Tourism Regular Meeting December 15, 2014

SIMSBURY TOURISM COMMITTEE
"Heritage, Charm, Adventure"
12 Madison Lane

Minutes: Regular Meeting Monday, December 15, 2014

Meeting called to order at 8:43
In attendance: State Rep John Hampton-Dominique Avery- Liz Banco- Angela Campetti- Steve Mitchell- Paulette Clarke– Rick Wagner – Joyce Howard- Charmaine Seavy- Katherine Oaks

Postpone minutes to January: not enough members at the last meeting were in attendance

Bridge of Flowers: Mary G. asked groups what to do with building located at 1 Old Bridge Rd. which the town has purchased. Discussion centered on the fact that grants are only available before the building is torn down. Once the grant is in place and building is torn down, the property could become a visitor center, kayak entrance, bathrooms, solar gazebo or something solar sustainable and environmental friendly & "non commercial". There was general discussion with most people at the meeting supporting use of the space in keeping with the current contemplative, beautiful atmosphere of the Bridge of Flowers possibly to open up the area with gardens and picnic tables. The committee was united in its opinion to allow access to the river for kayaks and canoes but to oppose a business at that location. The Tourism committee agreed not to make a formal recommendation but to send our ideas.

Septemberfest Letter- Dominique sent in a letter to Tom Vincent and other PAC board members regarding SeptFest- giving them suggestions regarding the event going forward.

Expo Volunteer Fair - Report back was a few people responded to letter and were interested in continuing the Vol Fair. Paulette will be reaching out to the groups for more info and the committee postponed a decision on whether to sponsor the fair until the January meeting

Simsbury Souvenirs and gift updates: Possibly link to Friends of Heublein Tower who has an extensive gift shop in order to bring more of a market of Simsbury souvenirs in town with easy access.

Bench Idea update- discuss more in January

Map & Calendar of events - No new news.

Discussion of possibly asking for a budget.

Meeting adjourned 9:37 pm

Respectfully submitted by Angela Campetti

Next regular meeting:
Tuesday, Jan 20th, at Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, 749 Hopmeadow Street