MEETING MINUTES
Friday, September 5, 2008
Volume 15; Issue 30

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

On Friday September 19th Dan Sleezer will host our MABE meeting at his store.  Maddy's Pool Store is located at 81 West Guadalupe Road in Gilbert (SW corner of GIlbert & Guadalupe).
 

Leads Report
21-28, 21-13, 54-13, 38-45 (x2), 07-28, 22-40, 22-42, 22-13, 50-28, 50-22,10-21.

Board Report
Chris Curran gave a brief update on the last board meeting.  He announced the new board and chair positions.  He also mentioned the member survey prepared by Dave Lathrop.  Members are encouraged to complete those if they have not already done so.  Your responses will give the new board direction.  The board discussed putting together a budget.

There will be a short board meeting following the general meeting on September 12th to discuss the survey results.

Board meetings will now be held on the second Tuesday of every month.  The are currently scheduled for 5pm at Smith Barney.
 

Treasurer Report
The quarterly dues billing went out 9/1.  Please contact Melissa Matthews if you did not receive your e-invoice.
 

Membership Report
Robert Bush mentioned that the board would like to approach former members about rejoining.

Ralph Cunningham spoke to Herb Stokes, the lead photographer for Portraits by Reg, about MABE membership.  There were members objections.  Jean Batt has been waiting for someone to invite the new owners to a meeting in the fall, once they get the business going.

Question of the Day
Chris Curran asked today's burning business question...He had a very inquisitive potential client contact him and ask many questions including if he had testimonials from former clients.  His gut reaction was that this guy is trying to get free information so he can resolve the issue himself.  Or maybe he was just inquisitive.  How many of you use testimonials as a marketing tool?

• Mike Whalen has "wall of fame" at his office.  It is plastered with thank you letters, etc. 
• Dave Lathrop surveys all his clients and asks if he can use them as a references which he will be putting on his website. 
• Nick Mawrenko believes references are important but it is more important to find out what they are looking for.  He asks them "Do you want the good or bad references?"  It stops their automatic thinking.  Why are they asking?  Not many people would give their bad references out.  Nick does.   
• Gus Dekavallas believes one of the best references you have is the MABE booklet.  Potential clients see how long you have been in the group and they know you are credible.
   

Main Speaker - Barbara Kollman
Barbara Kollman handed out an official treasurer's report.  As the treasurer, Barbara writes the checks and pay the bills.  Melissa is "clearing house".  She sends the bills to the treasurer, sends out dues invoicing and collects payments.  She doesn't write checks or make withdrawals.  Only two people can do this...the treasurer and president.  But the president doesn't have checkbook so it would be hard for that person to withdrawal money.  Barbara had her assistant do an audit of the MABE books for the past 12 months.  She discussed the results in detail and answered questions.

A few items of note:

• Barbara feels this meeting location is a bargain.  They don't charge a minimum and we are not locked into a contract.
• Barbara recommends a reserve of $15K.
• In reviewing the handouts, you need to consider two large upcoming expenses that are not included...brochure printing and the holiday party.
• One of Barbara's focus is on determining the net profit which she feels should be used to promote MABE members.

Barbara asked the board for a 6-month leave of absence during which she will continue to pay her dues.  The reason is changes in laws.  There have been many.  The law books have gotten bigger and bigger and the print got smaller.  Its overwhelming.  She has a huge learning curve to overcome.  She has to much to do.  All of her software has to change.  She has to attend seminars.  Most businesses are struggling.  She has enough work.  She simply doesn't have the time to do it.  Its a fascinating time in her business.  Its a very, very trying time as well.  So she must take time off from MABE.  But she will continue to handle the duties of treasurer and be available to answer questions by phone.