BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Julie Abel –JabberDesign, Ben Barton-White House Bistro, Mike Carey – Del Sol, Angela Holmes-Century 21, Fred and Janet Schmidt, Toni Trudell-Park House, Marilyn Starring-Star of Saugatuck, Kevin Tringali-Bella Vita Spa & Suites and Jodi White-Macatawa Bank

ABSENT: Bill Smith, Lincoln Brackett, John Jerome

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: George Waden – Homebodies; David Lyman-Serendipity; Lisa Lungaro-Macatawa Bank, R.J. Peterson-Tower Marine

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

SECRETARY’S MINUTES: Motion made to accept December 2009 minutes by Mike Carey. Seconded by Julie Abel. Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Jodi White – Did a profit & loss budget performance statement. Jodi said she would try to get profit and loss statements done before meeting to go out with agenda. Julie Abel moved to approve – Mike Carey seconded. Motion passed.

MARKETING COORDINATORS REPORT – Janet Schmidt:

Sparkle – Donations to date$6,939 but money still coming in. Ornaments are now all gone. All Sparkle monies transferred to SABA account. Good wrap up meeting – decided that being outside was way to go. Next Sparkle meeting will be in March. Thank you ads were place in last week’s local papers for Sparkle supporters. Carriage rides are over and we will be looking at this company and another company for next year.

SABA Bucks were popular over the holidays.

Holiday party at Butler was well attended – 75-80 people and stayed under budget.

Presented a list of events going into CVB Guide.

Working on an ad for ‘Grand Rapids Family’ magazine – this publication goes in hospitals, pediatrician offices, and all Christian Schools – will be the May issue. Doing a package with the VAN on Mike Johnson’s Saturday morning show ‘The Grind’ – promoting the area to local day tripper market. Pat Arthur from Montreal was winner of the Candy Cane Lane game. How did you hear of us portion of questionnaire - numerous ways. ‘Bottom Line Secrets ‘ magazine had an article on buying the vacation home of your dreams – listed four places one was Saugatuck, MI.

Salt of the Earth reception will be on Monday, January 11th, and is for members only from 5 to 7 p.m. Angela Holmes asked everyone to please try to attend this reception.

Newsletters: January’s will go mid-month. February newsletter will go out a little earlier. Working on bag stuffers –plan on distributing on Venetian weekend. Tent cards – Will produce 3 different tent cards that will take us thru the end of December and will feature SCA/Historical Society/SABA on them.

Winterfest – Special event permit was filed. Number of inquiries already – A GR Press photographer has been assigned to the event and we will have GR Press coverage on 14th of February – also Gallery Stroll Weekend (Winterfest Gallery Stroll Weekend) Spoke to schools for snow sculptures. Sculptures can be started anytime they want. Hoping that we can get some people to do build sculptures in the parks. Judging will be done on the 13th of February. Ben Barton – maybe a special award should be given for the school for student participation – will do.

Events meeting on Tuesday will discuss this further.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW MEMBERS – Business Mastery and Bentley’s Antiques

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS – 38 not renewed. Heard from 6 who have said they do plan on re-newing, and either check is in the mail or on a payment plan. Time is growing short need to get commitments from those who haven’t renewed. Most of the ads are in – 70,000 brochures and 5,000 maps. February 1st is brochure deadline.

SABA Bucks – numbers stay about the same ($5,000 sold or gifted) about 60% redemption. Angela – schedule for promotion for SABA bucks. Fred Schmidt – We are going to put a SABA buck ad in directory. Marilyn Starring asked if gifted (not purchased) SABA Bucks were differently noted for validation date. No.

EVENTS UPDATE: Next Tuesday 4 p.m. January 12th @ Park House – will talk about Winterfest. Community broomball game or Frisbee golf as an activity at Winterfest.

HARBOR COMMITTEE – Marilyn Starring went to last meeting. Looks like there may not be the funding once thought available to do the project. Marilyn asked committee about their doing other projects that need attention in the harbor (i.e. designated anchorage area). Harbor Committee is really not a body that can make these decisions – basically a steering committee made up of members from the three municipalities – need a harbor commission to do other things.

NEW BUSINESS

RJ PETERSON – What is mission of SABA this year? Wondering if it is better to take his dues money to use for projects already underway? SABA needs to protect and enhance the tourist attractions. Consolidation – if we were consolidated it would be a lot easier to work out some of these problems. Chamber is currently sending out letter for funding. Some things we have to do so everyone can make money – we have to consolidate in one way or the other. Lawyers are being hired, petition process – from a vote of the people for consolidation (Chamber is doing this). Chamber is considering a Park Street hiking and riding trail to Oval Beach.

DOUGLAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MARKET DAYS – SABA recently received a letter of request for support from the 5th grade classes. They need someone to talk to the students before the actual market days occur in regards to marketing – suggested Mike Carey talk to the students - making, marketing and selling it. The 5th graders are doing this to raise money for their field trip to Greenfield Village & Henry Ford Museum. Also asked if SABA would be interested in some sort of a ‘matching grant’ or ‘bonuses if a student reaches a target goal – would send this part out as a separate e-mail request to members. Toni Trudell said that she would be willing to go with Mike and explain B&B’s. Asked Janet to contact teacher to see exactly what they would like.

Mike Carey – anything going on with parking? Angela Holmes– Not yet.

Janet Schmidt and Jodi White are going to Town Crier meeting tonight at high school.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

SABA Monthly Meeting – February 3rd @ 8:30 a.m.

Winterfest Weekend – February 12 – 15

Stew & Brew Feb 14th 2 to 5 p.m. White House Bistro

Meeting adjourned.