September 2006 Minutes

President Joyce Little called the meeting to order.

Felix Hinson gave the invocation.

In the absence of Secretary Pat Allen, Annabelle Morgan read the minutes of the August meeting. On a motion by Felix Hinson and second by Jewell Parker, the minutes were approved as read.

In the absence of Reggie Hinson, Joyce Little gave the Treasurer’s report. The association has (withheld) with all current bills paid.

Annabelle Morgan reported that the magazine committee is finishing the work on the 2007 edition of the book.

Bob Barbee reported on the last Cruise-in, perhaps the biggest crowd yet attended. Many were newcomers to the event. We were disappointed that only one Rolls Royce arrived, a White Cloud. The committee put an ad in the Charlotte Auto Fair magazine inviting attendees to Oakboro. We will have two special cruise-ins on September 15 and 16 at 5:00 for those who wish to come.

Joyce reported that the Town of Oakboro would like some help in cleaning up. We must encourage people to use the trash receptacles on the sidewalk.

Bob Barbee introduced Sandy Hinson, manager of Harmanco’s at the Fountain Grill. He indicated that the management had agreed to work with the Town to be open for special events.

Joyce recognized Michael Huneycutt, a guest who is currently running for Clerk of Superior Court in Stanly County. He described the duties of the office and asked for support for his candidacy.

Joyce recognized guest Lindsey Dunevant, currently running for Stanly County Commissioner. He described his background and his goal of helping make Stanly County grow.

Greta Lint reported the following:
1. We continue to build a photographic image library. Daniel Coston, professional photographer, worked the last cruise-in and will be here again today.
2. Michael Hoover, Elvis Tribute Artist, will be here on Sept. 16, coinciding with the cruise-in set up for Auto Fair attendees.
3. The ATV races at Big Lick Festival Park draw a huge crowd and will be on Sept.16th as well.
4. Sponsors are being recruited for the next season’s cruise-ins. Corporate sponsorships are available. A key issue to address with them will be the percentage of increase in business/sales derived from the event.
5. Bob and Greta have been working on a business plan for the Music Hall.
6. News releases have been sent for various events around town, including the ATV races, Music Hall events, cruise-in and burnout. Work is currently being done on the Ground Breaking for the Railroad Museum on Sept. 16th.
7. Michael Lackey will be in Oakboro during the September cruise-in to show his movie. It has been shortened to about 60 minutes and will be edited to improve the film’s impact for television viewing. He is working closely with the movie editor from the Charlotte Observer after having been rejected by a couple of film festivals. Because he intends to resubmit the film, he will not be selling any DVD’s or other products at this time.
8. The North Carolina Welcome Centers will again offer space for us to showcase Oakboro on October 13th, just prior to the race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
9. Again, Greta thanked the group for giving us the opportunity to hire photographer Daniel Coston. His images are sharp and on target.
10. Bill Russ from the North Carolina Office of Tourism also attended the latest cruise-in and made pictures that will be used in his office to promote Oakboro.
11. Contact has been made with Susan Dosier, former editor at Southern Living Magazine. She is currently living in Charlotte and works for an advertising agency there. She is a lead writer for North Carolina publications.

Bob Barbee reported on the Ground Breaking for the Oakboro Railroad Museum set for September 16th at 10:00AM. This facility will help attract tourist from distances to our town.

The Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railroad has, in the past, run excursion trains; and they have asked us to place a concrete pad on the side next to the railroad for the possible future use of such a train. Annabelle has invitations for each of you to the event and we encourage you to come join us and we get this replica of the old depot completed. Greta will be helping us with publicity for the event as well.

Joyce brought up the idea of Old Fashioned Christmas event normally planned for the Saturday after the Christmas parade. So far, no one has come forward to plan the event. A final decision must be made by next meeting.

The next meeting of the association will be October 5th at night. This is one of our two night meetings held so people who cannot leave their businesses during the day can attend.

Bob Barbee moved adjournment and Felix Hinson seconded. The motion passed.

End