June 2009 SPBG Minutes
Posted by SPBG South Park Business Group on Thursday, July 23, 2009
Under: Meetings
SOUTH PARK BUSINESS GROUP MONTHLY MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009 8:30 AM
MOOSE LODGE, 1648 30th STREET in SOUTH PARK
Next meeting Wednesday, July 29th, 2009, 8:30 AM
Greater Golden Hill CDC Fundraiser – Saturday, August 1st with Alche
Summer Walkabout – Saturday, July 25th, 6 – 10 PM
Harvest Walkabout – Saturday, Oct 3rd, 6-10 PM
I. Introductions: Luci Dumas chaired the meeting. Those present introduced themselves and the businesses they represent. Michael Crespy of Posh Wash announced during his introduction that his laundry had been vandalized last Sunday for $150 damages.
II. Police Report – No police officers were present. This may reflect on the 100 Senior Officers’ Planned Retirement scheduled as an annual city-wide budget saving beginning 7/1/09. We need to check officer availability in the future.
III. MAD Report – David Skillman is on vacation.
Announcement of the Greater Golden Hill Community Plan Update Process meeting on July 8th was handed out. Meeting will be held at the Balboa Golf Course Clubhouse at 6:30 pm. If you can’t make the meeting, information is available online at www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/greatergoldenhill/index.shtml.
Nancy Sherman reported that the South Park Business Group subcommittee composed of Don Gollums, Chair, David Skillman, Lisa Vella, Luci Dumas, Matt Thomas, & Nancy Sherman are working out a meeting time and plan to meet for their first meeting after David Skillman returns from vacation.
IV. Committee Reports
A. Public Relations Committee – Anne Mery
1. The BID Grant for 2010 was submitted last week. The new grant was again submitted for $8,500, the same amount that we received in 2009. This is the maximum BID grant award.
Our group has submitted and received reimbursements for all the BID funds granted for FY 2009. In June, the BID Council solicited applications for an additional $2000 project, based on previously allocated but unused FY2009 BID funds. SPBG put together a request for reimbursement for production of the Old House Fair Resource Guides (printed and online), and the BID Council approved the funding. This was an unexpected windfall and should not be anticipated for FY2010.
2. ASK FOR FUNDS campaign is basically inactive, although we are soliciting participation by new businesses and adding them to the website as received. The committee anticipates repeating the campaign for 2010, with solicitations going out in December for $150 per business to help cover expenses in marketing the South Park small business community. Two new businesses signed up this past month.
3. South Park Business website (www.SanDiegoScene.com) – Marsha Smelkinson
Marsha is requesting information to update the website regularly. Many business entries need to be updated with correct and complete information. Please check your website entry. Marsha will update the website with new calendar information and and updated business listings on or about the first of every month. REMINDER: Send your walkabout info, business updates, and calendar info to Marsha at (spbg@lucyslist.net). Because we use an outside webmaster to do the updates, when he is unavailable (he travels quite a bit), changes cannot be made. Marsha is investigating a better solution, since at least one business – Mythology – was not updated nor located on the downloadable map in a timely manner.
4. The PR Committee wishes to expand our online and social marketing in the coming year, including creating a Facebook page, increased use of our email list, and other tools. Further information will be forthcoming to businesses via email and at upcoming SPBG meetings.
B. Old House Fair – Maureen Ceccarelli
The Old House Fair in its 11th year was a tremendous success on Saturday, June 20th. In some instances, it was a victim to its own success. The historic home tour had 600 instead of the expected 300 ticket participants. (Tickets cost $15 per person.) This increase led to long lines at some tour homes and need for better crowd control. However, people seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying themselves.
Maureen took an informal survey of vendors’ reactions to the event, and 95% of the vendors were thrilled with the event organization, citizen response to their booths and wares. Out of the 1500 house tour guide/vendor booklets created for the Old House Fair, only 250 booklets remain. Even though the day was overcast with rain at times, people still kept coming. Several persons attributed the response and crowd increase to exposure we received via PR in news media (especially San Diego Union-Tribune Homes section and in the North Park News). It also helped to have SOHO back again after several years demonstrating the value of old homes preservation.
Trolley tour throughout the Greater Golden Hill district (tickets were $5 per person) made 5 trips. Anne Merry, a trolley guide, stated that the trolleys were full each time. These trolley tours seemed to be well received and can handle 30 people on each tour (150 people for the event).
The date for the 2010 Old House Fair was set for Saturday, June 19th, 2010. All agreed that the Old House Fair is a South Park signature event. The committee, chaired by Maureen Ceccarelli, did an excellent job. Maureen said she hoped to build on this year’s success.
