December 7, 2005 meeting minutes

Mattawan Business Association

Meeting Minutes

December 7, 2005

 

The meeting was held at the Mattawan Village Hall Council Chambers.

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Lori Anthony of Lori’s Web Design, Barry Cook of Pre-paid Legal Services, Jean Gregory of Gregory-Newell Insurance, John Jeannot of John Jeannot Financial Services, Dawn Kobreek of Rhino Refrigeration, Kristine Kounelis of Access First Federal Credit Union, and Mike Miner of Java Joint, Kayla Ranger-Dean of Mattawan Chiropractic Clinic

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Brown of Mattawan Hardware (no show/no call)

 

MEMBERS/GUESTS: Village Manager Heath Kaplan, Ms. Louise Nelson of the new “Antiques” store (formerly Chad Slider Furniture Restoration), Christopher Juell (Resident Manager) of Westland Park Apartments and his wife Sharon Juell

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 12:07 PM by MBA President Lori Anthony.

 

AGENDA

MSC to approve the Agenda.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MSC to approve the November 5, 2005, MBA Minutes.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Mike Miner stated that the MBA account balance as of now is $5,947.85. However, the balance will change shortly from deposit of funds from non-members who participated in the MBA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza ($225), dues received, and payments for the costumes for the Mattawan Holiday Parade and the Santa suit for the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

John Jeannot reported on the Village Council meeting and stated that he has the Business Minutes if anyone would like to review them. Basically, the meeting covered an issue with the sewer project assessment of Formula K Family Fun Park, the funding of two new police cruisers, questions/concerns regarding covering the cost of the training of officers regarding high speed pursuits, and business as usual with their regular reports.

 

Barry Cook asked what is the direction the Village is taking in regards to police high speed chases. Future training to avoid accidents is sought; however, the funding is not available. It is possible to rent “nail strips” from other Departments for stopping a fleeing vehicle. Increases in millage that have been sought to help run the Village and plan for the future have been continuously turned down. There is a need to do more for the Village and our Police Department, but funding is an issue that the Village Council continues to face.

 

Again, the MBA is here to enhance, not interfere, with the Village and to work with the Council in efforts to help create more appeal for the Village of Mattawan and to help alleviate the “bedroom community” effects. The MBA will work alongside Council with politics and may even be an asset in helping to educate and promote new millage.

 

President Anthony asked for thoughts and consideration of the MBA joining the WMTA (West Michigan Tourist Association). The dues is $398 for the year and include a 50-word listing in the WMTA Tourist Guide as well as inclusion on mailing lists. The general consensus was to table this item for next month’s meeting agenda. Please review the WMTA web site for your consideration of whether the MBA should join this organization.

 

President Anthony announced that annual MBA dues are now due for 2006. As a reminder, the number of employees determines the amount of dues. If a business has 0-5 employees, then dues is $80. Other levels may be viewed on the Mattawan Community Guide web site along with a Membership Application. The MBA is three years old and offers businesses involvement in the organization and with other businesses participating as well as with the Village and Council on activities and events, a web site listing on the Mattawan portal with your business’ web site linked, free booth space at events such as the Mattawan Days Festival and the MBA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza, plus more. The MBA has been involved with renovations and improvements to the Village of Mattawan Park with the stage and landscaping. In addition, the MBA is selling Memorial Bricks for the Park.

 

John Jeannot of the newly formed MBA Marketing Committee stated that he will try to have a report at the January or February meeting of the MBA. He also hopes to have more people become involved in the Committee.

 

The next meeting is January 4, 2006. We will have a review of dues at that time.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

A “wrap-up” of the MBA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza was lead by President Anthony. Due to the “Christmas Walk” that downtown Mattawan businesses held and the Paw Paw “Christmas Parade” it was felt that traffic was lost, so perhaps starting earlier and ending earlier or even having it on a different day of the week (such as Thursday) may be better. We did have attendees from Lawrence and Hartford, so “word” about the event did get out to surrounding communities. Also, let’s make sure to have a more noticeable “sandwich board” sign and to post it early to help announce the event beforehand to hopefully draw more attendees. The Antwerp Activity Center is free depending on day of use to us, and the MBA members thank the Township for the use of this facility!

It was also noted that we should bring a broom and cleaning supplies to the Center when we use it because they are not provided but we are responsible for leaving it in “clean order.” Also, set up of tables had to change due to the number and size of tables and the number of businesses participating, so the best effort in layout was put forward to achieve the best flow of traffic and table space needed by individual businesses. Next year, on event application, it could specify choice of round or rectangle table. The Library crafts were complimented – thank you to the Library & volunteers! President Anthony had pictures of the many costumed characters that MBA members did for the Mattawan Santa Parade. She will also forward a write-up and photos of the event to reporter Paul Garrod of the Courier-Leader. Village Council President Terri McLean complimented the MBA and had stated that their were numerous compliments from the public about all the characters enhancing this year’s Parade and “Tree Lighting Ceremony” and “Santa Visits” at the Mattawan Park. A total of almost 300 stockings were given away to children who visited Santa that night.

 

In addition, general consensus was that the MBA should try to do another event like the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza, so to plan on two each year, and centered around a different holiday (like Easter), season, or other event (“Spring Fling”) to get the public to participate in shopping area businesses participating and even perhaps have Easter bunny photos or such as a fundraiser and/or community gift, food and candy, entertainment & crafts, mini-seminars, etc. -- like at the first event!

 

An alert to all businesses that a representative from Shoreline Publications which did last year’s map/brochure of businesses for the Mattawan area is soliciting businesses door-to-door. As many may recall, the publication had a lot of mistakes and the MBA was disappointed in the resulting publication. It would be in our best interest if we are interested in this same type of publication to do it ourselves. It is not certain whether that company placed these publications at Tourist Centers either.

 

COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS/GUESTS

No other comments brought forward as comments flowed with discussion throughout the meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:51 PM.