MICHIGAN STATE FAIR & EXPOSITION CENTER

AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

June 13, 2007

Pursuant to notice duly given, a meeting of the Michigan State Fair Authority was brought to order by Mr. Mark T. Gaffney, Chairman, on this date, beginning at 12:55 PM, in the Administration Building, Conference Room, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, 1120 W. State Fair Avenue, in Detroit. 

PRESENT:     Edward Deeb,President & CEO - MFBA                         

                         Mark T. Gaffney, President Michigan AFL/CIO (via teleconference)

                        Elaine Driker, Former Director, Detroit Orientation Institute @ WSU

                        Thomas G. Coon, Ph.D., Professor and Director of MSU Extension

                        Robert G. Porter, Mayor of the City of Ferndale

                        Pat G. Albright, Owner of Albright Farms

                        Monique Field, Representing Lisa Webb Sharp, DMB Director

                        Jeff Haarer, Representing Mitch Irwin, Director of MDA

                        Steven R. Jenkins, MSF General Manager

ABSENT:            Kenneth J. DeCock, Partner of DeCock and Sons LLC/Boyka's Farm Market

Also Present:      E.J. Brown, Director, M.A.F.E. (Michigan Association of Fairs & Events.

                              Byna Camden and Scott Bradford, ICARE and local resident

 Johnnie Bennett, MSF Secretary

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA and APPROVAL OF MINUTES

ON MOTION BY Mr. Coon, supported by Elaine Driker, and carried, the agenda for today's meeting was accepted.  ON MOTION BY Mr. Deeb, supported by Mayor Porter, and carried, the minutes of the meeting held on May 9, 2007 were reviewed and approved with the following correction being made: "Aide" should be spelled "Aid" in Children's Aide Society on page 2, last paragraph.  The motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS

Chairman Gaffney greeted and welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Board and he stated his comments today would be presented in the form of questions and he asked Mr. Jenkins to step in at any time to respond.   Chairman Gaffney asked several questions of Mr. Jenkins who then offered the following report:

MANAGER'S REPORT

G.M. UPDATE- Mr. Jenkins offered a special thanks to Monique Field for all of her support and efforts in helping us move forward with plans and preparations for the 2007 State Fair.  A meeting will take place on Friday, which will hopefully result in a better understanding of the bid process and what steps we, at the Fair, need to take in order to finalize contracts for our 2007 musical entertainers as well as other contractual agreements.

Mr. Jenkins shared with the Board the entertainment line-up for our proposed 2007 State Fair concert series.   He asked that the Board not disclose this information since both parties had not signed off on the contracts and we also do not traditionally release this information to the public until it has been announced to the media at our State Fair Press Conference.  Mr. Jenkins reported the Press Conference would be held on Monday, July 16th, beginning at 10:00 a.m., in Joe Dumar's Fieldhouse.  This year we are hoping to have evening concerts for all ages and all era's beginning with the 1950's right up to the current decade. Mr. Jenkins stated we are also hoping to enter into a partnership arrangement for a big name act with Radio Disney, as we did last year.

Mr. Jenkins received approval from D.M.B. last week to move forward with hiring a sponsorship person.   Five people who worked with the Fair before in this capacity have already approached Mr. Jenkins regarding this position.  He added that he would put together specs for this position by next week to send out to interested parties.

Mr. Jenkins reported that he has been in contact with Comcast Cable, who may be interested in becoming our best partner in terms of sponsorship agreements.   Meijers has also expressed an interest in partnering with the Fair this year and possibly having a presence in the homegrown farmers market section of the Fair or in another special area. 

Chrysler is the biggest financial supporter of the Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit.   Chuck Hitt of DaimlerChrysler has expressed an interest in expanding their partnership and sponsorship arrangement with the Fair.  Discussions include possibly bringing in new concept or alternative fuel vehicles for display.  Mr. Hitt will be meeting next week at the Fair with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the Michigan Farm Bureau to discuss how this new display idea may be able to tie into the Miracle of Life Exhibit.

Mr. Jenkins would like to look pursue the possibility of developing a corn booth display and having special highlights on the various uses for corn.   He shared how this idea could be developed into a great display of alternative energy options that may also include the ethanol car and the fuel cell.  Mr. Jenkins stated we are presently trying to develop a science technology exhibit in the Youth Building.  He added that he would be meeting with Cranbrook School of Science on Friday to discuss the possibility of them sponsoring the exhibit.

During the 2007 State Fair, Joe Dumars Fieldhouse will serve as the fully interactive sports arena and clinic where fairgoers can kick a field goal, hit a home run over the Comerica Park simulated fence, or they can shoot a hockey puck or a basketball.   There will also be current sport players and Hall of Fame personalities on site for photo opportunities, autograph sessions, and possibly instructional opportunities.

