Tourism Committee Regular Meeting November 17, 2014

SIMSBURY TOURISM COMMITTEE
"Heritage, Charm, Adventure"
Metro Bis Restaurant
Simsbury 1820 House
Simsbury, CT

Minutes: Regular Meeting Monday, November 17, 2014

Attending: Kathy Oakes, Cathy Barnard, Diane Phillips, Barbara O’Connor, Nan Schultz, Joyce Howard
1. Meeting called to order at 7:40 pm
2. Minutes of September 15, October 20 meetings discussed, approved
3. Welcome by Courtney of Metro Bis. When asked what Tourism could do to assist, Courtney mentioned two items: 1. A map of the center of town, showing shops, buildings of interest, the 1820 House as reference; could be simple, cartoon-like sketches; where people might walk to find useful or things of interest. 2. A calendar of events, perhaps quarterly, helping to answer "what can I do in town while I’m here." Two practical and simple sources of info which could be in pamphlets at the hotel(s). Tourism will discuss and look into possibility of creation.

4. Old Business:

A. Bridge of Flowers-Hudson house update; Finance meeting report; Tourism to reiterate its position of the area as quiet space adjacent to Flower Bridge.
B. Bridge of Flowers-Bill Selig Jewelers: pendant unveiling 11/29 special event; Bridge of Flowers to benefit from sales
C. Septemberfest: no report
D. Volunteer Fair – update: no formal report of response to letter sent to past participants
E. Bike Trail Motion and Update: no report
F. Souvenirs and Simsbury gifts update: discussion of venues, types of items; Joyce will follow up with Bryan DeVoe of Fitzgeralds re participation
G. Simsbury Historical Society: no update
H. Tourism website-restaurant update and flyer progress: underway
I. Travelogue Poster update: some examples seen at 1820 House: voted on choice

5. New Business: State Tourism Plans and Simsbury Participation: discussed

6. Quick Updates:
Due to attendance at meeting no reports made on these and C, E and G above

Other Business:
Joyce mentioned possibility of the addition of (standardized and appropriate) seating benches along Hopmeadow Street. It was uniformly thought to be a good idea, welcoming and inviting people to sit and enjoy the town atmosphere. Possible donor groups were discussed; agreed that before the idea was presented to the Town a specific type of appropriate bench be researched as part of the concept. Joyce and others will research and bring some examples to next meeting for discussion, along with the concept, and how best to proceed.

7. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm

Next regular meeting:
Monday, December 15, at Dominique Avery’s house, 12 Madison Lane, West Simsbury: BRING FOOD

Submitted by J. Howard