Dandridge Community Trust Holds Annual Membership Meeting

Dandridge Community Trust held its Annual Membership Meeting at Appalachian Training Center for Healing Arts on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 6:00 p.m..  The meeting was called to order by Trust President Jim Everett, who began by wishing the gathering a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” and thanking Ritchie Ridley and his staff for the use of their facility and the complementary chair massages enjoyed by members and guests of the Trust.  He addressed the changes and growth in 2013 and pointed out how successful the merger of The Dandridge Community Trust and Dandridge Merchants and Professional Association had been, working together with a focus on Dandridge.  Mr. Everette then introduced the Board of Directors:

Mary Alice Schmitt- Vice President and Organization Chair

Barbara Garrow- Treasurer

Marlene McClellan- Secretary

Ben Catlett- Promotions Chairperson

Bob Jarnigan- Design Chairperson

Sean Glenn- Economic Restructuring

Janet Drass-Talbot

Rick Farrar

Susan Ferguson

Max Fultz

David Jones

Linda Leonard

Jeff Smith

Jill Vogelfang

The Minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and approved and the slate of new Board member nominees were introduced. These nominees were Sean Glenn, Bob Jarnigan, Brandon Otto, Aurora Pullian and Jeff Smith.   Ann Jones made a motion to close the floor for other nominations and accept the new candidates.  Ben Catlett seconded the motion and it passed unopposed.

Committee chairs then each gave an update of the work accomplished by the committees and any ongoing projects.  Mary Alice Schmitt began by telling the Trust members about the retreats attended by the Organization Committee, where they focused on reviewing the work and structure of the Trust and creating a new Mission and Vision Statement.  The Mission Statement reads “Our mission is to promote Dandridge as a premier waterfront community, with a unique cultural heritage, through education, historic preservation and economic develop.”  The vision shared by the Trust is “To be the premier waterfront community in the nation.”

She also mentioned the evaluation of Dandridge Community Trust’s Executive Director, Tina Murrow and congratulated Tina on the wonderful job she had done.  Mrs. Schmitt then gave an update on the Douglas Dash,which raised over $3300.00 for The Boys and Girls Club and added several new sponsors.

Ben Catlett stated that the Promotions Committee had a new brochure for regional distribution.  The Small Business Saturday Seminars had been a great success and a new advertising billboard had been erected on Interstate 40.  Mr. Catlett said that he also looked forward to the success of the Fun Friday activities scheduled for 2014.

Bob Jarnigan, Chairperson of the Design Committee, had several completed projects to share with audience.  The completed Battle of Dandridge Diorama, 8000 new brochures for the Dandridge Walking Tour and the seasonal downtown decorations were mentioned.  Mr. Jarnigan also shared the news that they had received a CDBG Facade Improvement  Grant, which had been written by Executive Director Tina Murrow.  Completion of Phase I of the Street Scape Design Project was also mentioned, as well as an Engraved Brick Paver Fundraiser for the next phase of the project.  The Design Committee intends to expand the survey of Historic Dandridge in 2014, as well as continue the Street Scape Project , downtown decorations and oversee the distribution of the grant money.

Sean Glenn, Economic Restructuring Chairman, addressed the success of the Farmer’s Market, which did over $44000.00 in sales in its 6th season.  He shared an artist’s rendering of the proposed new Farmer’s Market Pavillion and explained that Dandridge had received a $50000.00 grant with which to fund the project.

President Jim Everett then welcomed new businesses Bojangles, Cosmo Medical Aesthetic Clinic, Gypsy Girl, Life Care EMS, Little Blue House of Antiques and the Shepard Inn.   He addressed upcoming projects including the Jefferson County Business Expo and Home Show , held April 4th through the 6th, 2014, at the Field of Dreams Activity Center.  He pointed out that it is an excellent way to inform the public about local businesses. A 50s/60s night was scheduled for May 2nd, the Cruisin’and Groovin’ Car Show was set for May 17 and the Farmer’s Market was scheduled to open May 24th.  Music on the Town has also been expanded to run from early spring through September.  Mr. Everett then thanked everyone for their great work and attendance.  A motion was made to adjourn by Barbara Garrow and seconded by Max Fultz.  The meeting was adjourned.