Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors meeting

August 11, 2011

Present: K. Meifert, J. Tabor, M. Kingsley, W. Green, A. Marrietta, B. Davidson-Nielsen, M. Otis, D. Taylor, MJ Kevlin, Elizabeth Shiavone (guest)

Absent: M. Savoie, T. Kenyon, F. Panzarella, D. Shipman, S. Thorpe, D. Wade

Meeting called to order 8:08am  Andrew Marrietta, President

Finance: Report by Susan O’Handley, D. Shipman Absent

Update on accounts receivable, outstanding balances for “Gems” down to $2k from $9,600

Implementation of Chamber Nation will help in billing, members will be able to pay with credit card online.

Executive Comm.  A. Marietta

Chamber Nation Contract, D. Morgan drafted addendum in response to concerns regarding  ownership of web site content. Total annual cost $7,000, $1710 expense for current budget year for startup. Net cost to be about $2000 more than current program as it replaces B&B getaway reservation system.

MOTION BY WILL GREEN TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF CHAMBER NATION, SECONDED BY K. MEIFERT,  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

MOTION BY A. MARIETTA TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH MANG INSURANCE TO NAME THEM  BROKER OF RECORD FOR HEALTH INSURANCE. SECONDED BY M. KINGSLEY, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

MOTION BY B. DAVIDSON-NEILSEN TO APPROVE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ED&ED BUS. TECHNOLOGY FOR TASKALPHA TA-3050CI, 60 mo term @ $158.91/month. SECONDED BY J. TABOR,  UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.

Discussion on mailer machine lease also provided by Ed&Ed, Hasler IM 440 , 63 mo. @ $154.32/mo. board decided to table while K. Meifer and MJ Kevlin look to outsourcing as alternative

Strategic Planning: G. Reeves/M.Otis Co-Chairs

Handout of revised Strategic plan provided to board members.  Goal of revised plan is to reduce goals to a number that is achievable by committees.  Goals have been confirmed by committee chairs. Plan to be monitored by VP for progress.

MOTION BY M.OTIS TO APPROVE REVISED STRATEGIC PLAN, SECONDED BY W. GREEN. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL

Membership Committee; K. Meifert, Chair

MOTION BY K. MEIFERT TO APPROVE NEW MEMBERS: HERITAGE INN & GIFT SHOP; CVS PHARMACY;COACHMAN INN AND CARRIAGE HOUSE;MIDDLEFIELD ORCHARD;EMPIRE HOUSE HOTEL & MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT; CIDER HOUSE @ FLY CREEK CIDER MILL & ORCHARD;SECRET CAVERNS;JAMES HERMAN ART & DESIGN;GLEN AVENUE SUITES;BRICKHOUSE BED & BREAKFAST;BEST WESTERN PLUS INN OF COBLESKILL;VINTAGE SWEETS;MUSCLE MOTORS SPEEDWAY;SPRING HOUSE SPA. SECONDED BY M. KINGSLEY. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Discussion on membership meetings for new tiers. attendance has been light, only about 10% of membership has attended. New tiers has been well received.  difficulty will be in members updating and creating website links. Chamber nation offers online support.

Annual meeting date is set for Thur. 9/29 @ lake front motel

B&B getaways did a midyear update that wiped out links on our website.  S. O’handley negotiated with them to reestablish old links until we transition to Chamber nation.

Marketing; D. Taylor, Chair

Committee didn’t meet in August, Discussion on branding/tagline for chamber, currently “Business driven, community minded”. Thinking of alternative slogans.

Board Development;  W. Green, chair

Ballot for Annual meeting. All board members who are up for reelection have agreed to run for new term. Marc Kingsley will be completing his third term and will not be able to run again.  Committee has nominated Elizabeth Shiavone, Dir. of Finance, Brookwood School.  Motion to approve nomination by W. Green, Seconded by M. Kingsley. Unanimous approval.

M. OTIS MOTION TO ADJOURN, SECONDED M. KINGSLEY, APPROVED