Town Government / Town Services / Regulations & Ordinances / Town Information / Town Departments / Mailbox
Minutes
TOWN BUSINESS LIAISON COMMITTEE
MINUTES
January 10, 2008
The Vienna Town Business Liaison Committee (T/BLC) held a meeting at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Vienna Town Hall. Present were Chairman William Harrison, Mark Uhron, Deborah Brehony, Orlene Grant, and Kurt Frogale. Also attending representing the staff were Julie A. Morris, Planner, and Jennifer M. Murphy, Committee Clerk.
Roll Call:
Ms. Murphy called roll. All members are present.
Approval of the Agenda:
Chairman Harrison stated that he would like to add a couple of items to the agenda. The items are action items and the resignation of a Committee member.
Mr. Frogale made a motion to adopt the updated agenda. Ms. Brehony seconded the motion.
Motion: Frogale
Second: Brehony
Carried: 5-0
Action Items:
Chairman Harrison asked if staff would be willing to put together a list of action items for the Committee. He stated that the Committee has been doing a lot more and will probably be doing more. It would be helpful to have a list of action items provided to the Committee after each meeting. The list will let them know who is supposed to be doing what as not everyone can attend all meetings. It will be good to have a list letting them know what is going on when they are not there. Ms. Morris agreed.
Resignation of Committee Member:
Chairman Harrison stated that they have received notice that Ms. Wolfand has resigned from the Committee. He stated that Ms. Wolfand has served on the Committee for nine years chairing the Committee for most of that time. It would be nice to recognize her for that service. They could request that the Town Council pass a Resolution of Appreciation. The Mayor could present it at the Recognition of Volunteers Ceremony in April. He asked for thoughts or comments. Ms. Grant agreed that would be nice as it was a ceremony that Ms. Wolfand liked very much. Chairman Harrison stated that a letter of appreciation signed by each of the Committee members could also be sent. Ms. Brehony stated that it was a long time to serve and to chair a Committee. She stated that in recognition of that service they could give out a “Carole Wolfand Business Award.” Chairman Harrison agreed stating that they could also rename their Community Service Award to the Carole Wolfand.
Ms. Brehony made a motion to rename the Community Service Award to the Carole Wolfand Community Service Award. Ms. Grant seconded the motion.
Motion: Brehony
Second: Grant
Carried: 5-0
Chairman Harrison stated that he will contact Mayor Jane Seeman to discuss the matter. He stated that the in the Town Newsletter there is a form for recognizing volunteers. He asked that they be sure to fill out the form if there is any business in Town who they would like to recognize. He will bring the letter of appreciation to the next meeting so that the Committee members can sign it.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Report on recruitment of new T/BLC members
Chairman Harrison asked staff if they have received any more applications since the last meeting. Ms. Morris answered no. Chairman Harrison stated that they are expecting one more. Ms. Brehony agreed, stating that they have picked up an application but have not submitted it. She stated that she would try to contact them.
Chairman Harrison stated that they should continue their efforts to try to recruit new members on the Committee. Ms. Brehony stated that they could ask to run an advertisement in the newsletter and/or the website for the VTRCC (Vienna Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce.) They might be able to make an announcement at one of the next functions.
Chairman Harrison asked if Mr. Frogale could contact the VTRCC about the matter. Additional discussion followed. Chairman Harrison will contact Ms. Kisner to also publish an announcement in the Towns newsletter.
2. Report on Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Ms. Brehony stated that she had visited two of the new businesses. Zen Floral Design is located in the same business as Healing Hands Massage. They were closed with no site of activity. She thought that they might be open part time. She also visited Bodytize who sells body jewelry. They are interested in holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony maybe the week before Valentines Day. They hope to drum up some publicity before the holiday. Valentines Day is one of their largest anticipated sales days.
Additional discussion followed regarding the protocol for scheduling a ribbon cutting. Ms. Brehony will contact the business to set a schedule. Mr. Harrison will contact Mayor Seeman’s office to discuss available timeframes.
Chairman Harrison stated that there are two new businesses. He stated that Maple Cleaners has had a change of ownership. Ms. Grant asked if they were to contact businesses that have had a change in ownership only. Chairman Harrison noted that it is not a new business but they do require a new license. Ms. Grant stated that she would contact the Spa and would contact the Cleaners if the committee wants her to. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the businesses will receive a welcome packet including those who have had a change in ownership. Ms. Grant will be in contact with both Maple Cleaners and Spa.
3. Discuss further the Basketball Championship venture with the Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Brehony stated that she received some information from Diane Poldy. She stated that Mr. Tom Hanton is the Board member responsible for the East/West Basketball game and Mr. Russell Brannan is willing to do the legwork to make it happen. She has been given their contact information. She will work with Committee members divvying up jobs as it starts to grow. She will be in touch with Mr. Hanton to discuss it further. Chairman Harrison asked that Ms. Brehony let them know via email how the discussion went. Ms. Brehony agreed.
4. Discuss plans for Virginia Business Appreciation Week
Chairman Harrison stated that Ms. Grant had been researching information on the Business Appreciation Week. Ms. Grant passed around packets of information for the Committee to review. She stated that there is a lot of information available online at the State’s website and proceeded to review the information contained in the packet.
