Minutes

TOWN BUSINESS LIAISON COMMITTEE

MINUTES

February 12, 2009

The Vienna Town Business Liaison Committee (T/BLC) held a meeting at 7:10 PM in the Council Chambers at the Vienna Town Hall. Present were Chairman William Harrison, Chris Brunjes, Mark Uhron, Deborah Brehony, and Orlene Grant. Also present were Julie A. Morris, Planner, and Jennifer M. Murphy, Committee Clerk. Bindy Lichtenfels is absent

Roll Call:

Ms. Murphy called roll. Ms. Lichtenfels is absent.

AGENDA:

Chairman Harrison asked for corrections or additions to the agenda. There being none the agenda was accepted.

MINUTES:

Mr. Brunjes made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 8, 2009, meeting as drafted. Ms. Grant seconded the motion.

Motion: Brunjes
Second: Grant
Carried: 5-0

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Discuss Ribbon Cutting ceremonies and new business contacts

Chairman Harrison stated that there were no ceremonies held last month. He asked for a report on contacts with the business community. Mr. Brunjes answered that he had spoken to a representative from Applegate Gallery. They are interested in holding a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at any time. During the week they would prefer that it take place at 5:00 pm because they close at 6:00 pm. He stated that he has also been in contact with the Soundry. They have already held a grand opening but they still interested in holding a Ribbon Cutting. They are flexible with their available dates. He noted that the Soundry is located around the corner from Applegate Gallery so that both ceremonies could be scheduled on the same day.

Mr. Brunjes stated that he has also attempted to contact the other three new businesses. To date he has left messages with Meredith Gelman, LCSW, LLG, Vienna Nails and Spa, and Care Trans, LLC. Chairman Harrison thanked Mr. Brunjes for his report. Additional discussion followed regarding scheduling of Ribbon Cutting ceremonies for Applegate Gallery and the Soundry.

Chairman Harris stated that there are six new businesses to contact. He asked for volunteers to contact them. Mr. Brunjes volunteered to contact all six businesses that are on the list. Ms. Brehony volunteered to contact Wear Hair for you, LLC.

2. Report on contact with Fairfax County Office of Revitalization (Mark Uhron)

Mr. Uhron stated that he had been in contact with Fairfax County’s Office of Community Revitalization and Reinvestment (OCRR.) He spoke with a program manager who explained that they should contact the Director of the office, Barbara Byron. He stated that it was a good discussion, which included what the office does, how they go about revitalizing, and how they came up with the seven commercial locations that they have focused on. He has visited the website, which he noted was a wealth of information. The website provides information on how they attract commercial contractors and how they utilize government monies while working with developers. He explained that the office originally was a part of the Fairfax County Planning & Zoning Commission. The OCRR was created in July of 2007. Until that time they were a branch off the Planning & Zoning Commission for Fairfax County. In July of 2007 they were placed directly under Fairfax County Executives. Their mission is to help different portions of the communities in Fairfax County to start commercial development.

Mr. Uhron stated that the seven different localities that the OCRR is focusing on are listed on the website. They were selected by the Board of Supervisors in October 1998, which is the last time that Fairfax County revised their entire Comprehensive Plan. He explained that the Town of Vienna has performed much of the preliminary leg work such as formulating the Maple Avenue Vision. He was told that the OCRR is the office that can help them with their endeavors. They can educate on how to move forward with revitalization initiatives that the Town is interested in. He was told that someone is available to visit the Town for a meeting and suggested that Chairman Harrison get in contact with Ms. Byron to further discuss their options. They are also available to make presentations to members of the Town.

