MEETING MINUTES

February 9, 2010

The next informal meeting of the Center City Committee

will be March 2, 2010

8:30 AM

at

The Coffee Mill

23 Palmer Street

The next meeting of the Stakeholder Representatives

will be

Tuesday February 23, 2010 8:30 AM

The MCC Morse Federal Building

East Merrimack Street

Present: George DeLuca, Mike Frye, Capt. Thomas Kennedy, Ted Lavash, Bill Lipchitz, Jamie O’Hearn, Anne Ruthmann, Chris Samaras, Shirley St. Juste, Steve Syverson, and Terry Williams

The meeting opened at 8:30 AM.

Terry started the meeting by updating the committee on the Chamber’s Downtown Lowell Business Committee meeting February 8^th at the Mayor’s Reception Room. Tom Hooke and Jeannie Tremblay from UMass Lowell were at that meeting to update the committee on the UCard. Tom Hooke remarked that there were some unforeseen glitches in getting the card out last summer, and that this year they expect to have even more students using the card. During the June and July orientation they will market the card to students’ parents. In addition, this year they will also make a concerted effort to market to UMass faculty and staff. 778 cards are presently being used. Most of the users are freshman, however it is hoped that as they progress through their studies they will continue to use the card. To date 40 off-campus vendors have signed up to offer the UCard at their businesses. This list can be found at www.onecardgivesback.uml.edu. There have been complaints by local businesses that fees charged to use the UCard and a disappointing turnout of students using it have not made it worthwhile. UMass Lowell is working with Holland Payment Systems and will be doing much more analysis of who is using the card, etc.

Terry also reported that the businesses attending the DLBC meeting were receptive to staying open late on Thursday evenings, and agreed that if businesses are willing to try, they must make a commitment to do it for at least six months to a year. However, retailers and restaurateurs must agree on a timeframe and decide collectively what they can afford. It was suggested that if they do stay open later, it be advertised to Crosspoint Towers, area hospitals, and other large employers.

Anne Ruthmann talked about a program she was running through UMass Lowell honors program called “Foody Fridays” in which 10-12 honors students meet weekly in downtown restaurants. Anne also suggested having someone from the Chamber develop a marketing plan to advertise extended hours on Thursday evenings.

Anne also reported that she was working with someone who was researching costs and the feasibility of establishing a raw juice bar in the space previously occupied by Olive That & More. The objective would be to have a community-built café that complements Life Alive and Dharma Buns. It would be for the 20 and under crowd, would cater to families as well, with fun activities, live music, and stay open late. Anne said she has plenty of resources for the business but that funding will be the challenge.

Bill brought up the topic of the work plan for the upcoming year. The CCC will have participation in a Welcome to Lowell program aimed at UMass Lowell and MCC students as one of the goals. A discussion ensued on whether the city of the Chamber could send out a resource packet for those new to the city. It was felt that organizations and businesses would be willing to help fund some marketing materials and that the Chamber might be the logical organization to spearhead this. George DeLuca said that more cross-linking of websites with information about Lowell would be helpful.

Chris Samaras gave an update on Winterfest. He said it went very well and the numbers were good, but that some things could be changed for next year. Unfortunately funds for this year were a lot less than for previous years. He hadn’t spoken to businesses yet but planned to.

There will be no meeting next week, February 16^th, but the stakeholders’ meeting will take place on the 23^rd.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM.