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- Following self-introductions of the attendees, Steering Committee Member and Bimini Boatyard owner Steve Hudson opened the meeting by commenting on his specific interest as a business owner and property owner on 17th Street and his perception of the importance of the Alliance to everyone on 17th Street.  He noted that the inclusion of all the various interests on the street will give us a stronger voice in the City and County on issues that affect 17th Street businesses, property owners and civic interests alike and an opportunity to promote and create stronger identity for the 17th Street Causeway corridor.

- City of Fort Lauderdale Parking & Fleet Services Director Diana Alarcon's slide-show presentation, "Sign System for City's Gateways, Landmarks and Beaches," brought attendees up to speed on conceptual designs for 'wayfinding signage' that can be carried throughout the City with changing the gateways to represent each individual area of the City.  The original project began with a plan for better beach signage to be put in place in time for Pro Bowl & Super Bowl events, but a groundswell of interest throughout the city has expanded the program to include the city's contiguous key 'gateway' beach access streets.  Due to the initiative of Genia Ellis, our Govt. Affairs Director, 17th Street is now included in the plan and Ms. Alarcon reviewed the current thinking for this initial stage of 17th Street signage.  She then fielded numerous questions from the audience, took feedback and suggestions, and will be meeting again soon with the City's consultant to finalize  and implement the first stage of the program between Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

- Interim Treasurer Mark Snead reported on the current balance of accounts and memberships to date.  Mark is serving as interim Treasurer until we can find someone who will be willing to do it full-time and will most likely begin after our January Board elections.

- Membership Committee Co-Chairs Carlos Cervantes (BankAtlantic) and J.J. McConnell (Gilman Yachts) reported on membership drive plans and will be seeking volunteers to help them contact everyone on the 17th Street Corridor.  If interested in joining the Membership Committee, please contact either of them as soon as possible!  Email Carlos at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or J.J. at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  They both stressed the importance of building a strong membership base as the foundation for issues advocacy and promotional efforts to brand and create a strong identity for 17th Street.

- Alliance President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer as elected by the Board;
- one member from the 17th Street Causeway Commercial Property Owners Association;
- one member representing 17th Street corridor retail business interests;
- one member representing 17th Street corridor hotel interests;
- one member representing 17th Street corridor restaurants;
- one member representing 17th Street marine industry interests;
- one member representing general port interests;
- Alliance Executive Director, if such a position shall be created and filled;
- two (2) at-large members.

NEW BUSINESS

- An Elections Committee was formed to set up a Board nominations process and Election date in January. Committee members are J.J. McConnell (Gilman Yachts), Bill Walker (WaterTaxi) and Dave Marshall (Mobility Management).  They will meet as soon as practicable and advise of the nominations process targeting a January election date.  Members will be kept informed with all developments, nominations and elections matters to be posted on the website on a regular basis.

- A brief discussion was held regarding the idea of creating a 'Signature Event' for 17th Street in the coming year.  Members were advised that a 'Forum' will be set up on the website where ideas and suggestions for the event can be easily posted, disseminated and discussed so that an 'Events' committee can be formed once the new Board of Directors is elected and in place;

- Announcement and discussion of the Official 17th Street Map & Guide to Fort Lauderdale's 'Gateway to the Sun!' The map will serve as a promotional tool and identity branding vehicle for the 17th Street Causeway Alliance and will be produced in a format similar to the GFLCVB map.  Alliance members will receive a free listing and locator number on the map as a benefit of membership.  Advertising will also be available and Ms. Tina Stiles was introduced as Sales Director for the project.  Info on ad pricing will be forthcoming and sales will begin immediately following Thanksgiving with a targeted distribution date of January 15th so that the map can be distributed in time for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl events headquarted here in the Convention Center.  Distribution will be comprehensive throughout the area with the assistance of Alliance members, The Water Taxi promotional network, Seafarers House, the Convention Center and much more.

For more info on the Official 17th Street Map & Guide, please contact George Mihaiu or Sales Director Tina Stiles at 954.828.1337 or via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .