Laconia Putnam Fund

Laconia Putnam Fund Meeting June 14, 2022 This meeting was called to order on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 9:00 am held at 45 Beacon Street East, Laconia City Hall, Laconia, NH with the following in attendance: Charles Bradley, Jim Rogato, Linda Peary, and Betty Ballantyne. MINUTES: Linda made a motion to accept the May 10, 2022, minutes. Charles seconded it with all in favor. FINANCIALS: Treasurer’s report indicates $78,411.94 spent as of June 4, 2022. Discussed was a recap of monies available based on the numbers broken down last month at the May 10, 2022. They were as follows: The Trust balance is $1,647,454. The 2022 Budget is as follows: Budget is $60,804.04 Carryover $93,785.72 Total $154,589.76 As of 5/4/22 Spent, $78,311.94 Belknap Mill - $9,500 Net Balance $66,777.82 Middle School $5,500 (This program was cancelled) Net Balance $61,277.82 Therefore, the adjusted Net Balance is $66,777.82 CONCERT UPDATES: Batchelor’s of Broadway – Sunday, 11, 2022 – Colonial Theater The Temptations Show – Sunday, September October 2, 2022 – Colonial Theater Albert Cummins Blues Show – Friday, November 11, 2022 – Colonial Theater Golden Dragon Acrobats – Friday, March 3, 2023 – Colonial Theater Belknap Mill Series: Two of the nine events have been completed at Rotary Park. Completed were the Granite State Big Band and Club Soda. This Friday Steve Dennis will perform. Streetcar & Co: They will be celebrating their 50th anniversary at the Colonial Theater on Saturday, October 8, 2022, with a variety show from the years past performed by Streetcar. PROGRAM: Bachelors of Broadway submitted by our Agent Julie had been reduced to $16,000, therefore with the additional expenses, the total pricing will be in the $20,000 range. Charles made a first, Jim seconded it with Betty voting yes and Linda no. A majority vote concludes the show will be on September 11, 2022. BUDGET-EXPENSES: We discussed having a conversation with Julie to share with her our concerns with the escalating cost of the shows. We are concerned with spending $20,000 per show and with a $60,000 budget we will need to adjust via less local sponsorship shows and reduced cost hired by Julie. We do have the carry over, though we want to be fiscally responsible. Our maximum number to present to Julie is $10,000. Jim will be reaching out to Julie. BRAINSTORMING: With the many local venues in the Lakes Region such as The Opera House, The Laconia Colonial, The Flying Monkey, Franklin Opera House, The Belknap Mill and more, we discussed finding our niche with the Laconia Putnam Fund. Perhaps shows wintertime only, authors, naming Patrick K O’Donnell. Older and successful act mentioned were the Moonbeams, Tony Pace, Irish venues, local talent, and tribute bands. Charles did send links for the following: Righteous Brothers, Shadows of the 60’s, the Sicilian Tenors, Country Legends, noted from CMI Entertainment. Linda discussed her concerns as to how the Putnam Shows cater to our local audience that may not otherwise be able to attend “name” shows. Although many venues in the area sell performances at a premium price, our audience may not have the means and capacity to purchase and attend other performances. In other words, lets carefully examine our brainstorming with minimal effects on those who otherwise would miss out. PUTNAM APPLICANT: At this time there are zero applicants for the next 5-year term. A person John Bethel was approached by Linda and recommended by more than one party has not come to fruition. The same with Jeff Philpot. We discussed the concern with the new process for the applicants. For those to present to the entire city council, it would appear to be less intimidating with this new process. SOCIAL MEDIA: We are currently needing to replace Meredith Elliott. She is resigning before the start of September 2022. MISCELLANEOUS: Betty did visit with Julie, Community Editor at the Laconia Daily Sun. She will collaborate with us when a new Board Member comes onto the Board, inclusive to include PRESENTATION – GILFORD ROTARY: Jim made a presentation to the Rotary Club. He researched history of Nellie Chamberlain. Jim found she owned and donated the Chamberlain Home located at 45 Pleasant Street in Concord, NH owned with her husband Horace who managed B&M Boston Railroad. Nellie also owned property in Oregon along with Laconia. the Putnam history. OLD BUSINESS: It was noted the City & Spectacle are not renegotiating their 5-year plan. With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 am. Respectfully submitted, Betty Ballantyne Secretary Putnam Board