AUBURN’S HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITES COMMISSION
Meeting minutes from November 9, 2011 at Stardust Foundation Conference Room
Present: M. Alberici, B. Chabot, A. Fuller, E. McHugh, S. Muldoon, C. Reilley, M. Vanek
Excused: P. Carter, D. Stankus, K. Walker
Absent: G. Brower, D. Lamb, J. Loperfido,
Approval of the Minutes
E. McHugh read the Commission’s mission and vision statements. E. McHugh made a motion to accept the10/12/11 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by A. Fuller. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Approval of the Treasurer’s Report
B. Murdoch reported on expenses since 10/12/11. A. Fuller made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. The motion was seconded by M. Vanek.~ All were in favor and the motion carried.
Site Directors
E. McHugh stated that the Nov. 4th First Friday event did have a lot lower attendance – about 25 people. B. Chabot stated her numbers were down as well - 52 people. However, both sites recognize that attendance is lower this time of the year but are grateful when 1st time visitors stop by, as was the case. All participating sites are very encouraged with the event and will continue the event every 1st Friday of the month except January.
Marketing Committee
M. Vanek showed the new video recently created to help promote the economic value of Cayuga County Tourism. The Commission members thought the video was outstanding and suggested that it be put on public access TV and well as any other venue possible. M. Vanek spoke of the inquiry numbers as a result of the Meredith advertising initiative. Numbers were down dramatically, due to the fact that additional listings in the magazines were not allowed this year. M. Vanek stated that it was no longer cost effective to advertise in these magazines, and asked the group for suggestions that we may utilize instead. M. Vanek asked if the sites were, or could in the future, capture information from their visitors as to where they have heard about us. B. Chabot, E. McHugh, and M. Alberici all said that they
had some information to share, and would develop ways to get more accurate information in the future. M. Vanek asked that if anyone had any advertising suggestions, to please let her know. She will set up a Marketing meeting after the 1st of the year when new promotional opportunities are available.
Community Outreach
C. Rielley said that S. Muldoon was approached by Sheila Mikkelson asking if the Seymour Library could become a stop on the “Passport to History” Program. The Commission members felt that as long as all students visiting the library would be entitled to a library card, that the library would be in a position to take the students on a tour, and that questions could be developed for the passport, the library could be added in the future reprints. M. Alberici will contact Sheila and explain the conditions.
Unfinished Business
M. Alberici reported that the amendment changing Auburn Public Theater to a “Designee” status was passed. However, it needs to be stated on an up-to-date form with current information. M. Alberici will meet with John Rossi to see that the change is completed.
Arts & Economic Study
E. McHugh reported that 550 surveys have been returned. The total number needed by the end of the year was 800. She will be out at different events through the end of the year hoping to achieve that number. E. McHugh stated that D. Lamb was handing them out to visitors that were coming to the quilt exhibit. M. Alberici will see that the surveys are handed out at the Concert at Willard Chapel on 11/13.
New Business
M. Alberici stated that a meeting has been set for 11/16 to meet with Laurel Auchampaugh, who has put together some verbiage for the PODCAST initiative. The information will have to be reviewed by the committee as well as the staff from Fort Hill Cemetery. The goal is to have a finished product by spring for locals and visitors to enjoy.
B. Murdoch said that the Cultural Heritage Tourism Workshop was worthwhile. She, along with E. McHugh, C. Longyear, and Miranda Traudt attended the event. The main speaker, Cheryl Hargrove, gave an excellent presentation. She highlighted ways to attract more visitors, both locally and outside our area. Setting up history awareness activities, engaging schools, educating media, working with accommodations and other attractions to cross-promote and develop packages, are some of the ideas she mentioned.
B. Murdoch said that all the participating sites for 2011 Holiday Traditions have provided their event details; posters will be created the week of 11/14, and as soon as they are completed,
B. Murdoch would get them to all the sites. She will contact The Citizen, to see the possibility of displaying the banner on their building. Advertising will be in the Dickens Guide insert of the Post Standard, and a press release will be prepared. C. Reilley will mention the event when she does a radio interview on WAUB for the Holiday Parade.
Announcements
A. Fuller said the Phyllis Goldman Award luncheon is scheduled for 11/18/11 at the Aurora Inn. The Chamber Holiday party is scheduled for 12/7/11 at Highland Park Golf Club.
B. Chabot announced that there will be candlelight tours at the Seward house the first three weekends in December, at 6:00 & 7:00pm. Tickets will be $10/adults. John Kinglsey has been hired as the new Director of Education. B. Chabot was very pleased to announce that Auburn has been designated a “Preserve America Community” by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This designation would help the city apply for future grants.
M. Alberici mentioned the Ukrainian Trio In Concert: “The Games of the Creative Mind” is scheduled for 2pm at Willard Memorial Chapel. Lou Nocilly's “Jazzitude”, will perform on 1/31/12 at 2pm. The annual Amateur Chef’s night will be held on 2/2/12 at 6pm at the Springside Inn.
E. McHugh stated that the Cayuga Museum’s annual Holiday Party fundraiser will be held 11/19/11. Tickets are $50, which entitles 2 guests to attend the party, and 1 chance in a drawing for $1000.
C. Reilley is attending the Customer of Service Training, set up by the Chamber of Commerce. She feels the training is worthwhile, especially for front line staff that would encounter visitors. The Annual Holiday parade will be held 11/26/11. New floats will be at the parade, and family fun events will take place between 3 & 5pm.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 A.M. by A. Fuller. The motion was seconded by E. McHugh. The next Commission meeting will be held at 10:00AM, December, 14th at Willard Memorial Chapel.
Recorded by Barbara Murdoch
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