Brownsville Business Association

Minutes

August 19, 2008 • 5:30 p.m.

Twenty-two members were in attendance Tuesday, August 19, 2008, for the monthly meeting of the Brownsville Business Association held at the Delta Room. Members present were: Daniel Thornton, Richard Carraway, Albert & Paulette Campbell, Joe Stephens, Kay Kirkland, Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Jim Haywood, David Levy, Jerry Rogers, Kristy Alexander, Joyce Moore, Clinton Neal, Tony Cooper, Pat Bailey, Andrea Bond Johnson, Betty Morris, Monica Bivens, Jean Carney, Betty Williams and Dr. Sue McElrath. Three visitors were also present.

President Sonia Outlaw-Clark called the meeting to order and welcomed visitors. Vice-President Albert Campbell opened with prayer. In the interest of time, approval of the July 15, 2008, minutes was postponed until the September meeting.

Reports

· Treasurer Jean Carney presented the financial report. Balance as of date is $7,044.77.

· Sonia asked members to pick-up their member stickers and new membership cards.

· Kay Kirkland reported that 17 banners have been sold to date. A total of $3,600 has been collected with one member paying for two years.

· Sonia reported that the City has recently received a grant and funds maybe available to be used on the vacant lot on the square. A short discussion followed about the future of the lot and the Lot Committee agreed to meet again to discuss the phases of the development. They will report at the next meeting. Members agreed that they want to be actively involved in the phases.

· Sonia told about the new BBA and informed members that each will have their own page hosted on this site. She will show a demo of the site at the September meeting.

New Business

• Upcoming events
• Hatchie Fall Fest – October 18: Members were encouraged to get booth applications in before Sept. 18. Electrical spots are almost gone.
• Holiday Open House – November 2: The date for the Holiday Open House was discussed and ideas to make it a more successful event included everyone participating on the same date and a punch card directing shoppers to each participating business. The card would then be used for a prize drawing.
• Holiday in Haywood – November 14-16: A idea for a new holiday mart-type event to be held at the National Guard Armory was presented to the membership. Only 30 booth spaces will be available and these spaces will be offered first to BBA members. After some discussion, a motion was made that the BBA sponsor this event. A second was made and the motion was passed unanimously. Cost for BBA members is $75. Food vendor space will only be offered to BBA members.
• Daniel Thornton reported that the Rescue Squad has asked for BBA input on the Christmas Parade to be held Saturday, December 6. This will be a collaborative effort of the Rescue Squad, City, County, Chamber and BBA. After some discussion it was decided that in place of the Thursday night shopping event in December, the BBA would promote a big shopping event for that Saturday. Ideas included a punch card redeemable for free pictures with Santa, and also using the vacant lot for activities that day.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the BBA will be at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 16, at the Delta Room (behind Backyard Barbecue), 703 East Main.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Sonia Outlaw-Clark

In the absence of Secretary Ann Lytle