Town of Cary
SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
Minutes of SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 MEETING

Present: Barry Mitsch, Chair to the Commission, Samuel Fudzie, Sarah Sheffield, Ildiko Trombitas, Janice Stolzenberg, Nadette Welterlin-Hugg Steve Morrison and Jinnie Davis.

The meeting was called to order at 8 p.m.

Previous Minutes: Ildiko Trombitas moved for the minutes of the August 15, 2002 meeting to be accepted. Nadette Welterlin-Hugg seconded the motion. The members by voice vote accepted the minutes of the August 15th, 2002 meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Barry reported that the $2,100.00 representing the down payment for the planned Ireland trip has been paid to Maupin Travel. The balance currently in the Association’s account is $415.42.

Lazy Daze Report: Steve informed the members that the Lazy Daze fund raiser the Commission undertook in collaboration with La Farm Bakery was not particularly very successful in terms of the dollar amount yielded. La Farm Bakery waived close to $300.00 for costs of goods that the Association sold. The event raised $184.14 as profit for the Association.

Steve further reported that the items that were the best sellers were the Pretzels and the Chocolate Cookies. These items were easy for the consumers to carry around or eat while attending the event. It was suggested that future fund raisers involving La Farm Bakery should carry more of these smaller items as compared to the bigger loafs of bread.

Steve informed members that a Farm Bakery is not only interested in future fund raising partnerships with the Association but also in joining the Association as a corporate member. Steve suggested that in view of La Farm Bakery’s commitment and support of the Association’s activities and functions, the Association should consider waiving the membership dues for La Farm Bakery. Members added that such dues waiver can be considered for the businesses that support the Association’s programs and agenda.

Connolly’s and Borders Bookstore were mentioned as possible businesses to which the membership fee waiver could be extended.

Ireland Trip Update: Sarah and Barry informed the members that information and sign-up on the Ireland Trip is expected to be ready for inclusion in mailings to the Associations members, the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Cary’s Winter Catalogue and Friends of Ireland.

Celtic Festival: The rains during part of the day on September 14, 2002 resulted in a low turn out at the Celtic Festival. According to report circulated earlier by commission member, Mary Lou Addor, Maupin Travel promoted very well the Sister Cities Associations of Cary as well as travel information on the various Cary’s Sister Cities and their respective countries. Information on the planned Ireland trip was also prominently displayed and promoted at the Maupin Travel booth. Several visitors to the booth expressed their interests in the Sister City Association membership and the Ireland trip.

Le Touquet: Barry informed the members that in response to the invitation from the city of Le Touquet, Steve Morrison of the Sister Cities Commission is planning to attend the Le Touquet film festival as a representative of the Town of Cary. Steve will take along information on Cary to the film festival. The members suggested that Steve take along the Sister Cities Association of Cary’s banner to the festival. Barry suggested to Steve to contact Howard Johnson, President of the Cary Chamber of Commerce, for other materials that may be available on the Town of Cary, which can be displayed or promoted at the film festival.

Sister Cities Association of Cary: The members discussed and agreed that the October 17, 2002 meeting should be held as a meeting for the Sister Cities Association of Cary. Barry to call Darrel to confirm the reservation of a meeting room at the Page Walker.

Suggestions on issues to be discussed at the meeting were made by the members. The suggestions included benefits of membership of the Association and finding out what the attendees expect from membership of the Association.

Membership Dues: Steve motioned that in light of the difficulties/delays that were encountered in processing Sharon, Nadette, Janice and Mary Lou’s application to the membership of the Association resulting in their respective checks not being cashed or processed, the 2002 dues should be waived for the above mentioned members. Jinnie seconded the motion and the members approved it.

Le Touquet Exchange Program: Nadette gave an overview of her plans to organize exchange programs between the Town of Cary and the City of Le Touquet. The exchange program to cover students, adults and other interested groups from Cary. In brief, the exchange program to be handled by a tour group organizer that will plan and arrange and handle most of the travel and activities of the exchange. This will lessen the burden of host families, the commission and association members trying to organize activities for the exchange students and any other future exchange participant.

Le Touquet: Nadette informed members that the City of Le Touquet has sent 3 T-shirts and trinkets to the Commission.

Sister Cities Relationship: Barry mentioned to members his receipt of interests from cities in Mexico, Bulgaria, Uganda and Brazil in exploring Sister Cities relationship with the Town of Cary.

The meeting was adjourned at 9.00 pm.

The commission’s next meeting will be held as a meeting for the Sister Cities Association of Cary on October 17th, 2002 at the Page Walker.