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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_BusinessForum_1/25/2021MINUTES VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA TEQUESTA BUSINESS FORUM January 25, 2021 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. with introductions being made. Present were Mayor Brennan, Vice -Mayor Stone, Village Manager Jeremy Allen, Village Clerk Lori McWilliams, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce President Noel Martinez, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Representative Brittany Cartwright, and business owners Laura Spaulding, Amy Angelo, Megan Woodard, Chelsea Paine, Keith Cini, Harrison Vaughn, Chris Atkins, Mark Eble, Stephen Smith, Lisa Hoyer, and Kimberly Vanderpol. 1. Issues Facing Tequesta Businesses: The issues discussed were Covid19, US1 bridge closure, increased railroad activity, the upsurge in rental prices, signage codes, lack of events, and water and sewage prices. Specific issues of Covid19 were discussed including lower traffic due to fear, reopening confusions and inconsistencies between State and County regulations. The fall 2022 US1 bridge closure was also considered and the expected difficulties of traffic and traveling into the Village. A discussion took place about the benefits of the Waze app. 2. What Makes Tequesta Special? Ideas were expressed on what makes Tequesta special and a destination for consumers and businesses. Among the attributes were restaurants, coffee shops, the welcoming nature of The Village and the small town feel. The healthy lifestyle of Tequesta was also discussed in great length from the outdoor activities including hiking, biking, trails and beaches, to its historical nature. 3. Overcoming Issues Tequesta Business Forum Minutes January 25, 2021 Page 2 Events were considered a number one priority to help overcome the issues facing local businesses. Among the events mentioned were farmers markets, plaza events, street fairs, A Taste of Delray type of event, sidewalk sales, culinary events, an artist village and Tequesta tours (golf carts and bike tours). A calendar of festivals was mentioned. It was noted that prior to Covid Tequesta had more events and the Tequesta website listed the events. A local Business Directory and a Facebook page for Tequesta businesses was also talked through, with the aim of keeping it local to Tequesta only. A "Welcome Wagon" was a popular idea shared, and the idea of a brochure directory printed for realtors to distribute to new residents and businesses. The meeting also explored the idea of creating an identity for the Village of Tequesta with a logo that was more printer and merchandise friendly. 4. Action Items and Plan A task force was implemented to meet once a month with discussions on four main topics: 1. Marketing and how to attract consumers to The Village 2. Communication from the Village to local businesses with a social media focus 3. Events 4. Business recruitment The following representatives volunteered to be team leaders: Communications: Lisa Hoyer, Amy Angelo and chamber staff to assist Events: Kimberly Vanderpol, Stephen Smith and Chris Atkins and Laura Spalding to assist Social Media: Chelsea Paine Business Recruitment: Mark Eble and Brittany Cartwright to assist Village Manager Allen and North Chamber President Martinez would assist all team chairs. For the next meeting Noel and Lisa would work on communication ideas for the village, Chelsea would work on social media content ideas and calendar, Kimberly and Stephen would work on what events have worked and should be continued, and Mark and Brittany would analyze the business directory for well represented categories and where growth was needed. Tequesta Business Forum Minutes January 25, 2021 Page 3 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 4p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lori McWilliams, MMC Village Clerk Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's office.