Tourism Committee Regular Meeting September 15, 2014
"Heritage, Charm, Adventure"
Simsbury Historical Society
800 Hopmeadow Street
Regular Meeting: Monday, September 15, 2014
In attendance; Simsbury Historical Society: Elaine Long, John Buda, Ieka Scully; Tourism: Dominique
Avery, Barbara O’Connor, Diane Phillips, Kathy Oakes, Charmaine Seavey, Steve Mitchell, Paulette Clarke, Joyce Howard.
1. Meeting called to order at 7:35 p.m.
2. Minutes of 8/18/14 meeting approved.
3. Review of current and future activities and plans of SHS by Elaine Long, Joe Buda and Ieka Scully: potential addition of barn on Wagner property to be converted to pavilion and facilities space on SHS site, including handicapped restrooms, tourist info, etc.; upcoming events in October: Heritage Weekend on 10/17-18; creation of exhibits re interaction of nature/innovation; signage/cameras/security/lighting; hosting groups such as Newcomers (10/16); visitors to SHS include locals, walk-ins, bikers on trails. Desire for more open hours. Simsbury becoming a tourist destination point important, with SHS a part of it; SCTV recordings. Desirability of more and earlier publicity to public re SHS events.
New Business:
A. Septemberfest: discussion of complaints heard and experienced re this year’s event: poor people flow, layout, resultant lack of interaction/synergy, noisy music, publicity; it was felt that the streetscape layout of prior Septemberfests worked better in bringing people together, creating more comfort and ability to visit and enjoy varied venues. It was decided that Dominique would write a letter representing these concerns, with a goal of creating a better Septemberfest in the future.
B. Tourism website: Dominique working with Rick Bazzano; Barbara working on restaurant lists: different lists for different target groups (bikers, etc.) Kathy reworking fold-up pocket list used in past. Nan and Angela working on list of possible Simsbury souvenir vendors.
C. Used Book Sale: at the High School sale Dominique queried people in line at entrance: people including book dealers traveling from other states. Tourism may suggest restaurant lists, places to stay, other tourism info, be available at check-in entrance tables to capture some of the possible business for Simsbury. Friends of the Library will be contacted re this.
D. Bridge of Flowers-Hudson House: A discussion on possibility of the Town acquiring this property—possibly as part of a public/private venture—for the enhancement of the Flower Bridge area and creating access to the river. The discussion culminated in Steve Mitchell making a motion "to support the Town of Simsbury determining a way to acquire the Betty Hudson property at 1 Old Bridge Road for the purpose of creating a serene and natural park next to the river as a complement to the Flower Bridge and to attract visitors to enjoy the river views." The motion was seconded by Barbara O’Connor. A vote was taken and the results were 7 to 1 in favor of the motion: Voting in favor: Dominique Avery, Barbara O’Connor, Diane Phillips, Kathy Oakes, Charmaine Seavey, Steve Mitchell and Joyce Howard. Voting against the motion: Paulette Clarke.
E. Volunteer Fair: Paulette Clarke and Pat Carbone have logistical info from prior Fairs; Tourism will contact past participant organizations re whether they wish to continue and can handle their own promotion; Paulette will draft letter for next meeting and discussion.
F. SCTV taping program re Tourism: Dominique, Liz Banco, Barbara O’Connor, possibly Kathy Oakes, will take part.
G. Tourism annual report due for submission 10/13. Kathy Oakes will work on update for year.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by J. Howard.