December 2003

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA: 
The board discussed reaction to the proposed new membership rules.  It was agreed that the options to the traditional membership criteria would be implemented for a trial period of six months.  The new options would be:

  1. It could be a new business as long as they were in a similar business for at least 5 years and the sponsoring member has known them for at least 2 years.

  2. The person could come in if they came from a referral along with 2 other strong referrals and are willing to pay twice the membership fee, with half given back after a year of membership in good standing. 

The board discussed exceptions for current members wanting to change categories, past members wanting to rejoin with a new business and members wanting to take a sabbatical.  It was agreed that these special situations would require board approval. 

BUSINESS ISSUES VS. LEADS: 
The board discussed a complaint that too much emphasis was being placed on leads and not enough on discussing business issues.  The growing size of the group means more time is needed for leads and introductions and less time for "Question of the Days".  The board agreed to schedule an open meeting every six weeks for the purpose of discussing business issues. 

HANDOUT: 
The board decided to put together a handout to be given to potential new members.  This handout would tell them what the group is, what it does and what it means to the members.  The January 9th meeting will be used to ask members to tell others what MABE means to them.  These "testimonials" will aid in the preparation of the handout. 

PERSONAL DATA POSTED/SPONSORING MEMBER SHEET:  
A sheet was sent around for members to check off if they didn't want their personal information posted on the website in the password protected area.  They were also asked to list their sponsoring member. 

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: 
The board agreed that, although the membership applications are sent out via email, it is important that the sponsoring member bring the name up at a meeting and make sure there are no objections to the applicant before inviting them as a guest.

BROCHURES: 
The board agreed to change the printing of the brochure to save money.

AGENDA: 
The board decided to have the name of the company included on the agenda instead of the category.

THE A-TO-Z LIST: 
The board agreed to make update the A-to-Z list to include categories already filled.  Members that may have an aspect of their business that crosses over into other categories should not actively solicit for that part of their business.  This is necessary to avoid conflicts.

JANUARY 9TH MEETING: 
It was agreed that potential members could be brought to they January 9th open meeting.  The meeting would focus on positive aspects of MABE.

EXPANDING DUTIES OF BOARD POSITIONS: 
The board agreed to expand the duties of the membership chair to include monitoring attendance of new members for first six months and act as a mentor for them.  The board also agreed that the board member's names and positions should be added to the agenda.  The board will put together a summary of duties that go with each position before the next election.

BILLING ISSUES:
It was agreed that members would be given 30 days to pay before collection procedures begin.

HOLIDAY PARTY:
It was agreed to have a buffet at the holiday party.  It was also agreed to have an auction at the end of casino and people would bid on prizes donated by members.

CLOSING: 
The next meeting will be January 16th.  Meeting adjourned.


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