Mike Whalen has asked for a leave of absence. 

Some members have suggested using our surplus to bring down the dues for the next 6 months to help struggling members.  Others suggest using it to advertise MABE businesses. 

• Business assistance will bring people to MABE in 2009.  We should focus on business.  We all share the same struggles - budgets, employees, advertising.  Some shy away because the feel inadequate or may have low self esteem.  We need to feel comfortable enough to share openly and help each other.  The best meetings are the ones where people don't hold back or hide. 
• We (the board) can't make the meetings good.  It comes from the participation of the group.  I would like to believe the members in this group are not dead and waiting for people to push them over.  Everybody's business and needs are different.  If you were talking to an expert, your advise would probably be vastly different.  All of our businesses are between our ears.  It is as much a mental process - willingness to stick to it and pick up the tools to do it.  I feel I can get that benefit from this group. 
• I had the same sort of problem over the last year.  But over the last two days I got in touch with people I hadn't talked to in years.  I spoke to 30-40 people and picked up 2 jobs.  It was a terrific experiment for me.  Even if they didn't need work they might know someone that does.  You have to go out and get the work.  Contact, contact, contact!  Get out there and do it.
• I have worked in the valley for years and this has been the worst year.  Reach deep and think about how you can help your fellow MABE business member.  It will generate a lot of synergy...and results.  I think that is what we should concentrate on.
• I discovered this week I have a roof leak.  I didn't have the money to spend on the repair.  The guy I called asked what I did.  We are trading services.  That is another possibility we can all look at.
• I read books on this kind of stuff.  I recently read one that had a good exercise.  It asks the reader to look back at 3 accomplishments that you've done in your life that you are really proud of.  Which of those experiences came without some sort of pain.  It is almost a cliché but it is true, "no pain, no gain".  I think we are in one of those periods right now.  We might look back in 2010 and say one of my greatest accomplishments was making it through 2009. 
• How do I say this politely?  I have clients and friends that are doing very well, even in construction and real estate.  The one key element to all of them is creativity.  I am as guilty as anyone looking at the doom and gloom.  Something that would be interesting to me is to have someone in a particular area give us creative ideas that have worked for them.  We have smart people in this group.  Share your ideas.
• A few of the people that resigned or have thought about resigning, wanted this to be a business group not good ole boys club.   We need to focus on business.