Consumer Affairs Commission

Consumer Affairs Commission Minutes Wednesday, August 18, 2021 In attendance: Brian Augustine, Joanne Haeberlin, Biju Krishnan, George Mathew, Anil Pillai, Gary Merrill (remotely) Nasko Pelinkaj Absent: Pratap Sampat, Ted Lavine, Howard Meyer, Ruhul Chowdhury Meeting called to order at 6:35 Farmers’ Market. Nasko gave a report on the market including that this year’s location is much preferred, 25 vendors, market has a 4.5 review out of 5. Last day of the market is Nov 7. Some non-food, Skokie home based crafter business were added this year to supplement the market vendrors. Discussion on redemption days grand prize. In the past the prize(s) have been from BOY businesses. Discussion as to whether there should be one $50 or one $50 and two $25. Joanne reported that she had e-mailed Kneads and Wants to see if they would like to be involved. No answer yet. Brian and Joanne to follow up. No ordering of more loyalty cards for this year. Discussed signage for the movement of the market for Backlot Bash. To be included in this week and next week Market newsletter. Nasko to post signs at the market for this week. Music entertainment vendors do not charge the market a fee. Groups such as face painters, balloon twisters, etc. do. The SNAP program match varies from $10-$25. Grants were received from Northshore Health Systems ($5,000 matching tokens only good at Skokie market). Link Up Illinois ($10,000 with matching tokens useable at other area markets) Customer diversity does seem to match the diversity of Skokie. Discussion if and what we can do. Nasko suggested additional ethnic food trucks. Suggestion to reach out to groups in Skokie. Missed Festival of Cultures this year as the market had a presence there. Business of the Year. We had signage and availability of nomination forms at the Market. Deadline for nominations is August 31. Brian reported that we have received about 120 nominations forms. Questionnaires are then sent to all the nominees with a return date of September 27. . To be e-mailed and mailed.Meeting to review the questionnaires is scheduled for October 6 with time to be finalized. Subcommittee: George, Anil, Biju, Howard, Joanne, Brian. Plans to have the presentation at the November 1 Trustee meeting. Boards and Commissions Newsletter to resume when commissions can meet more regularly. Miscellaneous. How can we attract more residents to be interested in being on a commission? Suggestions included a sign at the market, article in NewSkokie, information put out by the Mayor’s office, Village sign. Topic came up because CAC is down membership by about 25%, Next meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 6:30 Meeting adjourned at 7:40.