Springport Area Growth Association
General Meeting Minutes for June 17, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Lisa Mitchell at 7:08 pm at the Springport Township Hall.  Members and guests present included: Megan Merrill, Jeff Mitchell, Jackie and Dan Merritt, Bill Russell, Samantha Thacker, Tim and Linda Griffith, Wiley C. Partz, Chuck and Sue Arntz.

Motion by Megan and seconded by Bill to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Jeff to approve the minutes as read, seconded by Lisa.  Motion carried.

Samantha Thacker, Treasurer reported that SAGA has a balance of $2,053.65 as of 6/17/09.  Income consisted of book sales, donations, quilt raffle, and spotlight; while expenses included envelopes, crayons, flowers, and dirt.  Motion by Megan and seconded by Bill to accept the treasurer’s report per audit.  Motion carried. 

Under committee reports, the Events committee has 2009 8-80 Days for June 19, 20, 21, 2009 planning underway.  Items included:

• The SAGA balloons were ordered and are in (along with the helium tank).
• The Awesome 3K Run has over 150 pre-registered runners/walkers.  Because of the volume of t-shirts ordered and time to get them done, only pre-registered runners (by June 1st) will be guaranteed a shirt (150 were ordered a $7.40 each). An extra shirt order was not done because it would require significant funds and there is already a $350 shortfall from the shirt total and sponsorship.  Motion by Lisa and seconded by Jeff to up the 3K sponsorship by SAGA to equal $250.00 total.  Motion carried.
• SAGA will be making parking signs downtown.
• A quilt donated by Bev Sims will be raffled off at $1.00/ticket or 6 for $5.00 to benefit SAGA and the Springport cemetery - the quilt will be on display at the Township Hall.
• Hats, shirts, and miscellaneous SAGA items will be for sale at the Township Hall during 8-80 Days.
• The 2009 8-80 Days Parade on Sat. June 20th, line-up will be at 11:00 am at the Springport High School parking lot and the parade will begin at noon. (Contact Steve Keeler, 517-857-3366)
• SAGA will be showcasing local bands during 8-80 Days on Friday June 19th from 7:30 - 9pm and Saturday June 20th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm.  Please contact Mr. Arntz at (517) 857-3698 for more information.
• The 8-80 Day sponsors sign downtown has been updated for 2009 thanks to Susie Merritt.

The Fundraising/Membership committee reported that we are still interested in working with Springport Football on a Poker tournament license.  SAGA has a new member, Clay, who would like to get involved. 

The Media and Public Relations committee reported that Jackie sent out several press releases for 8-80 Days.  It was discussed that next year we would like to work with 105.3 to get an on-site DJ. The Springport business brochure that is being updated in cooperation with the DDA will print approximately 5,000 brochures for distribution and the first 50 businesses to respond in the Springport area can pay $10 to get their phone number listed; please contact Lisa Mitchell at Homestead Bank for more information; the schedule will consist of letters sent out July 1st with responses by August 1st to "make it in" the brochure.

The Townships Committee reported that the equine park organization has narrowed down to 3 organizations, STEP is within the 3 organizations. STEP is currently working on a PowerPoint presentation to deliver to the equine park organization.  It was also reported that the Jackson Ag Council met with one of Mark Schauer's representatives this morning to discuss the impact that budget cuts have on the agricultural community.  The Farmfest tour will the third Saturday of September and sites are being selected for the tour.  There is a township ordinance officer that will be on duty 6 hours/week, the contact information is posted at the township hall.
The Youth Outreach Committee, didn't have anything to report, but it was reported that the Nutrition Day Camp hosted by the agriscience department at the high school was kicked off on Tuesday.  The day camp is open to elementary students from 9am - 3pm in the ag barn and teaches students about nutrition through gardening and agriculture.
Under Old Business, no items to report.
Under New Business, the parade was discussed.  Also, don't forget to BRING non-perishable FOOD items to 8-80 Days to donate to the Springport Food Pantry.
Under Open Forum, the race track was discussed, it is unknown when races will be scheduled by the track.
The next SAGA meeting will be Wednesday July 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Springport Township Hall.  Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Merrill, SAGA Secretary