Tourism Committee Regular Meeting September 16, 2013

DRAFT
Simsbury Tourism Committee
Simsbury Free Library - September 16, 2013

In Attendence:  Liz Banco, Joyce Howard, Dominique Avery, Pat Carbone, Barbara
O'Connor, Kathy Oakes, Paulette Clark, Laurie Matczak, Shannon Knall, Diane
Phillips, Lisa Heavner and Tara Willerup

1. Meeting called to order at 7:35PM

2. No official minutes were taken for August meeting.

3. New Business:

A. Tara welcomed us to the Smsbury Free Library and gave us the history and told us of people coming from all over the world, to visit the geneology library to look up ancestors, and told us of trips and the book club and the importance of making a visit to this wonderful, historic, beautiful building.

B. Liz and Dominique reported on Gov. Malloy's visit to Tulmeadow Farm where they gave him farm brochures and spoke to DECD people about reopening Newgate Prison, and the    importance of including Simsbury in the attractions of the area.
 
C. Kathy reported on the Fly-In, and the need for functioning funds to keep it up and running.  She said there were more vendors than ever, and the attendence was tremendous.  Septemberfest was also well received with more food vendors, more stage performers, and a need to make it
more cohesive, to make the booths closer together.
 
D. Liz reported on the Triathalon, as an ongoing project, with traffic control and coordination of sites all being a factor under consideration.

E. Liz reported on the Tariffville project to incorporate a walking tour and new brochures, and the request for our committee to be a source of help in that area.

4. Old Business:
 
A. Pat reported on the Taste of Simsbury and the tremendous response by the vendors, and people coming from many different areas.  It was bigger and better than ever.

B. Kathy showed the new farm brochure that she designed, with input on the wording from Barbara, and Kathy's graphics and presentation. We all agreed that it was exceptional and      ready for printing.  Quantity and cost were discussed.

C. Liz discussed the website and the need for a Webmaster was thought to be invaluable.  There was much input by Lisa, Shannon, and others.

D. Dominique discussed Facebook and the need to have people sign on and  Like us and look at the posts, as more people become aware and acquainted with it.

5. New Business

A. Joyce spoke of the need to keep restocking brochures, as we all can do when we are in a venue and see a need to add more.  If our new visitor, Diane, decides to join us, she has     expressed an interest in taking on that responsibility.
  
B. Liz requested Phone Tree volunteers resulting in Laurie for October, Joyce for November and Barbara for December.

6. Adjournment was at 9:25PM

Respectfully submitted by Pat Carbone