August 27, 2004

All Board members were present.

The Board welcomed incoming members Dave Spiess and Mark Dreher.

Board position appointments for the term beginning September 1, 2004 are as follows:

Dave Spiess-President

Mark Dreher-Vice President

Lisa Schnaidt-Treasurer

Wayne Unruh-Speaker Coordinator

Althea Bussert-Social Chairperson

Roman Okonowski-Membership Chairperson

Thanks were extended to outgoing members Bill Lalonde, Greg Stewart and Dave Lathrop.  All three outgoing members were gracious in extending their willingness to provide support for the new board.

Greg Stewart suggested that the board consider an incentive for a new membership drive during the next six-month term.

Discussion, over the timing of Mabe’s year-end, was initiated by Mark Dreher.  We will monitor activities over the next few months to determine if there is any action to be taken to minimize our tax liability.  Mark’s firm, who does our tax returns, will also review to determine if a change of fiscal year might be in order.

The board requested that the treasurer make available an accounting, for the general membership, following our 10/31/2004 fiscal year-end.

Wayne Unruh advised he has had very good cooperation in filling the speaker schedule and anticipates no concern for the next six months.

Althea Bussert has had some discussion with her committee about a possible trip to Wickenburg in October, to include a jeep ride and gold panning.  She is waiting for the final draft of the personal roster so she can send invitations to the members homes for the holiday party.  There was also a suggestion of a picnic, to include former Mabe members, with whom we can still make contact.

Roman Okonowski presented a list of open business items.

Relative to board transition, it is anticipated that Mark Dreher will be President for the term beginning March 1, 2005.  It is recommended that all members nominated for the board must be willing to serve in the various positions, so we do not find ourselves without a willing and able successor to the presidency.  It was suggested that we try to mentor prospective board members through committee involvement.

We discussed attendance.  Only one member has violated the attendance provision of the bylaws over the past six months, and contact had been made to encourage attendance.  A couple of other members had extended leave due to out-of-state vacations, and that may become more regular due to the “aging” of the membership.

The board authorized the ordering of membership badges from member Mike Whalen.  Subsequent to the meeting, Dave Spiess advised that he would handle the contact with Mike and was provided the detail from the original pricing discussion.

Roman Okonowski suggested that a “sunshine” committee be appointed to handle contact for weddings, illness, births etc for members.  Also, a policy should be established as to Mabe’s contribution (card, flowers, etc) for the various events.  A contact list, to alert members to situations developing between meeting dates, is available on the website.


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