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

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Lori Anthony, Leslie Benson, Dan Carlson, Tom Brown, Kim Cox, Rob Keorkunian, Dawn Kobreek, Kayla Ranger-Dean, Chad Slider.

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: John Jackson, Janet Zagar.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Dick Roberts, Teresa Seim, Kevin Lacey

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 12:15 PM.

 

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Kevin Lacey of Lacey Physical Therapy was introduced and welcomed.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Ms. Benson, supported by Ms. Ranger-Dean, moved to approve the March 5^th Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

 

AGENDA

The Treasurer’s report was deleted from the agenda due to the absence of the Mr. Jackson.

 

NEWSLETTER DISCUSSION

Ms. Benson stated that the cost for insertion in the Paw Paw Flashes was about $200. Ms. Anthony said that the insert would be one sheet, 8 ½” x 11”, printed both sides. It will include a community calendar, festival, school, and village news, and feature two businesses. Mr. Brown recommended that Ms. Anthony’s business, Lori’s Web Designs, be one of the first featured in the newsletter to express our appreciation for her commitment the business association.

 

After some discussion, it was decided that nonmembers would not be allowed to advertise in the first edition of the newsletter. Ms. Anthony asked members to think about ways to solicit a response from the first circulation to gauge its success in reaching residents.  Mr. Slider suggested that the first letter act as an introduction to the business association and ask recipients of the letter what kind of business development or lack of development they desire in Mattawan. Ms. Anthony added that responses could be made by mail or email. Ms. Anthony, with the assistance of Mr. Keorkunian’s secretary, will create the first draft of the newsletter for review at next month’s meeting.

 

FESTIVAL VOTE/ STAGE DISCUSSION

Ms. Anthony stated that she is considering resigning as coordinator of either the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival or the Mattawan Days Festival. She asked those present whether they value the Mattawan Days Festival and wish to have it continue after this year. All members and guests present expressed their support for continuing the festival. Mr. Keorkunian expressed his desire to have Ms. Anthony continue the Mattawan Days Festival and continue as its coordinator. Mr. Slider asked Ms. Anthony if she received compensation as coordinator of the Paw Paw festival, and whether she believed Mattawan Days Festival would be able to pay its coordinator in the future. Ms. Anthony responded that the Paw Paw festival does pay its coordinator a modest amount, but her heart is with the Mattawan festival and she is willing to volunteer her time to make it work. Ms. Anthony as well as others present expressed their belief in the future growth and success of the Mattawan Days Festival.

 

Ms. Anthony proposed Meyer Wood Products to supply a permanent stage structure for the park. A picture with dimensions was passed around for everyone to see. After some discussion, Mr. Roberts offered to create an alternate design and construct it himself. The new stage must be completed before June 12.

 

APPOINTMENT OF NEW COUNCIL LIASON

Teresa Seim of Mattawan Family Eye Care volunteered to be the new council liaison. She will attend one of the two meetings of the Mattawan Village Council per month, representing the business association and reporting back to it.

 

OLD BUSINESS

No old business was reported.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Anthony reported that several MBA members are now offering discounts to association members.

Mr. Carlson stated that he was concerned about forming a committee to promote business development. He believes that a list of goals for development such as parking, types of businesses needed, etc. would help us move closer to realization. Ms. Anthony expressed her support for formulating goals as a step toward accomplishment, but was concerned about finding adequate support for committees at this time. Mr. Carlson stated that without concrete goals and committees to drive them, little would be accomplished.

 

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mr. Roberts believes he can design and construct a better stage for the park than the one proposed by Meyer Wood Products. Ms. Seim announced and passed out fliers for the Grand opening celebration for Mattawan Family Eye Care and Main Street Plaza Party, Saturday, May 17.

 

COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD

Ms. Anthony mentioned the Hometown Gazette article featuring the Mattawan Business Association.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Keorkunian, supported by Ms. Cox, moved to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.