Topeka Blues Society
Board Meeting
Monday, November 2, 2015
6:30pm @ Uncle Bo’s
MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER at 6:37pm by Gerry Schmanke
PRESENT: Suki Willison, Katie Willison, Gerry Schmanke, Jeff Martin, Bill Beasley, Brad Hern, Joe Kurtz, Gib Ramirez and Karen Osborn
ABSENT: Rod Peterson and Brian Gabel
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 12: Bill moved that minutes of October 12 be approved, Gib second; approved.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Karen reported we now have 92 members listed. Last week she sent personalized emails to all members with expired membership, there are still 40 members remaining unpaid. She said that this time last year we had 68 members listed, so we are growing. Jeff asked when we last raised our membership fee. Rates remain the same as when the TBS was formed. Jeff suggested we consider raising membership fee. After some discussion, Board agreed to consider, making any changes by the month of May in whatever year change is made. Karen asked that they consider that we have several boxes of our new membership brochure printed with current rates.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Brad had handouts breaking down our income and expenses by events, noting that SOKBF vendors and the Mulvane Art Fair created more income this past year. Brad asked if the Board would be interested in investing a part of our balance. Jeff said if we “invest”, we would need an investment policy. He recommended we buy a “guaranteed 6-month CD”, requiring no policy. Brad will check with Kathy at Landmark National Bank about rates. Bill moved that report be approved, Gib second; approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Blue Star Connection – Uncle Bo’s will host an instrument drive this weekend, Nov. 6th & 7th, featuring Bart Walker both nights, and Lauren Anderson on Friday, the 6th. Board discussed buying guitars and amps to donate to the Music Therapists Convention via BSC. It was discussed that we should buy one guitar and one amp, display on stage during our event, and ask for donations to purchase more. After some discussion, Bill moved that Suki buy a guitar and amp from a local business, spending under $200, Karen second; approved. Suki will send promotion information to the local newspaper, Karen will promote on Facebook and website. We will also sell our merchandise and memberships during this event. Not all donations will go to BSC – some will be reserved for future local donations.
IBC Kick-off Party – Jan 22 & 23rd @ Uncle Bo’s – Suki will invite all Kansas and area winners to perform, and jam. Tas Cru will host the jam on both nights, to acquaint himself with the bands (for Memphis jam). Tas Cru will also play at Ross Elementary on Jan. 21st. Karen will send email to Koolaide band to remind them we need their bios and photos for registration deadline.
Blues in Schools – see below “New Business”
NEW BUSINESS
Artist work for Festival shirts – Gib has an artist friend who would like to work on artwork for our Blues Festival shirts. Gerry mentioned that Paxico Blues Festival pays $100 for high school artist that wins a contest for their shirt design. Gib will work with his friend and bring artwork to a future meeting before we consider other artists.
Administrators for Fundraisers, Blues in Schools and Promotions –
Gerry announced that the Executive Board (President, V.P., Secretary and Treasurer) met earlier to discuss goals for TBS. They suggested TBS appoint three administrators for Fundraisers, Blues in Schools and Promotions.
Fundraisers: Jeff Martin accepted the role as administrator. Some tasks are to keep track of donations, establish a Top 10 target list for sponsorships, establish an endowment, send thank you letters after each event to our main donors (Promotions will assist with this), and look for grants.
Blues in Schools – Bill Beasley accepted the role as administrator. Tasks are to set up high school shows four times a year in coffee bars/age appropriate venues, asking jazz instructors to teach their ensemble a blues set, also support any efforts made by Stacy Neumann, and establish relationship with music instructors/teachers and The Blues Institute.
Promotions – Karen Osborn accepted the role as administrator. Tasks are to follow up with donors (see Fundraisers, above), write Letter to Editor after main events to thank community, update social media, update calendar, monthly email to members.
Permanent Building Site for TBS – Gerry asked Joe Kurtz if he would research sites for a permanent location for TBS. Much discussion followed regarding buying vs. leasing, and what kind of space we require. It was decided that the Board would gather a list of essentials and extras, Karen will accumulate. Immediate considerations are: storage, recording studio, live music venue, meetings, bathrooms, membership society socials, Blues Hall of Fame. Suki will contact Potwin Church to see if they are still interested in sharing their space.
NEXT MEETING DATE – Monday, 6:30, Dec. 7th at Uncle Bo’s
Gib moved that meeting be adjourned, Brad second; meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted 11/4/2015
Approved 12/7/2015
Karen Osborn, TBS Secretary
