Question of the Day - What is your interpretation of Attendance?
Excused - You told them.  Unexcused means you didn't. 

To clarify we should probably use the terms communicated and un-communicated.  Only 6 absences in one calendar quarter are allowed.   

If you are not here it is a reflection of how you run your business.  Why do we have to be so correct and formal all the time.  The underlying point is that another person could fill that slot that will attend.

What is the consequence?  Kicked out?  Warning?  Do we call them?  Will they come back if they know we care?

The board needs to discuss compliance issues today at the board meeting. 

Membership
Jake Ulrich would like to propose Joe Arsenault as a new member.  He is a CPA.  An application will be forthcoming.  Jake will invite him as a guest to next week's meeting so he can tell members about what he can offer. 

Erin LaGrassa would like to propose Albert, a videographer, as a potential new member.  She will invite him to a meeting and start the application process. 

Board Update
Members rotating off the board include: Nick Mawrenko, Joe Hesch, Jake Ulrich and Janice Jaicks and Althea Bussert.  Continuing board members: Ryan Bohlander and Mark Menasci.   Sandro Menasci will take over the Historian spot.

• Bob Busch nominated Joe Burr

• Nick Carr nominated Brad Green

• Jake Ulrich nominated Jeff Sutherlin

• Jeff Sutherlin nominated Nick Carr

• Sandro Menasci nominated  Barb Luther

Nominee Speeches

Barb Luther (08/5/2011) - "Why elect me?  I have a sense of humor that helps speeds things along.  Why not Barb?  I will be out of town during several meetings.  I do want to give back.  You all have been very helpful to me.  I also want to carry through on some ideas."

Joe Burr (08/12/2011) - It is an honor to be nominated.  I enjoy this group and would love to get more involved.  You get out of it what you put into it.  About my attendance - My wife is a flight attendant so when she flies I have to take care of my daughter.  The most positive thing about the group is the business advice.  The wisdom exchanged and the social events help this group stand out from the other traditional leads group. 

Jeff Sutherlin (08/12/2011 - Communicating through Joe Hesch via text message) - Sorry I couldn't be there but I sprained my ankle last night. I don't want to be president immediately but would be interested in being the social coordinator.

Introductions and Comments
Phyllis Prater - Had a fun week working with a lady, her husband and lots of expensive diamonds.  You have to take risks and be talkative. 

Althea Bussert - Just got back from a wonderful European trip with my daughter. 

Terry Schnelle - Most of my clients are snowbirds so this is a slow time of year for me.  Spending time regrouping and working on contacts.

Herb Stokes - Been a weird year.  Parents and students don't seem to care about being in the yearbook anymore.  I am training for my first triathlon. 

Dave Crissman - We are improving our website marketing, developing very nicely.  They are a different type of customer, a little icy.  The real asset test of MABE is when members refer you.  Sandro has sent many referrals my way.

Sandro Menasci - It has been business as usual.  I might miss a few more meetings to visit my dad.  I sent a letter to the White House with suggestions on how to create jobs and catch up to the rest of the world by converting to the metric system.

Joe Zingale - We are trying to figure out how to make money with all of our new business.  I recently blew my back out and MABE member Shawn Vigneau put me back together.

Robert Busch - Business is good right now.  My wife and her sister are on a road trip and they passed the Dougherty siblings while they were shooting!

Jim Bache - Business has been really good.  I billed some long hours yesterday.  I used to joke that as an estate planner I have my finger on the pulse of the economy and I think we are seeing a positive turnaround.

Dave Lathrop - A friend of mine plays for the Diamondbacks and he came out and met my little brother so I got to feel like a big shot.  I am in conflict right now about taking business from a former member that I heard didn't behave well during a business deal. 

Erin LaGrassa - Business is growing in sales.  I am taking a class in profit mastering and it is great.  I would love to do a recap here.  (Booked for Friday, August 26th).

Ryan Bohlander - An update to the Brochure Conspiracy!  As you recall only his brochures were affected - being covered up - and he suspected his competition.  He wrestled with how to handle it.  On Monday he confronted her in the lobby.  The long and short - his casual, non accusing manner may have resolved the issue...and she knows he is watching!

Jake Ulrich - We are legally merged with BMO.  Customers will not be affected, except for the positive.  We closed a couple of branches in the state only because they were not working in their spots.  They want to build branches in better locations.  Personally, I already announced the engagement so that has been the focus. 

Shawn Vigneau - My son is getting his first sleep so not getting much sleep right now.  We have new stuff going on in our office - food allergy tests, etc.  Things that we are eating are causing inflammations in our bodies. 

Joe Burr - Been a long, crazy summer.  Daughter started second grade.  Business - summer always slow but our numbers are up.  Not sure if it is an improvement in the economy or results of marketing.  I think things are getting better, we are optimistic. 

Joe Hesch - Businesswise it has been a good year.  If you want to refinance, rates are low.  Kids are back in school which makes things easier. 

Janice Jaicks - Businesswise we are down overall from last year.  But I am optimistic that we can still end up on top.  Making personal phone calls to past clients.  Updating the website, SEO.  Personal-wise, no stressful events which is good. 

Mark Menasci - It is a little slower lately.  But snowbirds are coming back to town.  Personal note, I did well at the regional championships.  I seriously considered going to National but talked myself out of it.  After looking at the scores Monday, I felt horrible because I could have easily squashed them!

Andy Jensen - Markets have been crazy, volatile so business has been busy.