Town and Gown Committee

T O W N A ND G O W N C O M M I T T E E M E E T I N G T U E S D A Y , J UNE 1 1 , 2 0 1 9 C O M M U N I T Y D E V E L O P M E N T C O N F E R E N C E R O O M , 5 TH F L O O R C I T Y H A L L MINUTES I. Call to Order – Chair Tripp called the meeting to order at 12:16pm II. Roll Call Present: Steve Bond, Mark Crump, Novelle Dickenson, Mary Fugere, Evelyn Graham, Kellie Goral, Steve Lynch, Steve Mallon, Nakia Peek, Darren Robinson, Toni Williams, Raymond Tripp, and Brenda Bailey Absent: Ann Bane, Charrita Danley, Beth Dickens, Anzell Harrell, Valencia Huggins, Rodenna Kirksey, Jonathan Mack, Dan Mackey, Richard Mason, Robin McCormick, Bob McKenna, Pamela Richardson, Jeffery Smith, Bill Thomas, and Donnie Tuck III. Approve May 14, 2019 Meeting Minutes – Chair Tripp advised the minutes have been distributed and called for a motion to accept; Mary moved, Steve Lynch seconded and the minutes were approved unanimously as presented IV. Strategic Direction Subcommittees Goals & Objectives Update Communication/Community Education – Mary Fugere stated summer break is a prime opportunity to prepare for fall student arrivals as the Convention & Visitor Bureau assembles “welcome” bags with items from local organizations; Hampton University freshmen return Friday, August 16 which is one week prior to the 2019 Commemoration; committee suggestions for welcoming students included: contact Anzell Harrell to engage student leader group, email commemoration events schedule to incoming students, distribute commemoration events schedule to dorm rooms, distribute digital copy of visitor guide to students, faculty and staff, welcome banner on Mercury Boulevard, partner with Marketing Department on electronic billboard ads Economic Development/Student Retention – Steve Lynch advised that work on the Internship Directory is progressing, the website portal will be active this week and Daily Press and Virginian Pilot ads have been purchased; staff is seeking a sponsor for a kick off pep rally 630-830p Friday, September 6 at Mill Point Park for returning students in advance of the Hampton University football game, committee suggestions included: Town & Gown booth, DJ, Hampton University radio station broadcast, Hampton City Schools tourism academy participation Raymond noted the Community Outreach subcommittee has not been an active committee and solicited the group’s input about merging the subcommittee into the Communication/Community Education subcommittee or appointing a different chair; the topic was tabled until the next Town & Gown meeting  V. Key Updates Since the May 14, 2019 Town & Gown Committee Meeting Kellie announced Hampton City Schools’ 4th Annual Run for the Stage was a huge success on Saturday June 1, despite the morning rain, overall 232 runners/walkers participated in the event and raised over $19,000. Proceeds from the race and our wonderful sponsors allowed for ten $1,000 scholarships and ten $500 renewable scholarships to those students who were awarded the scholarship in the past years; high school commencements will be held for 1,400 graduates Thursday- Saturday June 13-16; $55M in grants and scholarships has been awarded to students advancing to higher education Darren advised staff is preparing for a September 27 neighborhood blitz which is being marketed as a battle between the mayors of Hampton and Newport News; volunteer team leaders are still needed for the event Mary stated upcoming fireworks events for Independence Day weekend as follows: July 4 Peninsula Pilots at War Memorial Stadium July 5 Fourth at the Fort on Fort Monroe July 6 Langley Speedway 2019 Commemorative events include: K-12 Institute at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism July 15-18; National Cities United Conference August 20-22 at Hampton Roads Convention Center; Tucker Family Cemetery Reflection and Commemoration 930-11a Friday, August 23; Political Pioneers Luncheon and Panel Discussion 12-3p Friday, August 23; Commemoration and Visitor Center Dedication Ceremony 930-11a Saturday, August 24 and Sound of Blackness/Common concert 6-10p at Hampton Coliseum Toni announced Fuller’s Raw Bar is now open for lunch; Scratch Bakery now open on Monday’s Steve Mallon reminded everyone of the Downtown Block Party’s scheduled through October 26 Mark announced his 3rd annual Stuff the Bus event will take place August 3 Novelle stated the June 1 Athletic Hall of Fame was a success; in its’ first year of the Big South Conference, Hampton University garnered several awards; six-week summer sessions began today, the first four-week sessions began May 28 and the second four-week sessions will begin June 25; the 105th Hampton University Ministers Conference was a big success Steve Bond noted the Hampton Citizens Unity Commission held their annual Unity Awards ceremony on June 13; he reminded everyone hurricane season began June 1 and cautioned all to be prepared in case an emergency weather situation arises Raymond advised Freeman Drive realignment project is under construction and when complete the Central Park Trail will be fully connected; no Town & Gown meetings in July or August VI. Next Meeting: September 10, 2019 5 TH F L O O R C O M M U N I T Y D E V E L O P M E N T C O N F E R E N C E R O O M VII. Adjourn – there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned