Membership Update
Joe Burr of Kale's Collision has completed part two of the membership application.  Today is the last day for objections.  If there are no objections, he will be invited to join our group.

Jeff Ralls of Theatre 168, a potential new member, visited our group today.  He took a few minutest to talk about his business and a little about his personal life.

Social Update
Based on the surveys we came up with a concept for the holiday party.  Someone will host it.  It will be partially catered and partially pot luck.  We want to make this the party of the year...within budget.  In order to do so we need to know who is going to show up.  The date is Saturday, December 19th. 

Other Business
Nick Mawrenko suggested that everyone monitor the activity related to their business on the BBB website.   They only monitor negative feedback.  You will want to make sure you address them and have them closed out.  Nick will be happy to assist you and answer any questions about this.  Bob Becker offered up the space at his wife's center.  He will need to confirm availability but it is an option to consider. 

The board discussed the brochures at the board meeting earlier this week.  We have plenty of covers but the inside pages are frequently outdated.  An idea presented was to have a simple insert that contained key information about members (name, category, phone, website) and then direct users to go to the MABE website for more detailed information.

Question of the Day
A question on banking Fees...Since the banks have been bailed out, it seems like the lending to consumers has slowed or stopped.  We are getting non-interest charges, more than we have ever seen before.  Is this the future?

Jake Ulrich replies...You have to talk with your bank.  There are usually options.  As the economy changes and the structure changes you, you may find you are no longer in the most ideal accounts.  It could also be as simple as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up regular transfers. 

Most personal accounts don't incur fees.  It is usually on the business-side that you see them.  He discussed analysis fees (you earn credits vs. interest) which can be offset by other fees.  It can be somewhat confusing.  Earning credit rates are lower because of the economy which is why you are seeing more fees (not much earnings to offset them).  There are a lot of fees built in that you could potentially pay for or not.  A lot banks are now enrolled in additional insurance, beyond the FDIC, so you are not held to that limit.  This is another fee that is being passed on to the customer.   Bill pay is oftentimes free.  It is an alternative solution for some.  ACH typically happens that day whereas bill pay can take up to a week to get there.  It depends on what your needs are.

Feature Program - MABE Website Overview
One thing that came out in the survey was that people are not using the MABE website to its full potential.  Today members were updated on some sections that could help them market their business.  Members can have a link from their bio to a page listing client referrals.