MEETING MINUTES
Friday, June 6, 2008
Volume 15; Issue 20

Membership Report
(Click here to go to the Membership page)

Mike Whalen has a potential new member, Ronny Kalla.  He does weddings and stuff like that but his focus is going more to commercials.  Mike will get an application completed.

Social Report
(Click here to go to the Social Event page)

With the resignation of Dave Spiess, we need a new social event coordinator.  Any volunteers?

Speaker Coordinator Report
(Click here to go to the Speaker Schedule)

June 13    Dave Crissman
June 20    Mark Dreher
June 27    Erin Jaicks
July 4        Holiday

Treasurer Report

The quarterly dues billing went out 6/1.  Please contact Melissa Matthews if you did not receive yours.
 

Leads Report

20-15, 56-15, 45-17, 21-17, 10-17, 46-20, 46-10, 50-30, 51-22, 15-56, 22-34, 26-10, 26-25
 

If you were going to pick a song that describes you, your business or your life, what would it be?

• I Got a Hammer

• Crazy Bi$%@#!

• Splish, Splash

• She Done Me Wrong and That Ain't Right

• Life is a Highway

• Kick Out the Jams

• PS, I Love You

• Monday, Monday

• On the Road Again

• I Can't Get No Satisfaction...Yesterday...Be Happy Don't Worry...Ultra Meditation

• Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

• I Walk the Line...Crazy

• White Sandy Beach of Hawaii...Stairway to Heaven...Red, Red Wine

• I Saw the Sign

• Twist and Shout

• Painted Black

• Peace of Mind...Take it Easy...I Hate Myself for Loving You....Get Your Kicks on Route 66...etc.

• Free Fallin'

• Rock Around the Clock

• Puff the Magic Dragon

• Momma's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

• Life Can Turn on a Dime
   

Notable Mentions

There will be a board meeting next Wednesday.  Time and location to be determined.

Greg Stewart is featuring some very talented "young" artists at his stores.  Stop by and take a look.
 

[delete/bios/other/opendiscussion.htm]

A Discussion on Membership - hosted by Dave Lathrop

We have a 59% attendance today.  That is a D-.  If we are grading on a curve, that is probably average.

As an entity, we want to bring on new members that add to the dynamics of this group.

Identifying the top 3 reasons/benefits of being a MABE member...

• Share and learn about business ideas
• Leads, new customers, referrals
• Support, advice, consulting
• Business owners, trust, count on character and integrity of members, member services (use other people in the group), personal knowledge, refer with confidence, reliable
  "Reliable business people with integrity you can trust"
• Emotional support, friendship
• Coffee clutch, comradery
• A place to start
• We take care of each other, help willingly

The traditional route that someone can become a member (from the laws)... 

Click here to read bylaws

Who can be considered for new membership?

Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, companies and associations of good character and outstanding business and professional reputation.

Each shall represent a different business, trade, occupation or profession and shall be classified accordingly.

The membership shall belong to the business entity, which shall be represented at member functions by a designated representative or representatives whom shall be the owner, partner, officer or other executive with policy-making authority.

The admission of all members and representatives shall be on invitation by the Board of Directors.

What should be discussed with a prospective member?

A prospective member should understand even though members exchange leads, the primary focus of MABE is on business support and development.

Emphasis should be placed on meeting attendance and prompt payment of dues.

How do I propose a prospective member?

Member should bring the name and type of business forward to the group during a regular meeting.

Membership Chairman will ask for objections. Anyone with concerns may also discuss them in private* with the Membership Chairman prior to the application being filled out.

*IN PRIVATE with the dispute resolution person who will bring those concerns to the board.  When there are concerns the application process will be suspended until concerns are managed by the board.

Complete Part 1 of  Application

Application Emailed to Membership and Posted on Website**

Membership Committee Members Meet with Potential Member**

Meeting Invitation Extended To Prospective Member to Visit the Group

If there are no further objections, prospective member is invited to attend a regular meeting.

Complete Part 2 of  Application

Final Approval By MABE

First Meeting As A New Member

Admission fee and prorated quarterly dues are payable at the first meeting as a member.

Changes to membership application:

**Part 1 of the application to be put on-line for a period of 2 weeks.  If there are no objections, the proposed member will be invited to breakfast at the expense of MABE.

***If the board decides that it is necessary, they will meet to answer questions, address any possible conflicts and make sure the potential applicant meets the membership criteria.

Suggestions on how we can add quality members...

Is there a business that you use but do not know the owner (unfilled category)?
Ask to meet with him or her to discuss MABE.

What business would benefit other MABE members, almost like partners?
Obvious ones:  Bill LaLonde and Dan Sleezer
Not so obvious: Dave Lathrop and Jim Bache

Who would get immediate business and provide a needed service?
For example, a dry cleaner could pick up items every week.

How do you speak to potential members about joining MABE?  What has worked and what hasn't?  Please visit our message board and give us your feedback.