South Park Business Group (SPBG)

South Park Business Group Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 23 8:30 am - 9:30 am, at Alchemy
Chaired by Donna Walker

1. Introductions (including welcome to Erin Cassidy, new representative from North Park News).
2. Minutes - Roselle Ellison (home ec. studio) and Erin Cassidy (North Park News) to share responsibility for future meetings. Roselle to take minutes today : ).

3. Police and Safety - no updates; representative not present.

4. South Park Community Group - Next meeting will be on March 1 at Balboa Golf Course Clubhouse. Budget cuts, fiscal planning ongoing. Look on Greater Golden Hill Website for updates on what is going on in the neighborhood (gghpc.blogspot.com).

5. Finances & SPBG organization -- The South Park Business Group now has an EIN (Employer Identification Number), has published a Ficticious Business Name notice, and obtained a mailbox. Maureen Ceccarelli spoke about the fact that we are approaching a crossroads as a group because of our growth. At this point, getting these three things can hold us, but we may need to incorporate in the future.

6. WALKABOUT – March 26th – “Plant Yourself in South Park”
   Walkabout 4 x 6 Postcards were distributed to attendees. If you would like to have postcards for your store, please contact Studio Maureen. New designs for each Walkabout this year. (An additional card/brochure/map with listings of all the “Ask” businesses for 2011 will be produced and available for distribution by March 25th.) There will be a walking tour leaving from Info Table on Juniper at 6:30pm. Trolley will circulate through the neighborhood from 6pm to 10pm.

7. OLD HOUSE FAIR - June 18th -- Sponsorship, exhibit space, and advertising opportunities are available for business storefront owners and home contractors. Maureen has Exhibitor Application Forms - also on the website - and Sponsorship details if you are interested. $150 for booth and program/website listings. Sponsorships $500-$2500. Advertising in program brochure and on Old House Fair website (year 'round) are $50-$200. Contact Maureen by email studiomaureen@yahoo.com, or 619-233-6679. Current sponsorship commitments are from Hamilton’s, South Bark, Grant's, Alchemy, The Station, Whistle Stop, Hamilton's, and Raz+Majette Designs. For more info visit theoldhousefair.com. This year the GGHCDC will not be the OHF fiscal agent, but are sponsoring the event by providing event insurance and 501C3 non-profit status. A memorandum of understanding is in process.

8. ASK FEES DUE BY MARCH 10 at the latest!!!!! If you have not submitted your fees, your business will be removed from the South Park Scene website. Payment plan of $50 available if you cannot afford to put down the full $100 up front.

9. PR -- Please send news and upcoming walkabout plans to Marsha for publicity via Facebook, website and newsletter. Contact Marsha (spbg@lucyslist.net). She will even help with verbiage.

10. Community reports: a. GGH CDC update: reorganization; Pedro Anaya is no longer Executive Director.
    b. MAD update: New program manager (Ben). Drought Tolerant Plants to be planted around the neighborhood before walkabout.
    c. Councilman Todd Gloria - State of the District Speech at Birch North Park Theater, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Post Speech gathering at West Coast Tavern. Televised on City TV (channel 24).

11. Announcements:

    Absolute Skin - Mobile Cosmetic Doctor - laser hair removal, Botox. To make appointments, call Michelle McKenny. Healer available Saturdays and Sundays.

    CDC Monthly Mixer tonight (2/23) 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 23rd and Broadway.

    Alchemy - March 31 2-year anniversary celebration. New corner awning at 30th & Beech.

    Plum Pottery is undergoing some renovation so may or may not be open for walkabout.

    South Bark - Facade is done. Interior renovation in progress. If you have any questions on city grants and funding for businesses there are free classes. Ask Lisa from South Bark for more info. Lisa also has tips about how to use your Yelp business accounts to get new customers.

    Baby Garten - free lactation and parenting support class, Wed. at 11:30. Starting April 2, Kids and Dogs class with Madeline ($25/class). Just information; No dogs in the classroom.

    Please encourage your customers to take the free Trolley from Juniper to Beech St. for the walkabout.

Attendees:
Donna Walker (South Bark)
Lisa Vella (South Bark)
Matt Thomas (Alchemy)
Deedra Harlman (Plum Pottery)
Michelle McKenny (Absolute Skin)
Erin Cassidy (North Park News)
Casey Caliva (Edward Jones Investments)
Eric Bradford (Pathfinders)
Tara Yee (South Park Doctor)
Roselle Ellison (home ec. studio)
Sophia Hall (Make Good)
Christy Jaynes (Progress)
Maureen Ceccarelli (Studio Maureen)
Representative for Councilmember Todd Gloria
Sam Keenan (Coldwell Banker)