C. Summer Walkabout – July 25th
Posters and post cards for the Summer Walkabout were distributed. There appears to be no need to print additional postcards until Fall. The Summer Walkabout is traditionally the least attended. There will be no additional KPBS radio campaign for this walkabout due to the expense. There is no more money in our budget for this line item. (Radio ads for the Old House Fair did include significant mention of the Summer Walkabout, but they ran a month ago. The Old House Fair Resource Guide and website both included advertising for the Walkabout.)
Remember to get your activities for that evening into Marsha Smelkinson ASAP so that this information can be distributed via email and listed on the Walkabout Guide to be handed out on the trolley and at the info table on July 25 and emailed to our list. It was suggested and agreed that Marsha will email a printable copy of the Walkabout Guide to all the businesses so they may print copies and hand out to customers on July 25th as well.
V. Old Business
A. South Park Business Group mission statement draft was reviewed and unanimously accepted as follows:
The South Park Business Group is an unincorporated group of businesspeople that work together to promote visibility, awareness, traffic and a healthy business climate for the small businesses that operate in South Park.
This mission statement will be included on applicationos submitted to the BID Council. The BID Council requests that each grant applicant give the group’s mission statement and purpose before granting funds.
B. South Park Community Yard Sale - Nancy Sherman
Nancy said that there has been excellent response to the yard sale. Local businesses are asked to put event posters in their windows. Because of the expense, there will not be a fall yard sale. Therefore, the next yard sale will be in June 2010, probably June 26th, one week after the Old House Fair.
C. Planning for coming Walkabouts (Oct 3 Fall Walkabout; Dec 5th Holiday Walkabout)
Those present felt that the postcard distribution advertising the walkabouts should be continued. Changes that might improve the postcard PR effectiveness is describing the event more fully on the card: music, trolley, social scene. Postcards for each event could be in different colors or designs to delineate each walkabout as a special event. Kalmia Street should be included on the postcard map. Consideration also should be given to having the trolley circuit run up to Kalmia and/or having the trolley narrator point out the businesses located north of Juniper.
Posh Wash mentioned that the laundromat experiences its heaviest clientele during the morning. However, there are no walkabout events currently scheduled during the day. Because of the expense we cannot afford to run the trolley additional hours.
However, Posh Wash and other businesses that would like to promote activities earlier than 6-10pm may submit that info for inclusion in our publicity efforts and on the Walkabout guide.
VI. New Business
A. S.L.O.B.
Joe Grant was not in attendance, but emailed a message that was read to the group, announcing the opening of his “S.L.O.B.” campaign to encourage residents to buy locally. He has developed a number of promotional items. Those present agreed that we needed to have Joe Grant present his new promotional campaign to the South Park Business Group so we fully understand his concept. We will ask Joe to present at the July meeting.
VII. Announcements/Reports
A. Councilman Todd Gloria’s Office – Anthony Bernal
MAD District Maintenance Oversight Committee will meet at Ethos Church, 25th Street & E, at 6:00 pm on July 6th. This is an important meeting to attend as the maintenance district is coming up for a vote at City Council later in this month.
City Council is attempting to close an $82 Million deficit in the City Budget. One plan is to reduce benefits for city employees. City Council is working with the State legislature. City has imposed a hiring freeze. There are 2000 less City employees than a year ago which will affect services. Those attending may be interested to know that the “Small Business liaison office has been eliminated by the Mayor’s office. District offices will try to act as a “go between” between local businesses and the City in the future months.
Restricted water rationing schedule has been released for city residents. Even numbers can water on M/W/Sat; Odd numbers are allowed to water on T/Th/Sun.
The Golden Hill CDC has requested the City paint the eyesore shed located between Hamilton’s Tavern and Alchemy. Owner does not want the expense since no one is renting this building space. Anthony said that Todd Gloria’s office can organize A Community Clean Up. He can get a dumpster for the day. The Greater Golden Hill CDC has done this in the past.
B. North Park News has a new editor, Kris Grant, who participated in the meeting. The North Park News is one of the papers owned by the San Diego Metropolitan. Bob and Rebecca Page are the new owners. Kris Grant introduced herself and stated that they hoped to expand The Craftsman section of the North Park News.
C. It was reported that Sam Chammas is now planning to open his new restaurant on Fern & Ivy the end of July.
D. The Greater Golden Hill CDC is holding their Second Annual Fundraiser in a gala Party at Alchemy’s Restaurant on Saturday, August 1st.
VIII. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 8:30 am.