Mr. Uhron stated that, additionally, they are still in the planning stages for hosting an event called the Statement of the Economy and Revitalization Strategies. It will be an all day workshop held at the Fairfax County Government Center in mid-June. The event should include all community development organizations, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and various citizens committees. All groups will be invited to participate. He commented that it seemed like a good event to attend or to encourage members of the Department of Planning & Zoning to attend. Members of the Mayor and Town Council might also be interested in going. The Town has done everything that they can do in their efforts. The OCRR is the perfect tool to help the Town to take their information to the next level. They could also advise on use of public funding for improvements of streetscapes and so on in order to help encourage commercial development. He stated that it was a very productive conversation and reiterated that members of the O.C.R.R would be very happy to come and talk with the Town.

Mr. Uhron passed around a summary of information found on the website. He read aloud a portion, stating that they facilitate strategic redevelopment, investment opportunities within targeted commercial areas that align with the community’s vision and that improve the economic vitality, appearance and function of those areas. He stated that the O.C.R.R would take what the Town has come up with and work with that information to show how to revitalize without implementing thirty-story skyscrapers.

Chairman Harrison thanked Mr. Uhron for his presentation of information, stating that it was very interesting. He stated that he would be happy to talk with Ms. Byron. He asked if the Committee would be open to inviting a representative from the OCRR to come and present to the T/BLC. Ms. Brehony agreed, stating that it is a fortuitous time in the economy as they are not in a position to move forward but are in a position to make plans. She stated that if and when things do turn around everything will be in place to move forward. Chairman Harrison stated that he will contact Ms. Byron to request a presentation of information for the T/BLC.

Chairman Harrison introduced VTRCC (Vienna Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce) President, Ms. Diane Poldy who was present at the meeting. He stated that the VTRCC plans on sending a representative to all future T/BLC meetings. He explained that there is a provision in the by-laws that the Chairman of the Business Development Committee of the Chamber will also act as the Chamber’s liaison with the Town of Vienna. The new Chair of that Committee is David MacGillivray. He will be attending future T/BLC meetings on behalf of the VTRCC. Chairman Harrison stated that Mr. MacGillivray sent his apologies for not being able to attend the meeting. Ms. Poldy has been kind enough to attend on his behalf.

Chairman Harrison stated that the VTRCC is interested in continuing good relations with the Town and business development. Both the Town and the VTRCC have interests in common so that it will be good for both groups to work together.


3. Continue discussion of plans for the CWACS (Carol Wolfand Annual Community Service) Award presentation

Chairman Harrison stated that the Committee will hold a closed executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss nominees. He stated that they do need to make plans for obtaining and presenting an award. He will contact Ms. Lichtenfels to discuss obtaining an award.

Chairman Harrison stated that the award will be presented at the Mayor’s Volunteer Reception. He stated that they will need to provide any pertinent information to the Mayor’s office. He asked that everyone try to attend, stating that it is a nice event and a good time to see a lot of interesting persons in the Town. They are also responsible for presenting Snow Removal Awards. He asked if there are any to present. Ms. Morris answered that there is one to present.

Chairman Harrison stated that at last years award ceremony they invited Ms. Wolfand to attend. As a surprise to her they informed her that the award was being named after her. He asked if they should invite Ms. Wolfand to this year’s ceremony. Additional discussion followed and was agreed that Ms. Wolfand would be invited to attend the award ceremony.

4. Report on status of business outreach efforts to update the Dining and Retail Guides online and to gather business e-mail addresses

Chairman Harrison asked for a report from staff if they have received information. Ms. Morris answered that she has received a couple of contacts from Mr. Brunjes. She has also been in contact with the Town’s IT Department providing them with the updated information that she received. Currently they have been actively working on updating the Dining and Retail Guide. She noted that a copy of the created form has been provided for the Committee members to review. She explained that the businesses will now have the option to provide their updated information to the Towns IT Department. Additionally, a copy of the form will be sent out in the new business packets. Those who are interested can fax back a completed form. Chairman Harrison stated that it is a nice form and thanked Ms. Morris for her initiative.

Ms. Grant stated that she is making good progress on contacting her businesses. She noted that she has found that a lot of businesses have moved or are in the process of moving. She is approximately a week away from completing her list. Ms. Brehony stated that it will give them a real idea of what is going on economically and commercially within the business community. Ms. Grant stated that most of those businesses are moving to the Tysons area.

