Brownsville Business Association

Minutes

January 16, 2007 • 5:30 p.m.

Twenty-one members representing 15 businesses were in attendance Tuesday, January 16, 2007, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Business Association held at The Delta Room. Those present were: Albert and Paulette Campbell, Baker Moore, Tim Stokely, Joe Ing, Darlene Knox, Jo Anne Finn, Joyce Moore, Pat Cummins, Harvey Livingston, Jim and Marieta Haywood, Samuel and Ann Gardner, Brenda Cain, Scottie and Betty Morris, Vickie McCartney, Richard Carraway, Pat Bailey and Sonia Outlaw-Clark.

Pat Bailey called the meeting to order and Albert Campbell opened with a prayer. Minutes were approved as presented. Sonia Outlaw-Clark told about the BBA webpage she is hosting on the AllAboutBrownsville.net site and gave everyone the member log-in password (member) for access to member only pages. The pages are a work in progress and more will be added as time allows.

Tim Stokely gave the Treasurer’s Report of $663.44. He informed the group that there is still one “OPEN” sign available for purchase. Tim also brought up the issue of a dues increase and exactly when annual dues are payable. After much discussion, a motion was made to raise dues to $20 per year, effective immediately. Motion was seconded and approved. A discussion on whether annual dues are payable on the members anniversary date or January of each year was tabled until the next meeting.

Next order of business was nominations of officers for 2007. Following a discussion of the direction the organization is taking, it was decided that the Board of Directors would consist of seven members. Those offices are president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and three directors at large. Each officer is to serve a two-year term with four members of the board rotating off each year. Present officers were asked if they would remain for another year and each agreed. Albert Campbell was nominated as the new vice-president (president-elect) and the following were nominated as board members; Betty Morris, Ann Gardner and Jim Haywood. A motion was made and seconded that nominations cease and all members be elected by acclamation. Motion carried. Officers rotating in 2008 are Pat Bailey, Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Tim Stokely and Betty Morris.

Pat pointed out that we have 32 members who have never attended a meeting. She challenged all members to invite someone to each meeting. She also pointed out that several businesses in the Jefferson St. area have joined.

Ann Gardner encouraged everyone to link to each others websites and Joe Ing told about the chamber/city/county’s new website, www.haywoodcountybrownsville.com, and asked all chamber members to provide their contact info and e-mail/website info for inclusion on that site.

Members discussed the possibility of an event in the spring before school lets out, more activities at Christmastime and a possible business expo. Jim Haywood agreed to write a monthly business spotlight about members.

The next meeting of the BBA will be at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, downstairs at the Chamber. We will conduct a regular business meeting from 5:30 to 6:30, after which interested members may remain for a Community Express Loan Workshop. More information about the workshop is available at the chamber.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Secretary