Blackstone Valley Tourism Network
Blackstone Valley Tourism Network
A Project of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
January 23, 2007
At the Museum of Work & Culture, Hosted by Anne Conway-Co-Manager
Meeting Summary
The network meeting was called at 8:30 a.m. by
Robert Billington, President of the Blackstone Valley Tourism
Council.
Attending
-
Jerry Aissis, Volunteer, Rte. 295 Visitor
Center
-
Irene Blais, Guide, Slater Mill and Museum of
Work & Culture
-
Chris Bouley, President, Stadium Theater
Foundation
-
Justine Brewer, Owner, Southwick Zoo
-
Ann Conway, Co-Manager, Museum of Work &
Culture
-
Beverly Daignault, Volunteer, Rte. 295 Visitor
Center
-
Barbara Dixon, Event, Coordinator, JHC
Blackstone River Valley NHC
-
Kathy Gilbert-Levesque, Marketing Director,
Stadium Theater for the Performing Arts
-
Donna Houle, Special Projects Manager, BVTC
-
Wendy Jencks, Visitor Centers Manager, BVTC
-
Lily Kayamba, Market Analyst, BVTC
-
Katie Kelly, Audubon Society of Rhode Island
-
John Martin, Co-owner, Blackstone Valley
Outfitters
-
Francine Murphy-Brillon, Program & Marketing
Manager, Slater Mill
-
Ruth Pacheco, Owner, Hi on a Hill Herb Farm
-
Lorraine Provencher, Footsteps in History
Coordinator, BVTC
-
Virginia Sindelar, Owner, Grace Note Farm
-
Val Stegemoen, Visitor Center Manager, River
Bend Farm
-
Kristen Swanberg, Audubon Society of Rhode
Island
-
Sue Tessier-MacKenzie, Board of Directors, BVTC
-
Kim Ward, Director of Community Affairs,
Lincoln Park
-
David White, Owner, Navigator Publishing
Company
-
Amanda Wood, Office Manager, BVTC
-
Kristin Zawistowski, Keep Blackstone Valley
Beautiful Manager, BVTC
Special Guest
Speaker
Randy Rosenbaum, Director, RI State Council on the
Arts
-
Mr. Billington, President of the Blackstone
Valley Tourism Council, noted how much activity is happening in
Woonsocket in the Market Square area. He explained how he had
been in the area a few weeks ago, had eaten at Vintage, and
enjoyed a number of people using the skating on the ice rink,
and saw people coming out of the new River Falls Restaurant and
Night Club and people in the area. He also noted that near the
Stadium Theatre, was another area that has after work-hours
traffic. This type of activity is good for tourism and the
economy of Woonsocket.
Mr. Billington introduced Mr. Rosenbaum with an
explanation of his duties at the Rhode Island State Council on the
Arts.
Mr. Rosenbaum explained “The Arts in the Blackstone
Valley” “draft” brochure that was distributed to the group. He noted
that the Arts Council, founded in 1967, is celebrating its 40th
anniversary. He added that originally 25% of any money appropriated
by the federal government was sent directly to each state for arts
use and at the time this was established, that figure is presently
40%. Many states did not have an Arts Council and rushed to
establish them so that schools, arts institutions, etc. could apply
for a grant.
He stated that the Arts Council offers competitive
grants primarily on the arts and his organization receives many
grants during their application period which occurs twice a year.
The Council convenes a panel to review the grants and make
recommendations to the Board of Directors; approximately $200,000 is
given out in grant. He apologized for having forgotten to add
Woonsocket into the brochure, but that he would correct the
brochure. He added that there are many areas rich in the arts,
especially in the Blackstone Valley; however, we give approximately
half of the grants to Newport mostly because there are not many
applications received from the Blackstone Valley. There are lots of
exciting activities in the Blackstone Valley, but more could be
happening and that more organizations need to apply.
Ms. Tessier-MacKenzie asked if a City has to apply
for the grant. Mr. Rosenbaum stated that most applications come from
private organizations and not so much from cities and towns such as
at the Museum of Work & Culture where they do a lot of work
preserving the arts program and providing support for the apprentice
to work with the experienced artist to keep a tradition from
becoming extinct. He added that they have funded instrument makers,
tapestry artists, blacksmiths, boat building, etc. The Council also
serves as a resource; you are able to call and connect with whatever
type of artist you would be seeking for any event as we are
connected to the artist’s community. Mr. Rosenbaum gave a few
examples such as bagpipers, fiddlers, etc.
Mr. Aissis asked if the Council gave grants for
historical buildings. Mr. Rosenbaum stated that the Council can act
as a liaison to help organizations as a resource and reference, but
doesn’t give grants as such. Mr. Rosenbaum added that he is more
than willing to help any agency or organization to move forward with
a grant.
