Tourism Committee Regular Meeting August 18, 2014-Approved

SIMSBURY TOURISM COMMITTEE
"Heritage, Charm, Adventure"
Simsbury Farms Golf Course Restaurant
100 Old Farms Road
Regular Meeting Monday, August 18, 2014

Attendance: Dominique Avery, Joyce Howard, Pat Carbone, Barbara O'Connor, Paulette Clark, Kathy Oakes, Angela Campetti, Cathy Barnard, Karen Cortes, Rich Wagner, Steve Mitchell, Nan Schultz, Diane Phillips, Gerry Toner

1. Call to Order at 7:40PM

2. Approval of May 19th & June 16, 2014 meetings

3. Welcome from restaurant owner Manny Giarenakis and Gerry Toner, Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation who gave an update on the town’s extensive park system. Gerry saluted the vision that town residents had in creating Simsbury Farms, the greenway, Performing Arts Center, and preserving acres of open space and said that the golf course and bike paths play a major role in tourism bringing in many visitors from out of town as well as encouraging people to move here. There was also discussion about their web site which could use improving

4.Old Business: Quick Updates:

A. Cathy updated the PAC season; Diane spoke of the Bridge of Flowers, recent vandalism, publicity, and the possible purchase of the Hudson house. Paulette reported on Simsbury Celebrates, 5 paintings sold, a planned raffle, and the possibility of the Tag Sale moving to the Historical Society. D shared Tourism’s entry in the town report and gave an update Economic Development Commission & Task Force where there continues to be disagreement on whether there should be an EDC website or an improved town website. Steve reported on bike news and progress on the bike trail to Tariffville. Dominique reminded us that Farmer's Market runs to Oct. 2.

B. Communications: Dominique reported that our Facebook site now had 365 Likes and observed that Patch has discontinued local blogs.

C. Diane and Joyce reported on brochures. Joyce plans to update the kiosks and town hall display. Steve gave permission to put Tourism brochures in his bike Kiosk at the Flower Bridge. Dominique reported on the change in our name on the town website and there was discussion on bringing back the restaurant list and how they should be listed She also reported on the results of the Fan Favorite town. We finished in 7th place.

5. Other Business:

A. Dominique talked about preparing for the Fan Favorite contest next year.

B. Dominique updated on the June Special Meeting with the Historical Society and her disappointment that more of the committee was unable to be present. The thrust of the meeting was that we need more coordination of events in town.

C. There was discussion on the Spring Volunteer Expo and although Paulette and Pat were prepared to run it, Barbara can’t do it this year and we need a person to handle the publicity. No one stepped forward.

Due to time constraints, we adjourned the meeting at 9:30PM