MEETING MINUTES
 Friday, August 13, 2010
Volume 17; Issue 27

Member Spotlight
This week's spotlight is Jake Ulrich.  Please keep this member top of mind this week for referrals. 

Social Report
We will try to do something mid-month each month.  This month we will try a movie and after-discussion.  Next month we will have another happy hour.  More details to come.

Membership
Please extend a warm welcome to our newest member Nick Carr of Legacy Insurance Group.

Board Report
There will be a board meeting next week after the regular meeting.

Erin LaGrassa will go off the board.  Don Ellis will move into the Historian position.  This leaves two vacant spots to fill. 

Election Schedule
Nominations:  August 6th and 13th
Speeches: August 20
Elections:  August 27
New board begins:  September 3

Nominees: Stacy Hyder, Mark Menasci, Jim Bache and Ryan Bohlander.

Joe Hesch asked "What do you think is important for the board to be doing?"  The following comments were made.... 

  • The board should be a sounding board for membership. 

  • Are the bylaws important?  Who has even looked at them? 

  • The organization was founded on a mutual direction. 

  • We are not always following the bylaws? 

  • They are your basic structure and they need to be vaguely specific. 

  • The bylaws have been put to the sideline based on personalities. 

  • There are things in the bylaws that need to be addressed. 

  • What makes a good member is someone that is willing to work on MABE outside of this meeting. 

  • Six months can fly by and it is hard to get things to accomplished.  Diversity helps.

  • Having a willingness to dig in and make the tough decisions.

Meeting Schedule
August 13 - Small Groups
August 20 - Mark Dreher, City Development Update
August 27 - Member Spotlights

Just a reminder that there will not be a meeting on September 3rd due to the Labor Day weekend.

Today's Program:  What makes a good MABE member? Why are you here?

  • After 19 years I don't know where to go on Friday morning.

  • Learning other industries.

  • As a small business person, I am the person that needs to find a solution to a problem.  Usually they are beyond my expertise.  I can come here to get answers.

  • The networking. 

  • I feel supported here.

  • Share ideas...leads are secondary.

  • Are you here as a productive member in your category or are you here for breakfast?

  • Are you bigger than MABE?

  • A big part of being a member is trying another member's services and then feeling confident referring them.

  • We don't need the money, we need the person.

  • To build trust, the person needs to be here.

  • You have to attend and be an active members.

  • I was attracted to this group because there was no pressure to bring a lead which were usually crappy because they were forced.

  • I don't understand the lack of value put on inside leads.  They are a part of networking.

  • I like the interaction.  We have lost the "pick me up". 

  • I was stuck in my business and that was all I knew.  I have been able to come out of my shell.

  • If you do what is best for the group, you are doing what is best for you.

  • We are all spending money somewhere.  There are opportunities to bring in new members.

  • There is a problem if weeks go by and there are no leads.

  • We need to find high quality members rather than simply filling spots.

  • If you are not active, if you do not participate, you are sucking up a category.

  • If you are not active, move into an honorary position.

  • I know of at least 6 people that have left the group because the group became apathetic.  They may still be here today if they knew there was a renewed passion for the group.

  • This discussion is healthy.

  • What is a good MABE Member?  Service.  Going the extra mile.

  • This has been a good meeting.  I don't like the hard push for membership.  We should enjoy each other.  We should still keep membership in mind but only consider good quality members.

  • We should be happy with what we have as long as the members in this group are willing to help the group grow.

  • Socials are good for getting to know each other better.

  • A credit to everyone here is that we have had some bad members and they don't stay.  I think the level of credibility here makes them leave.  Oil and water don't mix.

  • I always walk away happy and ready to start the weekend.

  • I love the energy in this group.  I am a one man show out there during the week so I look forward to coming here on Friday mornings.

  • All groups go through ups and downs but this is a grand group.  Enjoy it.

Question & Answer
Robert Busch asked about the changing debit card rules.  Why should I sign those papers?  What is everyone's opinion?

Jake Ulrich answered - Check card insurance plan enrollment is an option.  You can still overdraft your account.  Everyone has a cushion based on their average balance.  My understanding is you can still change your election at any time.

Jim Bache added - We can all simplify our lives by not caring cell phones and debit cards.