Brownsville Business Association
Minutes
May 15, 2007 •
5:30 p.m.
Seventeen members representing 12 businesses were in attendance Tuesday, May 15, 2007, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Business Association held at the Delta Room. Those present were: Holly and William Haak, Scottie and Betty Morris, Jean Carney, Jerry Rogers, Tim Stokely, LeAnne Hart, Samuel and Ann Gardner, Steve Moore, Antonio Young, Jim Haywood, Richard Carraway, David Levy, Harvey Livingston and Elmira Manns.
Pat Bailey called the meeting to order and Scottie Morris opened with prayer. Members repeated the newly revised BBA Mission Statement in unison.
Joining together, we strive to promote our products and services to the citizens of Brownsville/Haywood County and surrounding areas. We accomplish this by unifying as a group. Through sharing ideas and experiences, we will enhance the overall business atmosphere and attitude of our community.
Sonia Outlaw-Clark presented the minutes. Motion was made and seconded. Minutes were approved with correction to the date of last meeting to April 15. She also reminded everyone to complete the sign-up sheets available at each table and informed everyone of the current membership now at 106. The newest members are Fix-a-Dent, Iris Photography and Primetime Video and Tanning.
Tim Stokely presented the Treasurer’s Report showing dues deposits and other donations. The balance as of May 15 is $1,921.94. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report. The motion carried.
As a courtesy to Joe Stephens and Backyard Barbecue for the generous use of their meeting room, members were asked to use parking spaces in front of Main Street Storage.
Ann Gardner reported that three businesses have dropped off items for the welcome baskets. It was also discussed that the logistics of who and when a business receives a basket still needs to be worked out. The Board will discuss this and present recommendations at the June meeting. The baskets will be given to new businesses and all members are encouraged to give to this effort. Any promotional items or gifts are acceptable and everyone should bring business cards to be included. Members can call Ann, 779-2345, to pick up their items.
Members expressed an interest in having an information booth at the Hatchie Fall Fest (HFF) and all members, especially those on the court square are encouraged to be open and have sidewalk sales or items displayed outside their businesses that day. The HFF is October 20, 2007.
Jim Haywood presented a program on Haywood Movement, an effort to bring activity to the downtown area on Saturday mornings. Marieta Haywood has presented this idea to the mayor and will present it at the next City Board meeting. Two options for the activity area were presented showing common areas for walking and exercising, as well as areas for a Farmer’s Market, school activities and fundraisers, health screenings, arts and crafts booths, and entertainment. The proposal is for these activities to take place very Saturday during the spring and summer months. A survey was passed out after the presentation, asking members which options and time frames they preferred.
Before adjourning, members reported on activities in their own businesses (Member Report Attached).
The next meeting of the BBA will be at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, at the Delta Room (behind Backyard Barbecue), 703 East Main.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Secretary
May 15, 2007
Prime Time Video and Tanning, one of the newest BBA members, is offering BBA members two free visits with any tanning package purchase.
Crye-Leike Real Estate Specialist has welcomed three new members to its team. Marcia Franklin is the new assistant working to expand property management services; Billie Henderson is the new receptionist; and real estate agent Ebony Johnson has joined the agency. Ann Gardner reported that now is the time to list if you have homes for sale.
Lighthouse Mission Ministry reported on their activities and mission. All proceeds from their store (located in the old Railroad Salvage building on Church St.) goes towards their alcohol and drug rehab program. It is a 6-month program and their facility can house up to 60 men. They currently have approx. 40.
Willow Oaks Flower Farm has expanded their retail and increased their drive-in traffic by about 50%. They are offering mixed baskets, gifts and bedding plants.
Livingston’s reported that business has increased lately because of the large number of wedding this summer.
Morris Jewelers is busy with repairs and Scottie is busy completing his training in clock repair.
Family Coin-Op Laundry has added state-of-the-art machines and is able to wash and dry large items such as quilts and comforters. Jean reported she also offers a drop off service and special services for the elderly.