Minutes Submitted by Nancy Sherman 7/23/09
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009 8:30 AM
MOOSE LODGE, 1648 30th STREET in SOUTH PARK
Next meeting Wednesday, July 29th, 2009, 8:30 AM
Greater Golden Hill CDC Fundraiser – Saturday, August 1st with Alche
Summer Walkabout – Saturday, July 25th, 6 – 10 PM
Harvest Walkabout – Saturday, Oct 3rd, 6-10 PM
I. Introductions: Luci Dumas chaired the meeting. Those present introduced themselves and the businesses they represent. Michael Crespy of Posh Wash announced during his introduction that his laundry had been vandalized last Sunday for $150 damages.
II. Police Report – No police officers were present. This may reflect on the 100 Senior Officers’ Planned Retirement scheduled as an annual city-wide budget saving beginning 7/1/09. We need to check officer availability in the future.
III. MAD Report – David Skillman is on vacation.
Announcement of the Greater Golden Hill Community Plan Update Process meeting on July 8th was handed out. Meeting will be held at the Balboa Golf Course Clubhouse at 6:30 pm. If you can’t make the meeting, information is available online at www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/greatergoldenhill/index.shtml.
Nancy Sherman reported that the South Park Business Group subcommittee composed of Don Gollums, Chair, David Skillman, Lisa Vella, Luci Dumas, Matt Thomas, & Nancy Sherman are working out a meeting time and plan to meet for their first meeting after David Skillman returns from vacation.
IV. Committee Reports
A. Public Relations Committee – Anne Mery
1. The BID Grant for 2010 was submitted last week. The new grant was again submitted for $8,500, the same amount that we received in 2009. This is the maximum BID grant award.
Our group has submitted and received reimbursements for all the BID funds granted for FY 2009. In June, the BID Council solicited applications for an additional $2000 project, based on previously allocated but unused FY2009 BID funds. SPBG put together a request for reimbursement for production of the Old House Fair Resource Guides (printed and online), and the BID Council approved the funding. This was an unexpected windfall and should not be anticipated for FY2010.
2. ASK FOR FUNDS campaign is basically inactive, although we are soliciting participation by new businesses and adding them to the website as received. The committee anticipates repeating the campaign for 2010, with solicitations going out in December for $150 per business to help cover expenses in marketing the South Park small business community. Two new businesses signed up this past month.
3. South Park Business website (www.SanDiegoScene.com) – Marsha Smelkinson
Marsha is requesting information to update the website regularly. Many business entries need to be updated with correct and complete information. Please check your website entry. Marsha will update the website with new calendar information and and updated business listings on or about the first of every month. REMINDER: Send your walkabout info, business updates, and calendar info to Marsha at (spbg@lucyslist.net). Because we use an outside webmaster to do the updates, when he is unavailable (he travels quite a bit), changes cannot be made. Marsha is investigating a better solution, since at least one business – Mythology – was not updated nor located on the downloadable map in a timely manner.
4. The PR Committee wishes to expand our online and social marketing in the coming year, including creating a Facebook page, increased use of our email list, and other tools. Further information will be forthcoming to businesses via email and at upcoming SPBG meetings.
B. Old House Fair – Maureen Ceccarelli
The Old House Fair in its 11th year was a tremendous success on Saturday, June 20th. In some instances, it was a victim to its own success. The historic home tour had 600 instead of the expected 300 ticket participants. (Tickets cost $15 per person.) This increase led to long lines at some tour homes and need for better crowd control. However, people seemed to be in good spirits and enjoying themselves.
Maureen took an informal survey of vendors’ reactions to the event, and 95% of the vendors were thrilled with the event organization, citizen response to their booths and wares. Out of the 1500 house tour guide/vendor booklets created for the Old House Fair, only 250 booklets remain. Even though the day was overcast with rain at times, people still kept coming. Several persons attributed the response and crowd increase to exposure we received via PR in news media (especially San Diego Union-Tribune Homes section and in the North Park News). It also helped to have SOHO back again after several years demonstrating the value of old homes preservation.
Trolley tour throughout the Greater Golden Hill district (tickets were $5 per person) made 5 trips. Anne Merry, a trolley guide, stated that the trolleys were full each time. These trolley tours seemed to be well received and can handle 30 people on each tour (150 people for the event).
The date for the 2010 Old House Fair was set for Saturday, June 19th, 2010. All agreed that the Old House Fair is a South Park signature event. The committee, chaired by Maureen Ceccarelli, did an excellent job. Maureen said she hoped to build on this year’s success.