Mr. Rosenbaum noted that he couldn’t stress enough
how much the arts play in this region if you just look around;
quality of life, education improve throughout Rhode Island and the
economy of the State and region and the Blackstone Valley has many
examples of that. As an example, he added that with the creation of
a park near his home and the conversion of a building into a
theatre, his property values and those in the area have risen. He
stated that the Stadium Theatre, which offers arts as well as
educational programs, is another example of how bringing the theatre
back to life and making the area active has improved the quality of
life and the economy for that area. It is the Council’s job to also
support those types of endeavors.
Mr. Rosenbaum informed the group that what is not
well known in Rhode Island is that there are 9 arts districts in the
State; two of which are in the Blackstone Valley, in Woonsocket and
one in Pawtucket. The arts district builds community development in
that artist live and work in the district and is also an economic
development tool. It establishes an art guarantee that any art from
anywhere can be sold and is exempted from the State’s sales tax. It
is also good for an art collector looking for a good deal and having
to pay no sales tax is an incentive and that is why it is so
important to identify these districts to the art buying public.
Mr. Rosenbaum also noted that this district is a
good economic development tool in the it provides an incentive to
artists; they can sell their work exempt from sales tax and any
income they receive while they live in the district is also exempt
from State Income Tax; this is especially good for an artist just
starting out; it puts value to the artist and to his work.
Woonsocket and Pawtucket can be an artist’s destination for the
cultural tourist and it can be in the Blackstone Valley. They are
already on the Council’s web site
At the Arts Council, there isn’t the expertise
needed to encourage people to come, but as group, we need to do
marketing for an artists’ destination. We need a vision of what
needs to be done to accomplish this task.
Sue Tessier-MacKenzie asked how well know the
artist’s district program was and Mr. Rosenbaum state that it is not
as well know as it should be especially with all the tax exemptions
that are available. He added that districts can be added to a
community and these districts require boundaries be shown.
Mr. Billington added that this allows any community
in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to create such a district; they
have the ability to create one and start to promote it. He added
that the arts are indigenous. Woonsocket is developing its own
cultural history.
Mr. Rosenbaum noted that in the public art program
legislation, 1% of any public facility (except bridges and highways
which are under discussion as to the law’s strict interpretation)
that is constructed will go into the acquisition of art and is
set-aside for that purposes. A number of buildings around the State
were able to utilize this art fund such as the airport, Kent County
Courthouse, etc. He added that he would be speaking to the new DOT
Director Mr. Jerry Williams to discuss transportation projects.
Mr. Billington asked if the weathervane at the top
of the Depot in Woonsocket, a building owned and being renovated by
DOT, could be replaced with an exact replica under the 1% rule and
Mr. Rosenbaum stated that under the strictest terms of the law the
Depot would be eligible. He added that the Visitor Center on Rte.
295 was assumed to be eligible, however, after a panel was
assembled; a call to artists was made and sent to DEM, DEM informed
us that DOT isn’t going to provide any funds for public art at that
building. There is a thought to discuss this further when the other
Visitor Center is developed.
Kathy Gilbert-Levesque asked if the 1% was based on
total construction cost and Mr. Rosenbaum stated a question that was
being sent to the Attorney General to determine if the 1% should be
on the State contribution or on the total overall cost of
construction and that decision has yet to be made.
Mr. Billington and the attendees thanked Mr.
Rosenbaum for his presentation and he offered to answer any
questions. His e-mail is randy@arts.ri.gov
Mr. Billington noted that the BVTC will present a
Green Tourism Conference on March 29th. At the moment, the concept
is rough; the need is to be able to do business in the future and
act “green” by lowering the amount of waste generated which, in the
long term, saves everyone money. We have business that can improve
by being environmentally sensitive and stay “green.” We will be
inviting national and international speakers to help convey the
message; we expect funding at any time. All the tourism industry has
a responsibility to be sensitive to what we are trying to
accomplish.
He noted that Ms. Kayamba will be representing the
Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor communities at the
American Bus Association tour conference in Dallas; the conference
report from Ms. Kayamba will be on the web site approximately 2
weeks after she returns. Find it on BlackstoneValleyTourism
Council.org.
He also informed the group that World Tourism Day
is September 27th that is also the date of the BVTC’s annual dinner.
He informed the group that the Dean Warehouse in
Cumberland has a full studio for any film company that wishes to
come to Rhode Island. They had filmed the movie “Waterfront” here
and the studio remained and with that the owners have decided to
keep the studio for film industry rental.
He added that the International Food Brochure has
just been released which contains restaurants, bakeries, markets
that are ethnically owned and operated.
