mins. Dec 10, 2009

OHVA MEMBERS:

Our Dec. meeting was called to order by Chairwoman, Judy Dickerson
In attendance were members: Jim Anderson- Museum Cafe, Capt Mike Milsap-Sunshine River Tours with guest Terry Johnson-Dragon Boat Races, Don & Karen Franklin- Fl. River Tours, Susan Mitchell-Nature Coast Friends of Blues, Louise Whitney-Glass Garage, Mitch Simmons-Neon Leon's,  and guests Diane Toto-Civic Club and John Clardy, P.A. from Crystal River.
Skipped over the treasurer's report to John Clardy, P.A. to fill us in on info for the 501c3.  Diane Toto was also informative with this info and felt it was a lot of work and accounting follows with this status.  After a lengthy discussion, John Clardy will further look into this for us and felt non-profit was how we should be consider.  We are advertising and bringing more awareness to Old Homosassa as a destination.  That is how our ads have been titled with our businesses being part of the places to discover and enjoy.  We read over a sample mission statement for review, consensus was it was too lengthy?
I am throwing this out to all members:  What is your vote on this issue?  The filing of the not for profit.  Our marketing of Old Homosassa is for the awareness of the community and what we have to offer.  So email your vote.
We will need officers, board of directors, and by laws.

As Diane Toto filled us in on the Civic Club's agenda.  We agreed to maintain the OHVA separate and offer our help to the Civic Club on different venues.  Keeping our focus on the marketing of Old Homosassa as a destination.

Capt Mike introduced Terry Johnson and showed a part of the video on the Dragon race events.  He gave us info onthe forming of a crew to man the Dragon boat (need 22 for each crew).  It is $10 to sign up and $1 for each practice.  This goes to maintaining the boat.
Where else can you go out on the river for 2 hrs and get exercise for that price?  Get more members so we can form crews and put together a race event here in 2010.  Nationals are in Tampa in 2011.  This is a World Wide Event.
For more info contact Capt Mike at 628-3450 or myself at 503-6317.
We still need more crew members for the Christmas Boat parade, as we will be entering in the parade Dec. 19th, and help decorating.
Lend a hand or an oar or both.
Motion was made by Jim Anderson to donate $100 to the Civic Club for sponsorship of the Christmas Parade.  OHVA will be listed as a sponsor (community businesses).  Motion was second by Karen Johnsonand carried by majority vote.  Thank you

Mitch Simmon's gave us a short accounting of our funds left over from the advertising dollars on our campaign.
We have pretty much agreed we need to have a membership drive in 2010.  We will discuss membership dues (some suggestions were)
$120 per year, $10 a month, where else can you get the joint advertising we do for that price??  Please give some thought to what you what included in our mission statement and invite others to join in our efforts.  We all benefit by creating new awareness to our community.  Mitch will do some looking at other advertising avenues such as the Tampa Tribune and others for OHVA.
Our red arrow is now in place on the Chamber sign on 19 with our logo (across from the Sun Trust Bank)  Check it out
We will now focus on one for corner of Yulee (across from Burger King)
OHVA has operated 6 months as we are and achieved great things- local maps for visitors, web site, advertising campaigns, membership in the Chamber.  Thanks Jim for the bigger map and the printing will now be on a 8 1/2 by 14 sheet.
I believe we can keep growing and turn our map into a great brochure/advertising tool to benefit everyone.  It will take more members and more workers to achieve these goals in 2010.
Diane Toto also gave us some info on the restoration of Blue Bird Springs as a swimming area.  They are still in needof funds to finish this project.  OHVA members should keep this in mind.  This would be great to have operational for residents and visitors.
We received our first fan mail and was read for everyone.  Good to know we are being recognized  in our community.
Alicia Lowe brought up the subject of our local post office and its need for our support as businesses.  Our post office is very valuable to our community and we would be lost without it.  Please stop in and talk with Debbie and see what we can do to support her and keep our post office open.
Meeting was adjourned   Jan meeting is January 14th  6pm Museum Cafe

Give some thought to this: 
Inverness has Cooter Festival, Races, Dog Show Parades etc.
Crystal has Heritage Days, Market Days Manatee Festival, Stone Crab Jam
Floral City has Heritage Days and Festival, walking tours of Historical Homes
Dunnellon has Heritage Days, Boomtown Days and Market Sats.
Old Homosassa Seafood Festival, Raft race, Christmas Parade, 4th of July Festival, and Cobia Tournament
WHY can't we fill in with more new events Scallop Festival, Fall Festival, Dragon Boat Races, Jr Fishing Tournaments with the Elementary School and fishing guides
I believe we can work together as a powerful group and select 2 new projects for 2010
Let's Make It Happen  It takes good men to make a great 2010
Thanks
Merry Christmas & Happy NewYear
Judy Dickerson/Chairwoman