Brownsville Merchant and Restaurant Association

Minutes

August 22, 2006

5:30 p.m.

Eleven members of the business community were in attendance Tuesday, August 22, 2006, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Merchant and Restaurant Association. Those present were: Brenda Blue-Recio, Scottie and Betty Morris, Albert and Paulette Campbell, Daniel Thornton, Harvey Livingston, Richard Carraway, Elmira Manns, Bob Hooper, Pat Bailey and Sonia Outlaw-Clark. Nine area businesses were represented. Also present were Debbie Todd and Jennifer Wood of United Way of West Tennessee and Gary Pettigrew, local United Way Board President.

President Pat Bailey called the meeting to order and Albert Campbell opened with a prayer.

Pat introduced our guests and asked Debbie Todd to speak a few minutes about United Way. Debbie began by informing the group that 22 agencies in Haywood County receive United Way funds. Ninety-seven percent of those contributing to United Way do so through payroll deductions. Small businesses and retailers usually make one time contributions. Pledges have dwindled over the last two years and an effort to make people more aware of what United Way is and how it helps locally is underway. Funds raised in Haywood County go directly to Haywood County agencies and a funds decrease means that fewer people receive help. Debbie introduced Jennifer Wood who is Resource Development Director for Haywood County and told us the United Way campaign kick-off is planned for September 15 at 7 a.m., at Haywood Park Community Hospital. A light breakfast and coffee will be served. Gary Pettigrew, local businessman and president of the Haywood County United Way Board talked about a need for volunteers and someone to serve as retail committee chair. Debbie also informed us that Alan Callery and Will Jones are co-chairs of this year’s campaign.

Minutes of the May 16, 2006, meeting was approved and a treasurer’s report showed that $130 has been collected for annual dues.

Pat gave a calendar update and told the group of the following events and activities coming up:

· Tuesday, August 29: The chamber will sponsor a “Sources of Capital” seminar. Richard explained that various agencies will be on hand to talk about their low-cost loan sources and to answer questions that businesses might have. This will be an excellent opportunity to make contact with these agencies and hear what all they have to offer for new and existing business and industry.

· September 19: The chamber will sponsor another Customer Service Seminar. The last one was well received and the need for customer service training is a real issue with Brownsville businesses. Contact the chamber for more information.

· October 21: The Hatchie Fall Fest is planned for Saturday, October 21. Daniel reported lots is happening with the planning and there is still vendor spots and opportunities for businesses to get involved. Betty reported on the tremendous response they had from festival goers last year and plan to stay open again and to have tables on the street to attract lookers. She emphasized the importance of having items on the sidewalk and how well it attracts customers. She encouraged everyone present to plan to be open and to be creative with their outdoor display during the Fall Fest, stating this is the perfect time to merchandise your business.

· Court Square Christmas: Richard reported that he believes merchants will stay open for three Thursday nights leading up to Christmas this year. He would like for more groups and choirs to become involved with our downtown Christmas event. The idea of bringing back the giant stocking and having customers register for prizes was discussed. Interest was also shown in the Enchanted Forest and the Christmas Tree Decorating contest. Dr. Pettigrew has agreed to bring his train set which is the original train set that was used at the Enchanted Forest in Memphis.

Daniel reported he has talked to the high school teacher who was interested in doing Square Bash this year and that because of the time restraint and kids being out of school, she was not able to accomplish it this year. The interest in Square Bash is still there and perhaps planning can start now for next year’s event.

Elmira asked about interest in doing a walkathon for underprivileged kids and give prizes of school supplies. This event could possibly be worked into the Hatchie Fall Fest. She and Brenda will work on the logistics and get back with the group with a plan for this event.

The next meeting of the BMRA will be Tuesday, September 19, at the chamber.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

Secretary