Chairman Harrison stated that they might want to give a Certificate of Appreciation to their Community Service Award recipient. They may be able to combine it with their Chamber of Commerce Basketball Tournament. Ms. Brehony stated that it might end up being a baseball or golf tournament dependant upon the time frame. She stated that it might be something that they could hold with the businesses and the VTRCC at Waters Field followed by hotdogs, sodas, and chips. Ms. Grant asked if they had a budget for such an event. Additional discussion followed and was determined that Mr. Frogale will contact Ms. Poldy to discuss the idea of hosting an event with the VTRCC. He will report back at next months meeting. Mr. Uhron stated that they might be able to get media attention from the local news stations. Chairman Harrison stated that they will discuss the item next month so that Mr. Frogale will have time to find out additional information.
5. Elect new officers for committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman
Ms. Morris passed around ballots to the committee members. Ms. Grant stated that she is not a business representative so that she would not be eligible as Chair. Chairman Harrison agreed stating that everyone else would be. Ms. Grant’s name was struck from the ballot.
Chairman Harrison stated that there is no clear term of office and thought that it should be a one-year term. It should be one calendar year serving though December 31 of that year. The Committee would hold an election at the end of the year. He asked staff if it was specified in the Charter. Ms. Morris answered that it has been a long-standing tradition. He asked the Committee if that is acceptable. All members agreed.
Ms. Brehony asked to remove herself from the ballot as she has other commitments. Ms. Brehony’s name was removed from the ballot. A brief discussion followed and was determined upon vote that Mr. Harrison would continue to serve as Chair.
Ms. Grant asked to remove herself from the ballot for vice-chair, as she will have to miss a couple of meetings due to travel. A brief discussion followed and was determined upon vote that Mr. Frogale will be vice-chair.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Update on Community Service Award nominations
Chairman Harrison asked staff for an update. Ms. Morris stated that there were one or two people who asked questions about the event but she has not received actual nominations for the award. She stated that she could follow up with them. There was one person, Mr. Billy Thompson but there was a question as to whether or not they were located in the Town.
Ms. Brehony stated that she could not think of another individual who has done more for the community than Mr. Thompson. She noted that they do live in the Town. Chairman Harrison stated that the description of the award makes it possible to recognize an individual or company. He noted that Mr. Thompson has sold his company so that it is irrelevant whether the business is located in or out of Town. Ms. Brehony asked if the award would be specific to Mr. Thompson and not his company. Chairman Harrison answered yes as he personally is the one who has made these contributions to the Town. If they should choose him they could word the recognition in such a way that it acknowledges both he and the company. As they are close to the deadline he asked if they, as a Committee, could nominate anyone or should they actively outreach to the community to obtain nominations. Ms. Grant asked when the deadline is. Ms. Morris answered that it is at the end of the month. Additional discussion followed. Ms. Morris will follow up with those who had questions and remind them of the deadline. She will also contact Mayor Seeman as she had nominations for the last award.
Ms. Grant stated that she is waiting to hear back on the cost and mock-up for the award. She expected to hear back and would touch base with the Committee when she had more information. Chairman Harrison thought that there should be enough money in the budget to cover framing. He asked that she let him know if there was an issue.
2. Discuss rescheduling the February 14 meeting
Chairman Harrison asked if they would like to reschedule the meeting as some of the staff will be unable to attend. Mr. Uhron stated that he too would not be able to attend the meeting due to work travel. Discussion followed and was determined that everyone can meet February 12th.
Ms. Grant made a motion to reschedule the T/BLC meeting for February to the 12th in order to accommodate travel schedules and to ensure a quorum. Mr. Uhron seconded the motion.
Motion: Grant
Second: Uhron
Carried: 5-0
3. Discuss year-long continuing contact for new businesses
Chairman Harrison asked Ms. Brehony to describe her proposal for the Committee. Ms. Brehony stated that she had thought to put together something that would last for two years and find a way to track new businesses for approximately two years. She explained that for the first three months someone from the committee would call and/or stop by once a month for three months. They would check on them again every three months until the end of the second year. That way the business has contact with the Town and the T/BLC. It is a good way to express to the business community the Town’s interest in them and their concerns.
Mr. Frogale agreed that was a good idea. He stated that he has kept in touch with some of the businesses that he initially contacted for Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies. It would be nice to check up on them. Ms. Grant stated that with that much commitment of time it would be good to evaluate it at the end of a year trial. How is it going, is the level of intensity on target or is there a trend about new businesses who tend to have these problems. They could collect that information so that the Committee can discuss the issues. Chairman Harrison stated that they have not discussed whether T/BLC is an advocate for other Committees. Ms. Brehony stated that they would act as a sounding Board where they would listen and report back if need be. Additional discussion followed.
Ms. Brehony made a motion that the T/BLC begin a continuing contact program for Vienna businesses, which would entail an initial contact for the ribbon cutting ceremony, contact during the next 30 days, another contact during the next month, the 3rd contact. A 4th contact would be at the 6th month. At that time the Committee will re-evaluate to determine if they should carry it forward for a one or two year period. She proposes that they start with the businesses that are ready for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mr. Uhron seconded the motion.
Motion: Brehony
Second: Uhron
Carried: 5-0
4. Discuss any issues from the business community
No issues from the business community.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer M. Murphy
Committee Clerk