Town Business Liaison Committee

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street S Vienna, VA. 22180 p. 703-255-6300 TTY 8111 Meeting Minutes Town Business Liaison Committee Thursday, February 8, 2024 7:00 PM Charles Robinson Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center St. South 1 Roll Call Members present: Brenda Burns; Tim Fricker; Peggy James; Mark Lander; Tracy McCarty; Jen Morrow; Preeti Penati Absent: Joann Hazard Staff Present: Natalie Guilmeus, Director, Economic Development; Ashley Curtis, Marketing and Business Engagement Specialist, Economic Development 2. Presentation A. Culinary Careers Collaborative Chairman Morrow called on Natalie Guilmeus, Director, Economic Development to introduce the speaker. Tara Borway, Programs Manager, Fairfax City Economic Development provided an overview of a new Culinary Careers Collaborative program. The pilot certificate granting program is an effort between the communities of Vienna and Fairfax in conjunction with George Mason University and the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association. A tentative launch is scheduled for mid-year 2024. 4. New Business A. Elect TBLC Chair & Vice Chair Chairman Morrow noted that her tenure as Committee Chairman has ended. She called for replacement nominations. A motion was made to nominate Jen Morrow as the new Committee chairman. Motion, Tracy McCarty; second Preeti Penati. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Morrow called for nominations for Vice Chairman. A motion was made to nominate Tim Fricker as Vice Chairman. Motion, Tracy McCarty; Second Brenda Burns. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Morrow commented on the value of building relationships with Town Council Members. It is of particular importance that Council Members “see” the business community as decisions are made for the Town. It was suggested that an event be scheduled between Council and the TBLC. A brief discussion was held regarding hosting a similar event between the business community and TBLC. To encourage attendance, these events should be held for assigned areas. A pilot event will be hosted by Mark Lander and Brenda Burns in the Mill Street District. Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 3/3/2025 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes February 8, 2024 3. Approval of the Minutes: A. January 2024 Meeting Minutes Attachments: TBLC Meeting Minutes January 2024 A motion was made to approve the minutes of January 2024 as presented. Motion, Tim Fricker; second, Jen Morrow. 5. Regular Business A. January 2024 Business License List Attachments: January 2024 Business License List Chairman Morrow distributed a list of four new business licenses. 6. Economic Development Department Updates A. Economic Development Department Updates a. Awards Subcommittee Ashley Curtis provided a brief update of the Awards Subcommittee. The call for awards nominations postcard was shared with the Committee. Members were encouraged to distribute these within their areas. Award recipients will be selected at a meeting to be held on March 12, 2024. Noting the value of direct marketing for reaching the Vienna business community, the subcommittee elected to expand the use of postcards in multiple marketing efforts. A semiannual postcard promoting TBLC events was approved. b. Restaurant Week Chairman Morrow called on Tracy Curtis to present the Item for consideration. Restaurant week will be held March 2, 2024 – March 10, 2024. Deadline for participation has been extended. Currently there are 30 restaurants participating. c. Town Council Meeting Dates Director Guilmeus noted Council meetings of importance to the TBLC. February 12, 2024 Council will be reviewing items held over from the Code Create process. Committee Members were urged to review these items and submit any comments to Council either prior to or following the February 12, 2024 meeting. B. Economic Development Draft FY24-25 Budget Attachments: 01 - Council Budget Review Schedule FY25 02 - Economic Development Non-Financials FY24-25 03 - Economic Development Financials 04 - Vienna Strategic Plan FY24-25 Director Guilmeus presented the schedule for development of the FY24-25 Vienna Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 3/3/2025 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes February 8, 2024 town budget. The Economic Development budget request will be presented Monday, March 11, 2024. C. Comprehensive Plan Updates Attachments: Proposed Comprehensive Plan Update Process Director Guilmeus reminded the Committee of their commitment to update the Economic Development chapter in the Comprehensive Plan. 7. VBA Updates Chairman Morrow called on Peggy James to provide an update on activities of the VBA including the following: • February 15, 2024 VBA State of the Union • February 20, 2024 Mixer • March 2024 Breakfast mixer The VBA will be stepping up their initiative with regard to marketing, branding and wellness. 8. Meeting Adjournment With no further business Chairman Morrow called for a motion to adjourn at 8:55 PM. Motion, Tracy McCarty; second Preeti Penati. THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 3/3/2025