Brownsville Business Association

Minutes

September 19, 2006

5:30 p.m.

Twenty-four members representing 20 businesses were in attendance Tuesday, September 19, 2006, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Merchant and Restaurant Association. Those present were: Albert and Paulette Campbell, Lynn Mathis, Danny Dean, Tim Stokely, Baker Moore, Betty Morris, JoAnne Finn, Vickie McCartney, Joyce Moore, Darlene Knox, Cordie House, Elizabeth Moore, Brenda Blue-Recio, Daniel Thornton, Clinton Thomas, Maggie and O. G. Stewart, Ann Gardner, Joe Stephens, Betty Williams, Pat Bailey, Sonia Outlaw-Clark and Richard Carraway.

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

Minutes of the June 22, 2006, meeting was approved and a treasurer’s report showed that $480 has been collected for annual dues.

Tim Stokely noted that our membership has tripled since our last meeting, largely due to the efforts of Albert Campbell. We appreciate his dedication to our organization.

The first order of business involved a discussion about changing our name from the Merchant & Restaurant Association to Brownsville Business Association (BBA). With our recent growth and mission to include all businesses, a name change will better acknowledge what our goals are. Betty Morris made a motion to change the current name to Brownsville Business Association. The motion was seconded by Brenda Blue-Recio and carried unanimously. The change will take effect immediately.

Pat reported that the Customer Service Seminar held earlier in the day had been very successful and well attended. Ramay Winchester, who conducted the seminar, has agreed to present a seminar for BBA at a future meeting. Pat will contact her about possible dates and report back at the next meeting.

Each member present was asked to introduce themselves and give a short report of what was happening at their business. (See attached report.)

Pat thanked everyone for sharing and echoed a statement made earlier by Danny Dean; always think about what you are offering and whether or not you would take advantage of the deal if you were the customer. She also asked merchants to encourage word of mouth advertising by asking customers to refer friends.

The next meeting of the BMRA will be Tuesday, October 17, at the chamber.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

Secretary

BBA Member Reports September 19, 2006

· Lock, Stock & Barrel are giving radio advertising a try and Albert and Paulette have both cut radio spots that are currently running.

· The Economy Store is getting ready to celebrate its 60^th Anniversary and will be announcing a big sale soon. Lynn Mathis reported they are now stocking Tempur-Pedic bedding and are excited about having this to offer the community.

· Brownsville States-Graphic has completed its promotional calendar for the year and will soon be distributing it to local businesses. Danny Dean encouraged everyone to put lots of thought into their advertising program and think about who their target audience is when deciding the type advertising to invest in.

· Insouth Bank has been concentrating on TV advertising lately and it is working well. Tim Stokely shared the tip that when you and employees are sick of seeing your ad, this is when the general public is just starting to notice it. Everyone was reminded that they are invited to the Coffee Room each Friday morning from 8-11 for free coffee and a light breakfast. Jo Anne Finn also noted that Insouth has approved the most SBA loans in the state.

· Crye-Leike Real Estate Specialists has signed a new agent who will specialize in land sales. Ann Gardner also has a new personal assistant and will be hiring a new receptionist soon. She is excited about partnering with the Carl Perkins Center for the Hatchie Fall Fest where they will be promoting the Buy a Brick campaign.

· Moore Insurance is advertising in many venues and has many promotional items available for those who visit them on North Lafayette.

· Morris Jewelers will begin a new campaign next week when they introduce the community to “Diving for Diamonds.” During the promotion they will give a way a ½ carat diamond. Betty Morris says they also have a Remount Show coming up that will include over 200 mounting you can choose from for your old jewelry or loose stones.

· McCartney Real Estate is expecting a new digital sign soon. Vickie McCartney also has a new office manager and land agent.

· Brownsville Radio has welcomed Joyce Moore back to its staff and she is busy conducting a “Let Me Prove It To You” campaign.

· Backyard Barbecue is working on new menu items and some refurbishment to the dining room. Joe Stephens reminded everyone of his catering business and encouraged anyone wanting to book an event to do so by mid-October. He also told the group of a co-op advertising plan that Grace Broadcasting is offering to Brownsville businesses that are interested. Joe also encouraged everyone to be aware of community events and take advantage of opportunities to participate.

· Nationwide Insurance reported they are working hard to keep rates low and invites everyone to come by during the Hatchie Fall Fest for free popsicles and candy.

· Sonia Outlaw-Clark reported that the Haywood County Master Gardeners are offering an exclusive opportunity for BBA members to draw customers to their stores during the Hatchie Fall Fest by being a voting precinct for the People’s Choice Scarecrow award. Each business present received a letter and application. The information will be mailed to those not at the meeting.

· Merle Norman will soon start a “Diving for Pennies” promotion and will be giving away a $200 shopping spee. Darlene Knox also reported that a Webkinz Club has started and everyone who purchases 6 webkinz will qualify for a free Lil’kinz. Webkinz are a plush toy that comes with a code and web address that allows children to adopt their pet and take care of it in a virtual online world. The site is interactive and educational. Merle Norman will also be conducting a big sidewalk sale the weekend of Sept. 29-30. Darlene has been to market and must make room for all the new merchandise she has coming it.

· Brownsville Religious Center has all the current Sunday School commentary in stock now.

· Stephen is busy moving inventory around and developing a new look. Their latest advertising effort includes an NFL football schedule giveaway with their name and contact info.

· Brenton Beautiful Novelties is a little bit of everything. Brenda Blue-Recio says she has thrift items, accepts consignment items including clothing. She also sells Avon, pottery, outdoor items and special occasion cards. They are planning children’s activities during the Hatchie Fall Fest and want everyone to stop by and see what all they have to offer.

· Daniel Thornton took the opportunity to tell everyone about the upcoming Hatchie Fall Fest and called everyone’s attention to a handout that included the schedule of events, so far, and the vendor application and gumbo and cake/pie contest entry forms.

· T-Shirt Plus is excited about a new service they will be offering soon – embroidery. Clinton Thomas expects to be able to embroidery and personalize items by Oct. 6. He also notes they will soon be celebrating their 18^th year in business and invited everyone to come by.

· Maggie’s Beauty Salon specializes in making you look different and also offers hair care products among their many services. Family Flower has a variety of gift items suitable for any occasion, including musical angels, figurines, balloons and more. Maggie Stewart says the majority of their flower business is funerals, but offered that any type flower arrangements are also available. They are open Monday – Friday, 9-5 and on Saturdays until noon. If you need something after hours, Maggie and O.G. are available by phone.

· Richard Carraway, Brownsville Retail Director, asked that all businesses be getting ready for the holiday season and plans will soon be underway for our Downtown Christmas. He believes we will once again have a building for the Enchanted Forest.