Brownsville Merchant and Restaurant Association

Minutes

April 11, 2006

5:30 p.m.

Nineteen members of the business community were in attendance Tuesday, April 11, 2006, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Merchant and Restaurant Association. Those present were: Albert and Paulette Campbell, Scottie and Betty Morris, Tim Stokely, Richard Carraway, Vickie McCartney, Leigh Turnage, Elizabeth Moore, Carla Morris, Alice Nunn, Harvey Livingston, Dorothy Stanley, Tommy Chapman, Joe Stephens, Elmira Manns, Daniel Thornton, Pat Bailey and Sonia Outlaw-Clark. Fifteen area businesses were represented.

President Pat Bailey called the meeting to order and Albert Campbell opened with a prayer. Minutes of the March 7^th meeting were distributed and Treasurer Tim Stokely reported that annual dues of $10 per business are now payable. A total of $16 net is in the account as of April 11, 2006.

What is the Brownsville Merchant and Restaurant Association (BMRA)? Attendees were asked what they think this organization is and what they expect from it. The conclusion is that BMRA is about letting the public know about businesses and what their products and services are, to involve all businesses, to unify as a group and share ideas and what works, and to take advantage of advertising as a group to make costs more affordable.

Pat introduced everyone to a book entitled “Getting Retail Right” by John Williams. She shared ideas from the book on how to make our business entrances more attractive, stating that entrances may be the last thing you design but the first thing customers see. Entrances need to be eye-catching and pleasant to look at. Attract customers at the onset by looking good, smelling good and sounding good.

A need for the square area to be full and downtown revitalization was discussed using Covington’s square as an example.

Attendees expressed a need for a flyer or brochure that they could give to customers that would point them to other businesses around town. A need for signage at the interstate that would direct visitors to downtown Brownsville and the Historic District were discussed as well as brochures for the rest areas.

Brownsville Retail Director Richard Carraway shared that tourism efforts are being made and should be up and going soon.

Business tips were shared and included:

· Attitude makes a difference. Make sure you convey a positive attitude about Brownsville and Haywood County. Customers will catch your attitude.

· Good Service. Acknowledge a customer within 5 feet of the door and always call them by name if you know them.

Each business is asked to bring incentive ideas to the next meeting to be held downstairs at the chamber on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at 5:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

Secretary