He stated that the Information Distribution System
has been free for the last 15 years with the funding being provided
by the Corridor for the past 8 years, however, the funding from the
Corridor has ceased and it is necessary for the BVTC to operate this
system again. In an effort to be cost-effective, we have asked that
any group or organization that wishes to become part of the system,
pay $25.00 per month which will ensure that their information gets
to up to 100 sites every month. Anyone who wishes to drop off
brochures to our Visitor Center can do so. The distribution system
is very important in order to get information out to people in the
Valley. Everyone would like people to come to the Valley, but it is
also necessary to have those people stay and do something else or
come back to take in another event/location and brochures/rack cards
accomplish this task.
Ms. Southwick-Brewer asked about the kiosks that
are located throughout the Valley. Mr. Billington noted that they
would be repaired and in some cases, relocated within the existing
site to be more visible.
Ann Conway asked about the amount of rack cards
that should be printed and Mr. Billington stated that 10,000
brochures a year would be best. Ms. Jencks stated that approximately
1,000 per month is a good start especially where brochures are
located in popular places, there is a greater need. She also noted
that design of a card is very critical to its visibility. Mr.
Billington noted that he’s been discussing the cards with Mr. White
and that he has good designs for a fair price.
Mr. Bouley asked about the 1% meal tax and Mr.
Rosenbaum explained that all restaurants in Rhode Island charge and
an additional 1% to eat-in or take-out and that tax is sent directly
back to the community and in most cases the community absorbs that
money into their general fund, however, it is possible to request
that your City or town consider using those dollars towards another
use; in Woonsocket alone over half a million dollars is generated
through the meal tax.
Ms. Gilbert-Levesque noted that when individuals
contact the Stadium for tickets, the office automatically sends out
the tickets with a local restaurant brochure of those restaurants
that support the Theatre. Telephone calls receive the same response.
Sue Tessier-MacKenzie of the BVTC Board of
Directors informed the group that the BVTC annual dinner and meeting
also holds a silent auction and that any donations would be
appreciated. She also noted that the Holiday Inn Express, who she is
also representing today, is in the process of renovating the
interior with new carpeting, etc. She also informed the group that
the Mardi Gras Celebration, coordinated by the Northern Rhode Island
Council of the Arts, will take place on February 3rd with the good
news being that it is being held with help from many sources
including the offer by Gary Fernandes of the new River Falls Night
Club and Restaurant to use his facility for the celebration at no
cost. The Children’s Ball will be held on February 17th at the
Stadium Theatre; it will be free; the movie Shrek will be shown; and
costumed children will be able to win prizes.
Ms. Ward of Lincoln Park noted that the BVTC logo
would be on their brochures and as far as the renovations, they have
scheduled to be completed by possibly the end of March. She noted
that this week, the Irish Pub had a soft opening and will have a
grant opening on February 12th and that two other restaurants are
opening at the end of March. She added that there is a reality show
about the park on Saturday evenings at 10:30 p.m. on the Fox
channel.
Ms. Southwick-Brewer wanted everyone to be aware
that Southwick Zoo is only 6 miles from Woonsocket and they have
just completed the mandrill exhibit and the Zebra Café has been
renovated. They are open April to October with a yearly visitorship
of approximately 200,000 people. She added that brochures in her
racks go fast.
Mr. Stegemoen noted that approximately 90,000
people a year visit River Bend Farm; they have over 1000 acres with
4 miles of tow path along the river; they have snowshoeing and
skating. Last year, through the Volunteers in Parks Program, they
had over 2,000 people participate in the maple sugaring program and
this year they are proud of the fact that a new building has been
constructed: the sugar house which will be used for maple sugaring.
Mr. White added that rack cards are best when
printed in bulk with approximately 5,000 brochures for each business
and the next printing will take place February 1st so for anyone who
wishes to have their cards printed, please call. He added that he
was starting a new program entitled “Destinations” with guides to
the Blackstone Valley and anyone who wishes to be part of the guide
can send him a blurb on their organization.
Ms. Conway stated that the 400th anniversary of
Quebec would be coming up in 2008 and a group has been named to
explore the avenues that will be available to either go to Quebec or
for some natives to come to Woonsocket. Also, on October 10, 2007,
the Museum of Work & Culture will be celebrating its 10th
anniversary. The festivities will start in January culminating with
the gala in October. She noted that January will have a lecture
series, followed by a Salute to Spring concert and also offering
French-Canadian food. The on-going raffle will take place on March
11th.
Mr. Billington thanked everyone for coming; the
meeting ended at 10:10 a.m. followed by a tour of the Museum of Work
& Culture with Ann Conway.
Mr. Billington noted that if anyone would like to
host the next meeting, to please contact Amanda Wood at the Tourism
offices at 401-724-2200.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Provencher
Recording Clerk