C. Summer Walkabout – July 25th
Posters and post cards for the Summer Walkabout were distributed. There appears to be no need to print additional postcards until Fall. The Summer Walkabout is traditionally the least attended. There will be no additional KPBS radio campaign for this walkabout due to the expense. There is no more money in our budget for this line item. (Radio ads for the Old House Fair did include significant mention of the Summer Walkabout, but they ran a month ago. The Old House Fair Resource Guide and website both included advertising for the Walkabout.)
Remember to get your activities for that evening into Marsha Smelkinson ASAP so that this information can be distributed via email and listed on the Walkabout Guide to be handed out on the trolley and at the info table on July 25 and emailed to our list. It was suggested and agreed that Marsha will email a printable copy of the Walkabout Guide to all the businesses so they may print copies and hand out to customers on July 25th as well.
V. Old Business
A. South Park Business Group mission statement draft was reviewed and unanimously accepted as follows:
The South Park Business Group is an unincorporated group of businesspeople that work together to promote visibility, awareness, traffic and a healthy business climate for the small businesses that operate in South Park.
This mission statement will be included on applicationos submitted to the BID Council. The BID Council requests that each grant applicant give the group’s mission statement and purpose before granting funds.
B. South Park Community Yard Sale - Nancy Sherman
Nancy said that there has been excellent response to the yard sale. Local businesses are asked to put event posters in their windows. Because of the expense, there will not be a fall yard sale. Therefore, the next yard sale will be in June 2010, probably June 26th, one week after the Old House Fair.
C. Planning for coming Walkabouts (Oct 3 Fall Walkabout; Dec 5th Holiday Walkabout)
Those present felt that the postcard distribution advertising the walkabouts should be continued. Changes that might improve the postcard PR effectiveness is describing the event more fully on the card: music, trolley, social scene. Postcards for each event could be in different colors or designs to delineate each walkabout as a special event. Kalmia Street should be included on the postcard map. Consideration also should be given to having the trolley circuit run up to Kalmia and/or having the trolley narrator point out the businesses located north of Juniper.
Posh Wash mentioned that the laundromat experiences its heaviest clientele during the morning. However, there are no walkabout events currently scheduled during the day. Because of the expense we cannot afford to run the trolley additional hours.
However, Posh Wash and other businesses that would like to promote activities earlier than 6-10pm may submit that info for inclusion in our publicity efforts and on the Walkabout guide.
VI. New Business
A. S.L.O.B.
Joe Grant was not in attendance, but emailed a message that was read to the group, announcing the opening of his “S.L.O.B.” campaign to encourage residents to buy locally. He has developed a number of promotional items. Those present agreed that we needed to have Joe Grant present his new promotional campaign to the South Park Business Group so we fully understand his concept. We will ask Joe to present at the July meeting.
VII. Announcements/Reports
A. Councilman Todd Gloria’s Office – Anthony Bernal
MAD District Maintenance Oversight Committee will meet at Ethos Church, 25th Street & E, at 6:00 pm on July 6th. This is an important meeting to attend as the maintenance district is coming up for a vote at City Council later in this month.
City Council is attempting to close an $82 Million deficit in the City Budget. One plan is to reduce benefits for city employees. City Council is working with the State legislature. City has imposed a hiring freeze. There are 2000 less City employees than a year ago which will affect services. Those attending may be interested to know that the “Small Business liaison office has been eliminated by the Mayor’s office. District offices will try to act as a “go between” between local businesses and the City in the future months.
Restricted water rationing schedule has been released for city residents. Even numbers can water on M/W/Sat; Odd numbers are allowed to water on T/Th/Sun.
The Golden Hill CDC has requested the City paint the eyesore shed located between Hamilton’s Tavern and Alchemy. Owner does not want the expense since no one is renting this building space. Anthony said that Todd Gloria’s office can organize A Community Clean Up. He can get a dumpster for the day. The Greater Golden Hill CDC has done this in the past.
B. North Park News has a new editor, Kris Grant, who participated in the meeting. The North Park News is one of the papers owned by the San Diego Metropolitan. Bob and Rebecca Page are the new owners. Kris Grant introduced herself and stated that they hoped to expand The Craftsman section of the North Park News.
C. It was reported that Sam Chammas is now planning to open his new restaurant on Fern & Ivy the end of July.
D. The Greater Golden Hill CDC is holding their Second Annual Fundraiser in a gala Party at Alchemy’s Restaurant on Saturday, August 1st.
VIII. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 8:30 am.
Minutes Submitted by Nancy Sherman 7/23/09
In : Meetings
