Brownsville Business Association

Minutes

October 17, 2006

5:30 p.m.

Twenty-five members representing 19 businesses were in attendance Tuesday, September 19, 2006, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Business Association held at The Delta Room, Backyard Barbecue. Those present were: Samuel and Ann Gardner, Jerry Rogers, Clinton Thomas, Maggie Stewart, Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Pat Bailey, Joe Stephens, Danny Dean, Richard Carraway, Martin and Dinecha Walker, Karen McClain, Albert & Paulette Campbell, Joyce Moore, Betty and Scottie Morris, Tim Stokely, Daniel Thornton, Betty Williams, Nancy Eubanks, Brenda Cain, Jim and Marieta Haywood.

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

Minutes of the September19, 2006, meeting was approved with corrections to the association name and a treasurer’s report showed that $590 has been collected as of October 17, 2006.

Albert Campbell gave a quick membership report and asked that everyone remind each other about upcoming meetings and to continue to contact those who aren’t members and bring them as a guest to future meetings.

Pat began the program by talking about how to help customers recognize that your business is open. She noted several locations that could benefit from an open sign displayed outside their doors. A 24x42-inch black sign with white letters stating “OPEN” can be purchased by association members at a bulk rate of 10 for $34.03 each or 20 for $29.64 each. Anyone interested in purchasing a signs should speak to Pat after the meeting.

Out-of-town shoppers were discussed and emphasis was placed on the fact that we should all be directing these shoppers to other member businesses and keeping these shoppers interested in Brownsville. This is true for out-of-towners as well as local shoppers.

Holiday Open Houses are planned for Sunday, November 5. The BBA will sponsor a “punch card” with participating businesses listed to direct shoppers to each business. Shopper’s card will have to be marked at each business to qualify for a drawing. Danny Dean, Brownsville States-Graphic, offered a special page for advertising the Open House and spots for $40, dependent on 9 participants. This offer is exclusive to BBA members.

Richard Carraway reported that area businesses plan to stay open late on the three Thursday nights in December leading up to Christmas. He will report on this more at our next meeting.

Also discussed was an upcoming book signing for Taylor Wilson at Sportsman’s Connection; Lilies was recently featured on an episode of Oprah; Southern Living has listed Brownsville as one of the top 40 reasons to love Tennessee; and Mid-South Hunting and Fishing recently ran a 12-page spread on Brownsville. Everyone was reminded of the upcoming Hatchie Fall Fest on October 21.

The next meeting of the BBA will be Tuesday, November 14, at a location to be determined. The December meeting was also set for December 12. Member reports are attached.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

Secretary

BBA Member Reports October 17, 2006

· Brenda Cain at Dairy Creem reported that Jonathan is cooking fresh ribs every Friday night.

· Vintage will be receiving their Christmas gift items soon according to Nancy Eubanks.

· Ann Gardner at Crye-Leike Real Estate Specialists introduced her new land agent, Jerry Rogers. Ann also reports that she will host a Brick Toss during the Hatchie Fall Fest to raise money and awareness for the new Child Advocacy Center to be built soon.

· Daniel Thornton reminded everyone about the Hatchie Fall Fest and asked all merchants to bring stuff out for sidewalk sales to attract the festival goers.

· Karen McClain at Brownsville Flower Shop has her Christmas items out and also reminded everyone of the gift baskets, flavored coffee and muffins.

· Walker Small Engines says it’s time to service lawn mowers and other yard equipment for winter. Martin and Dinecha encouraged everyone to read their warranty information well and know what is and isn’t covered. They spend a lot of their time educating about warranty and service issues. They also offer pick-up and delivery services.

· Jim Haywood reported that he is in a new location on North Lafayette.

· Joe Stephens reported that Backyard Barbecue has once again added a new menu item – black pepper onion rings. They are gearing up for a busy holiday catering season.

· Marieta Haywood, associate with Vaughn Associates Architects, reports that they are working with several organizations in the Brownsville area and specialize in commercial and religious building projects.

· Brownsville Radio will be broadcasting live from the Hatchie Fall Fest. Joyce Moore reports that she and Rita Hathcock will be there as well as Drew McGruder and Keith Shirley.

· Danny Dean reported that the Brownsville States-Graphic has recently been sold. He commented that the paper will continue to be community oriented with the new owners.