Ms. Poldy asked if the form will be available on the Town’s webpage. Ms. Morris answered yes, stating that the 2006 version has been online for some time. They are in the process of updating the guide. Ms. Poldy stated that the VTRCC is in the process of launching a wonderful new website. One of their goals is to make sure that it includes a lot of links to specific items on the Town’s website. She asked that if there are pages that they feel would be useful to the VTRCC they can provide it on their website. Ms. Morris stated that she will provide the information to Ms. Poldy.

Chairman Harrison agreed that it would be a great way to extend the reach of the T/BLC. He noted that he had exchanged emails with the Town Manager. The Town Manager is in the process of taking steps to have all of the departments collect email addresses and to review options for putting together a database. He stated that a staff member is supposed contact with him to further discuss details. He has not been in contact yet but expects to shortly. Ms. Morris stated that, with respect to the business outreach the Committee is out of funds for mailing out packets to new businesses. She stated that if the Committee makes a budget request for Business Appreciation Week they may want to include funding for new business packet mailings. She noted that they also would need to pay back the Mayor’s office for their assistance in mailing out new business packets.

Ms. Grant asked if that means that they need a larger budget. Ms. Morris answered that the Committee’s budget has always been $100 dollars, which has not stretched far enough. Ms. Grant asked if at the rate of new businesses they need a larger budget. Ms. Morris answered that it needs a budget. Chairman Harrison stated that they will keep it in mind if they do want to make a request.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Hold a closed session for the selection of the recipient of the 2009 CWACS (Carole Wolfand Annual Community Service) Award

Chairman Harrison stated that they would move the item to the end of the agenda so that Ms. Poldy will not have to sit through their discussion.

2. Discuss recycling and green incentives for commercial businesses

Chairman Harrison stated that Ms. Lichtenfels brought up the agenda item. He asked for ideas for suggestions. Mr. Brunjes asked if recycling and green incentives would come out of the Towns Department of Public Works. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the item would be continued to the next meeting in order to further discuss details with Ms. Lichtenfels.

Ms. Poldy stated that with respect to commercial recycling in the Town approximately a year ago she contacted the Department of Public Works to ask why the Town of Vienna does not provide recycling for businesses. She stated that she was told that they would call her back. She has not heard anything back. They have had businesses such as hair salons who have told them that they have tons of recycling but have found it to be too expensive to pay for private recycling. As a result they do not recycle. She’s sure that there are budgetary constraints but wanted to let them know that she has tried to have that conversation.

Chairman Harrison thanked Ms. Poldy for her information. He stated that it may be another initiative to review. They may want to add it as a topic for future discussion to the Committee’s work plan.





3. Discuss plans and funding for Virginia Business Appreciation Week to be held May 10-16, 2009: “Caring in Our Communities”

Chairman Harrison stated that Business Appreciation Week will be held May 10th through the 16th. He stated that Mayor Seeman asked the Committee to participate last year. He asked if they should consider hosting another Softball Slam or if there were other ideas. Ms. Brehony agreed that the Softball Slam was successful but felt that the overall concept of Business Appreciation Week was a failure. She considered it a failure because businesses did not participate. One of the reasons businesses did not participate was because the State of Virginia was remiss in providing materials that were promised. She explained that she received approximately 10-25% of the posters, tent cards, fliers, et cetera that were ordered from the States website. With respect to distribution, she found that people did not have the time to distribute those materials. While the game was a success she was not sure what it had to do with business appreciation. She was not certain what they could do to get businesses to participate in light of the down turned economy. She asked if there would be a way to be more supportive to the businesses.

Ms. Grant stated that the state website did offer letters where you could add your Town’s insignia. She agreed that the climate does have a damper on as she experienced with the businesses she had contacted. She had spoken to at least seven business retail establishments who are moving out of Town and roughly twenty businesses who never called back after repeated messages. She stated that something more direct like a letter that is geared towards the individual business. Ms. Brehony stated maybe a certificate could be mailed. Additional discussion followed regarding how best to show appreciation of the business community in light of current economic conditions.

