Tourism Committee Regular Meeting April 21, 2014-DRAFT

SIMSBURY TOURISM COMMITTEE
Simsbury Airport
94 Wolcott Road, Simsbury
April 21, 2014

Meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm.  Attending were Dominique Avery, Nan Schultz, Kathy Oakes, Liz Banco, Diane Phillips, Charmaine Seavey, Rick Wagner, Joyce Howard, Paulette Clark, Steve Mitchell and Barbara O’Connor.

Brad Griswold, manager of the Simsbury Airport and President of the Simsbury Flying Club welcomed the committee and gave a thorough presentation of the airport’s history, its current contributions to the Simsbury community, and future plans and goals.  Among the highlights were the increasingly popular Simsbury Fly-in held annually in September, and the unique characteristics of this privately owned, publicly run, all volunteer airport used by private pilots who come to the area for reasons that range from recreation to visiting children at schools in town.  The airport is a resource for lessons and serves as a local introduction to aviation for school groups.  We discussed ways the committee can work with the airport to increase its use and awareness.  Among the ideas were promoting the airport on the committee’s website and Facebook page and adding a Free Bike lending facility to the airport.

Old Business

Quick Updates: Performing Arts Center kickoff is April 24 at Hopmeadow Country Club.  Bridge of Flowers Burgers on the Bridge fundraiser is June 19.

The Whitewater Triple Crown was held this month in Tariffville. Steve Mitchell reported that about 50 people used the two vans from downtown Simsbury that Mitchell provided.  He thought it was a great success but would recommend only one van next year. Previously the only vans ran from Granby to the site.

Simsbury Celebrates has two fundraisers coming up: a sale of special prints of a painting by Catherine Elliott and the tag sale in early June.   May will again be Bike Month in Simsbury.

Charmaine continues to do a great job handling the information phone line.  Dominique has been handling the Facebook postings and website additions.  Angela is blogging on Patch.

Joyce and Diane reviewed the current brochure inventory and placement.

Volunteers are needed for the table at the May 18 Triathlon.

There is discussion by another group in town to promote a Flower Festival.

The Library’s first Innovator’s Workshop is April 26.  Among the highlights will be demonstrations of their new 3-D printer.  The Historical Society is also opening exhibits that tie in to Simsbury’s role as a home for innovation, and for bicycling.

Brainstorming was again postponed due to time constraints.

Next meeting is Monday, May 19 at Green Acres Bed & Breakfast.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara O’Connor