible: All Solar ($100) and Connie Lee’s Hair Design ($150). Noting that collection attempts will continue; the write offs were approved on a motion by Frank McCaulley, seconded by Kay Morgan – passed unanimously.
Committee Reports:
Marketing Committee – Julie Townsend presented the Downtown mobile media application being developed by Invictus at no cost to the DLP, and the tie in with the Brewz Crewz app.
First Friday Committee –The February 4th First Friday “Motorcycle Mania” has drawn 60 motorcycle-related vendors and statewide publicity. It is expected to bring a huge crowd to Downtown.
Goodie Bag Committee – We have two immediate distribution opportunities and Lori Powell noted that there are several very large conferences at the Lakeland Center in the near future. The survey regarding the effectiveness of the program has been sent out with limited response from members.
Downtown Dish – The latest edition of the Dish was unveiled. It will hit all Lakeland home delivery addresses for the Ledger tomorrow. Erin Geiger worked very hard on redesigning the look and the retail map in the back. The Ledger will be giving us a credit to the extent of the sales tax charged as it was not included in the original quotes.
Brewz Crewz – The perimeter fencing issue has been resolved with the allowance of 4’ barricades at a cost of $2,342.23. All DLP and EPM Board members are expected to participate in the set up process from 11 am until 3 pm. Ticket sales are going well and we’re looking for additional ticket outlets. Brooke Pottery and Linksters have agreed to sell tickets.
Membership Committee – We currently have 173 members. Of that, 66 have renewed and 10 are on the installment plan. We have had very little negative response to the new policy defining different rates and benefits for businesses outside of the Downtown boundaries.
Downtown @ Dusk – The next event is planned for early March at The General Store with Fresco’s providing catering.
Programs – Ron Myers of the Detroit Tigers will discuss the 75th anniversary celebration events at the February General Meeting.
President’s Report: Kevin Jones has resigned from the Board citing and increasingly demanding schedule, but pledges MIDFLORIDA’s continued support. Committee chairs will be approached about their willingness to serve on the Board. The Polk Museum of Art is branding Mayfaire by-the-Lake as a week-long, county-wide festival, Mayfaire Florida.
Executive Director’s Report: The results of the CRA and LDDA retreats were reviewed. Because of the need for all three organizations (CRA, LDDA and DLP) to coordinate activities and share information on a motion by Lynn Dennis and a second by Jean Bunch, it was unanimously approved that the DLP will petition the CRA Advisory Board for a voting seat. Letters to both Tamara Sakagawa (CRA) and Joe Mawhinney (LDDA chair) will be sent requesting their participation in DLP Board and/or General Meetings to enhance communication. After facilitating the CRA retreat, Chuck noted that the roles of the three organizations appear to be as follows: CRA – Governmental agency responsible for planning and visioning for all of Downtown; LDDA – The elected body that represents the property owners; and DLP – Member based organization that represents retail and business owners. All functions share the goal of improving Downtown Lakeland.
Other Business:
Chuck Welch noted that website redesign, including a more user friendly calendar, is continuing. The mobile media app will not supplant the website and the website is expected to have mobile functionality, as well.
With no other business before us, the meeting was adjourned at 9:37 am.
Respectfully submitted by Kay Morgan, Secretary, Wednesday, January 26, 2011. KM/ehs
