The Carriage House Defined Purpose, Unified Support

By Jacqueline Devine

2004

In June 2003, Interim Commission Chair Dwight Jensen appointed a three-member committee representing each of the Terrace Hill support organizations to address the issues of purpose, location, inventory, support, management and operations of the Terrace Hill gift shop. The committee members are Marilyn Smith (Society), Peggy Whitworth (Foundation) and Committee Chair Jacqueline Devine (Commission).

The Gift Shop Committee presented its recommendations to the three organizations, which approved the proposal.

PURPOSE

There is agreement that the purpose of the Terrace Hill shop is threefold:

To become a self-sustaining source of revenue from which funds become available for the support of Terrace Hill needs, as identified by the organizations charged with its overall operations.
To enhance the Terrace Hill experience by providing an environment in which visitors/guests/customers/volunteers can purchase uniquely Terrace Hill, quality merchandise gifts, books, art that relates to Terrace Hill, Iowa history or Iowas governors.
To serve as a public relations extension of Terrace Hill by conveying the hospitality of Terrace Hill, by communicating tour and event opportunities at Terrace Hill, and by becoming a destination shop for the shopping public.

SUPPORT

The shop, which will remain in the same location, will be called The Carriage House at Terrace Hill. Giving the shop a name that has its own prestigious identity, while defining its location and products, is a first step in marketing.

The shop will be supported jointly by the Society and the Foundation. The Carriage House will host a Grand Reopening in the spring with new merchandise proceeds from the sale of which will be split according to the agreement. Society members will retain their individual 10 percent shoppers discount on purchases.

The value of Society volunteer time, as always, is priceless and appreciated. Volunteer staffing as well as cost of insurance on the merchandise will remain a Society contribution while the cost of space, security, utilities, facility insurance, maintenance, and prestigious location all provided by the Commission over the years will remain a contribution of the Commission.

Whenever possible and fiscally reasonable, Iowa producers or Iowa-based wholesalers will be used as merchandise sources, in support of Iowas economy. Things available for purchase at the shop will be selected because they remind the buyer of Terrace Hill. This way, the customer stays connected as a supporter and ambassador of good will toward Terrace Hill.

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