Pecatonica Improvement Association

“The purpose of this association is to promote the betterment of the Pecatonica area”

Meeting Minutes for meeting held on September 3, 2003

                President:           Dr. Don Sandell                 Secretary:                             Janet Fuenty

                Treasurer:           Joy Seaton                   Member at large: Ed Smith

Members in attendance:  Don Sandell, Mark Doran, Carol Betty, Joy Seaton, Sharon Woodward, MaryAnn Newton, George Anderson, Ed Smith, Robert Andino, Ken Countryman and Janet Fuenty 

Meeting called to order by Donald Sandell at 8:00 a.m.

New members and businesses are always encouraged.  A special welcome was extended to Sharon Woodward of the Crooked River Outpost and MaryAnn Newton of Retrospectives, new antique boutiques opening soon in downtown Pecatonica.  A special welcome was also extended to Dr. Robert Andino a new chiropractic specialist in our area.  It was also noted that the new Subway has opened as well as our new nail salon, Up Town Girl.  

New Business

The ground-breaking has begun for the new fitness center, a 5,000 square feet new building on the north end of our downtown, which will also house a daycare and has additional office space for rent. 

George Anderson announced that an electronics store is searching for a building or land upon which to occupy an electronics retail outlet of approximately 4,000 square feet.

George Anderson reported that the recent business breakfast was a success.  Jim Sacia spoke to an audience of approximately 35 people who all gained insightful information into their small business.   We all hope to make this a quarterly event.

The block party is planned for September 6^th.  There will be two bands and lots of entertainment.  Thank you to George Anderson for putting this all together.

Also, this weekend the PIA is sponsoring a sidewalk sale on Friday and Saturday.  We hope to see you all downtown.  Members are attempting to get a toy distributor and a knitting specialist, and a scrap-booking  retailer.

Committees were formed for the annual Christmas Walk.  Jackie Moyer will chair and supervise the live nativity.  Don Sandell will take charge of the luminary candles.  Marie Doran and Joy Seaton will share responsibility for the silent auction.  Any members with donations should drop them off to Joy Seaton at U.S. Bank.  George Anderson will attempt to secure a horse-drawn carriage.  Don Sandell will be in charge of advertising for the Christmas Walk. 

Minutes of the last meeting were distributed.  Minutes are being e-mailed to members for which we have addresses.  Minutes are also available on-line at pecweb.com.  George Anderson moved to approve the minutes from last month.  Ed Smith seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report was distributed.  Chairperson, Joy Seaton, reported that PIA has a $200 shortfall in the light budget.  Last month we budgeted $600 for the Christmas lights, but only had $400 with which to fund it.  George Anderson moved to shift funds from the Farmer’s Market budget to the light budget.  Ed Smith seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.  George Anderson moved to approve the Treasurer’s report.  Carol Betty seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

Finance and Administration Committee,  No report was made.

Membership Committee, our membership increased by three due to the three new businesses in downtown Pecatonica.  Current members are still encouraged to recruit new members.  Everyone’s input is welcome and appreciated.

Welcome Center Committee,  No report was made.

Streetscape Committee,  No report was made.

Advertising and Business Promotion committee Chairperson, Tara Theisen, presented new business plaques to Crooked River Outpost and the Retro Shop at the meeting.  The community is up and running.  It is posted on pecweb.com.   However members should note that Pecatonica.com has been discontinued due to a loss of the domain name.  It will hereafter be published at Pecatonica.net and should be up and running later this week.  Any members who wish to update their photographs on the website should contact Don Sandell. 

Crooked River Days.  No report was made

Memorial Day Parade.  No report was made 

Next meeting is October 1^st, at 8:00 a.m.  Contact Don Sandell at 239-1101 with any proposed items for the agenda prior to Wednesday, September 24^th.