Ms. Grant stated that they could print a letter in the newsletter to remind everyone to patronize Vienna businesses. Chairman Harrison asked Ms. Morris to look into the possibility of running a one page insert in the Towns Newsletter. He stated that they should place an emphasis on appreciation rather than business appreciation week. Ms. Grant stated that it could say something along the lines of “Buy Vienna.” Chairman Harrison stated that they still have time to request the Mayor and Town Council to issue a Proclamation. Ms. Brehony agreed that a Proclamation is good but was concerned that businesses would not be aware that one had been issued. Additional discussion followed and was determined that Ms. Grant will draft a letter asking citizens to support the Town Council and Vienna Government by showing appreciation towards the local businesses. The letter should be printed in the May newsletter. Ms. Grant will send out a draft of the letter before the next meeting so that the Committee can review it.

4. Discuss submissions for March newsletter (Award announcement; article on The Soundry)

Ms. Grant stated that due to scheduling they are in the process of settling on a date to hold an interview. She stated that it will take place soon. Mr. Brunjes stated that will have to be in the April newsletter. Ms. Grant agreed.

5. Discuss questions for web survey

Chairman Harrison stated that he is uncertain as to what they were trying to do with the information. Ms. Brehony explained that originally it was an attempt at asking businesses a series of questions that pertained to satisfaction of having their businesses in the Town of Vienna. The survey was to take place once they obtained email addresses. They are still in the process of gathering emails to they have not been able to move forward with the survey.

Mr. Brunjes asked if the form Ms. Morris created for posting online could also be mailed directly to the business community via the Town’s newsletter. They could see what gets returned instead of contacting each of the businesses. He noted that they could notify them that they can go to the Town’s website to enter in the information. Additional discussion followed and was determined that a notice will be published in the Towns newsletter so that businesses can go onto the Towns website to fill out the form. Ms. Morris will have the form online with the Town Dining Guide link.

6. Update the T/BLC Work Plan

Chairman Harrison stated that for March they need to delete the Softball Slam and add in an appreciation notice in the newsletter. He stated that under the Economic Development Research he will schedule a meeting with the Director of the OCRR inviting them to make a presentation at their next meeting.

7. Discuss any new issues and announcements from the business community

Chairman Harris asked if anyone had information with respect to issues or announcements from the business community. Ms. Brehony stated that she will be leaving the Town in the summer. Chairman Harris thanked her for the notification. He stated that with respect to the existing vacancy on the Committee, he has been inquiring about it and has been promised that the Town Council will move on it soon. He is still waiting to hear back. Mr. Brunjes asked if there are people who are interested in serving. Ms. Brehony answered yes, stating that there are several. Chairman Harrison stated that there are at least three applicants that he is aware. Ms. Brehony agreed that it needs to move quickly. She is aware of an application that has been in for three months. Chairman Harrison agreed, stating that he is aware of one that has been in for six months. He stated that he has spoken to former member, Kurt Frogal. He stated that Mr. Frogale was still receiving his monthly paycheck from the Committee. He has been returning it to the Town. He stated that Ms. Morris has rectified the issue, which they appreciate. In light of how long it takes to get official action, he hoped that they would move quickly. Additional discussion followed.

Chairman Harrison stated that the Committee will repair to executive session in order to consider nominees for the CWACS (Carol Wolfand Annual Community Service) Award.

Ms. Poldy thanked the Committee for allowing her to be apart of the Committee meeting, stating her appreciation and that it is nice to hear of all of the things that they are doing. She asked that they let the VTRCC know if there is anything that they can do to help to support their efforts.

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,


Jennifer M. Murphy
Committee Clerk

Town Government  / Town Services  / Regulations & Ordinances  / Town Information  / Town Departments  / Mailbox