The council’s primary attention was directed toward the “Best of Miami Lakes” contest. Members debated the effectiveness of running four advertisements, with some suggesting that the ads should coincide with the opening of nominations to avoid confusion among potential voters. It was proposed that the first ad run on July 17th, followed by additional ads on August 7th and August 21st, to align with key nomination dates. This schedule was suggested to ensure that the community is adequately informed and engaged in the voting process.

The discussion also encompassed the advertising dimensions and costs, with options including four quarter-page ads at $1840 or three third-page ads at approximately $1785. The minimal price difference left room for further deliberation, emphasizing the need for a decision by the June meeting to meet publication deadlines. This strategic approach aimed to avoid past issues where the contest had not received sufficient promotion, leading to rushed processes and limited community involvement.

Concerns were raised about the fairness and transparency of the nomination process, with suggestions to simplify the categories to increase voter engagement. It was noted that the extensive list of businesses, derived from the Business Tax Receipt (BTR) list, might deter participation if voters were presented with an overwhelming number of choices. The council considered recommendations to limit the number of categories, thus making the process more accessible and encouraging broader participation.

Additionally, there was a motion to approve funding for a combined advertisement campaign promoting both the boot camp registration and the Best of Miami Lakes nominations. The council discussed the importance of maintaining clarity in the advertisement design to prevent confusion between the two events. The timing of the advertisements would aim to maximize public awareness and participation, with a consensus on the necessity for regular reminders to keep the community informed.

Apart from the advertising strategies, the council also addressed the upcoming Economic Development Conference (EDC) and its focus on artificial intelligence. The conference aims to provide valuable insights for small business growth, featuring speakers like Drew from Va Custom Print and Thiago Ferrera from the University of Miami. The council discussed the financial aspects of the boot camp, including a proposal to allocate $200 for swag bags featuring the EDC logo.

The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming events, including a speed networking event on April 29th and a special call meeting on June 4th. This meeting will allow town committees to present their proposed budgets for the next fiscal year, covering event costs, attendance data, and sponsorship revenue. The council emphasized the importance of preparation and information collection to ensure informed decision-making in future meetings.