Mr. Jenkins is looking into the possibility of promoting special activities and the Fairgrounds during the Dream Cruise weekend, on Saturday, August 18th.    He stated he has been in touch with Big Boy restaurants regarding a big drive-in eatery and he is also exploring the possibility of having the sports clinic open during the Dream Cruise weekend.  Mayor Porter announced the construction on Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue will be complete in time before the Dream Cruise begins in mid-August.

There is still at least one vacant position on the State Fair Authority Board of Directors.   Chairman Gaffney stated he would look into this matter and see if there's any thing he can do to help move this process along.  Mr. E.J Brown, Director of M.A.F.E. (Michigan Association of Fairs & Events) stated that he has not been officially appointed to the State Fair Board.

Mr. Jenkins announced some significant changes would be taking place this year in terms of moving the Miracle of Life Birthing exhibit.   He added that this move would have an impact on the sheep and hog exhibitors.  This change will benefit the Fair first in the way that the Fair will not have to pay $18,000.00 for the rental of a tent for the Miracle of Life exhibit.   The Miracle of Life exhibit will move to the West Mall, which is the covered building between the Michigan Mart Building and the Agriculture Building.  Mr. Haarer stated this new location will allow for double the space for the Miracle of Life exhibit and this will be a tremendous benefit in terms of unloading the animals and other special needs.  The sheep will be moved to the Dairy Barn and the hogs will be moved to the area where the sheep were, which is located at the end of the horse barn near the entrance of the midway. 

A discussion was held regarding various details as it relates to moving the Miracle of Life Birthing exhibit.    Mr. Jenkins stated he has contacted Frank Zaitshik of Wade Shows regarding bringing in a couple of Nascar simulators or a possible thrill ride or double Ferris Wheel and a special Merry-Go-Round to fill the space where the Miracle of Life exhibit was located.   Mr. Jenkins and the Board discussed at length the pro's and the con's of moving the Miracle of Life exhibit and who this move will impact and how it will impact them. 

Mrs. Driker suggested that we should look into exciting ways to positively market and promote the new changes and added features of the Fair.    The "New and Expanded" Miracle of Life Birthing exhibit was suggested as a possible marketing strategy or tool to use when promoting the Miracle of Life exhibit.

Mr. Albright thanked Mr. Jenkins for how he has gone about executing and putting together the move for the Miracle of Life people as well as the livestock exhibitors.   Mr. Albright thanked Mr. Jenkins especially for how he has kept the lines of communication open and how he has tried to share information in a timely manner with both the Board members and the exhibitors of the Fair. 

Chairman Gaffney questioned what, if anything, Mr. Jenkins might need from the Board in terms of planning and preparations for the 2007 upcoming State Fair.   Mr. Gaffney asked Mr. Jenkins to take a moment and share with the Board any concerns he may have as it relates to the upcoming Fair.

Mr. Jenkins stated that he does have some concerns as it relates to getting the musical entertainment contracts finalized and signed on the dotted line.   He added that another concern he has at this time is one that pertains to the budget and what affect this will have on our staffing needs for the Fair.   Mr. Jenkins stated that in the past we have always been able to bring in an electrician and a plumber (who presently work for other state departments).  These two people worked at the Fair more than ten years but now there seems to be some hesitancy in allowing us to bring them back to assist us with preparing for the upcoming Fair.   Mr. Jenkins stated his only other concern is in the area of special events and programs, which has been coordinated by Rosemary Peralta, State Fair Staff member.   Mr. Jenkins reported that Rosemary has been in the hospital for the last 2 ½ weeks and he's not certain how much she will be able to assist us with the upcoming Fair.  Rosemary produced and coordinated the Governor's Day Luncheon, State Fair Souvenir Program Book, the Giant Stove and Brick program, and she manages our website along with many other special assignments.   Mr. Jenkins stated that this year we will not be holding a Governor's Day luncheon but instead we will hold a very special Governor's Reception.  Mr. Jenkins stated that besides these few noted concerns, he really feels pretty confident about going into the 2007 State Fair, even with his late start as the general manager. 

Mr. Jenkins asked the Board to keep sharing with him their great ideas, thoughts and suggestions.   He stated that he especially liked the idea of sending a message to the public that the Fair now has a "new and expanded" Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit.

Mr. Jenkins reported that after speaking with Jim Berline of Berline Advertising group, it was decided that the Fair would begin special promotions and advertisements earlier this year.   These promotions may include announcements highlighting sponsors who are either new or returning partnerships.  

ON MOTION BY Ed Deeb, Supported by Mayor Porter, and carried, Mr. Jenkins was given the approval to move forward and apply for a grant from the Woodward Avenue Action Association.  Mr. Jenkins explained how the grant would help offset the cost of the D.E.S.C. Strategic Planning contract.  The Fair may also receive additional monies to help with other special needs and projects around the Fairgrounds.  The Motion was passed unanimously.

Chairman Gaffney expressed to Mr. Jenkins on behalf of the State Fair Board, their support and appreciation for all that he has been doing thus far to make the State Fair successful.    Mr. Gaffney suggested and encouraged Mr. Jenkins to call on him or any of the Board members for additional help and assistance as the Opening Day of the Fair draws closer.

Mr. Jenkins reminded everyone and invited all to attend the First Annual Flag Day Celebration that would take place at the Fairgrounds on tomorrow, June 14th, in the Band Shell arena, beginning at 10:00 a.m.    He then offered a detail of the events to take place at the Flag Day Celebration.  Mr. Jenkins thanked Elaine Driker for all of her assistance and help with trying to acquire a really huge American Flag for our event.  He also thanked her for all that she has been doing to help us arrange a meeting with Wayne State University and others throughout the surrounding Fair neighborhood.

Special thanks to Byna Camden for all that she did to assist in the beautification of the Fairgrounds.   Mr. Jenkins reported that Byna, the Master Gardeners, Eugene Kondash, a group of girl scouts and many others were very instrumental in planting nearly a hundred flats of flowers throughout the Fair over this past weekend.  Mr. Jenkins expressed many thanks to all who supported these and other efforts.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Mr. Jenkins distributed a year-to-date report on the 06-07 budget and a projected financial report.    He stated that our primary goal for the Fair is to raise revenue while at the same time, reduce expenditures.  Mr. Jenkins emphasized that the report distributed today is just a "draft" and is subject to change.  He then shared with the Board how based on the reductions which have already been made for this year, the Fair may very well be able to reach its targeted goal.  Mr. Jenkins stated he recently spoke with two different state legislators regarding a $23,000.00 run-off charge that's being billed to the Fair each month for drainage of the sewer water.

OLD BUSINESS 

Mr. Jenkins reported that Children's Aid Society would no longer host their race at the Fairgrounds this year.   He stated the group has now indicated to us that they are interested in holding a kick-off for the school kids at the Fair this summer.  They have estimated around 700-900 children will be in attendance for the kick-off and they would like to make arrangements to receive discounted tickets, food and ride passes for a fun day at the Fair.  No agreements have been finalized at this time, but Mr. Jenkins has indicated he will continue to pursue these negotiations with the Children's Aid Society.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business to come before the Board.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Byna Camden stated she would really like to see the Fairgrounds better promoted and advertised as a great facility that is available for year-round rental needs.   She added that maybe some additional exposure and press could be generated regarding the improvements made to the landscaping and appearance of the facility.

Mr. Deeb suggested possibly putting together a special "fact sheet" to showcase and highlight what's happening at the Michigan State Fair.

Mr. Jenkins reported that one of the things the Authority Board has been talking about with the strategic planning committee is how we can create a new image for the Fair that sends a very clear message to the public that the Fairgrounds is a year round family-oriented event center which also happens to be the home of the annual State Fair.    He stated that at least 95% of people think of us only as the State Fair and do not realize there's year round activities taking place at the Fairgrounds, as well as a variety of buildings which may be leased for short or long term arrangements.   Mr. Jenkins then asked Mayor Porter to give a brief update on where we are presently with the D.E.S.C. strategic planning efforts.  A discussion was held at length regarding the mission/vision statement for the Fair.  Mr. Albright re-emphasized and expressed his initial concerns as it relates to the mission statement focusing on the basis and foundation for the Fair's existence.  He added that it should not be difficult for people to figure out what our mission and vision is for the Fair.  Mr. Albright expressed that ultimately the Fair exists to bring urban and rural people together and he hopes we will not loose the focus. The Board agreed the strategic planning process to establish a five-year rolling plan would not be completed until the conclusion of the upcoming State Fair.

The Department of Natural Resources has expressed their plans to open the pocket park "Outdoor Zone"   more often throughout the year for summer school programs and special mobile classroom outings. 

Mr. Deeb stated he would be unable to attend the next meeting of the Authority Board on Wednesday, July 11th, as he would be involved in the 25th Annual Youth Day event at Belle Isle.  Mrs. Driker stated she also would be absent from the next meeting of the Board, as she would be out of state at that time.  Mr. Deeb and Mrs. Driker will both be excused from the next meeting of the Board in July. 

DATE for NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Michigan State Fair Authority Board was scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2007 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Administration Building, Conference Room, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, in Detroit.  

The D.E.S.C. and the Authority Board sub-committee will again meet on Friday, June 22nd, beginning at 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

On Motion by Mayor Porter, supported by Elaine Driker, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 2:18 p.m.