Brownsville Business Association

Minutes

February 19, 2008 • 5:30 p.m.

Twenty members were in attendance Tuesday, February 19, 2008, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Business Association held at the Delta Room. Five visitors were also present. Members present were: Betty Williams, Harvey Livingston, David Levy, Elmira Manns, Jim Haywood, Richard Carraway, Daniel Thornton, Kay Kirkland, Danny Dean, Albert Campbell, Sue McElrath, Darlene Knox, Joyce Moore, Betty Morris, Ann Gardner, Joe Stephens, Holly Haak, Marieta Haywood, Sonia Outlaw-Clark and Pat Bailey.

President Pat Bailey called the meeting to order and welcomed visitors. Vice-President Albert Campbell opened with prayer. The BBA Mission Statement was read in unison.

Pat introduced John Ashworth. Mr. Ashworth talked about an upcoming reunion of the Carver-Dunbar Alumni to be held this summer in Nashville. He invited businesses to set up booths at the reunion and encouraged members to be thinking about retirement recruitment as a means of economic boost to Haywood County.

Minutes of the January 15, 2008, meeting were approved as presented. Sonia encouraged visits the BBA website and reminded members of the password, which is “member.”

Tim Stokely presented the treasurer report. We currently have $2,771.44 in the bank. The report was approved as presented.

Next order of business included a report from the committee looking into the feasibility of purchasing the vacant lot on the court square. Committee members are Danny Dean, Joe Stephens and David Levy. The group reported that the purchase is feasible. The mayors have given positive feedback and there are possibilities of grants to help with this project. Usage of the lot would include, but not be limited to, a gathering place with amphitheater and possible farmer’s market location.

Sonia reported back information about the pole banners along Anderson and Hwy. 76. Bracket cost would range between $47 and $75 each; and 30x60 banners will cost approx. $52.50 each. A discussion about businesses purchasing banners, banner life expectancy and bracket logistics. David Levy will check with the city about putting the banners up and Sonia will check on the durability and how long banners typically last.

An Action Committee was formed to continue these conversations and come up with a plan to be presented to the mayors at our next meeting on March 18. Members of this committee are Danny Dean, Joe Stephens, David Levy, Ann Gardner, Marieta Haywood. They will meet Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 6:30 p.m., at the Gardner Building. This is an open meeting and any member is welcome to attend.

Nomination ballots were available to all members and members were asked to turn in their nominations for 2008 officers before leaving the meeting. Nominees will be contacted about their willingness to serve and voting will take place at the March 18 meeting.

Pat closed the business meeting and turned the floor over to Richard Carraway who introduced our speaker for the evening. Sharon Taylor McKinney, a state specialist with TN Economic and Community Development, presented a program on Small and Minority-Owned Business Assistance (SMOB). This is a new program and is slated to help small and minority-owned businesses who do not have access to traditional financing options. The program helps new as well as expanding businesses.

The next meeting of the BBA will be at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at the Delta Room (behind Backyard Barbecue), 703 East Main.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Secretary