at South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Vice-President Joe Steiner.
Officers Present; Board directors:
President Jim Winger T.J. Collins
Vice-President Joe Steiner Paul Saurborn
Secretary Barbara Collins Dave Keiper sitting in for Pam
Treasurer Linda Winger (Pam was on vacation)
Others present: Sandra Carnes - Past Vice-president; Chris Cooperrider - Special events; Tonia Bacon - Merchandise & Band Scramble; Carolyn Bacon - Band Hospitality Room; Greg & Brenda Auldridge - Co-gate Captains; Leslie Ellis - Co-gate Captain.
- Secretary's report for August 25th and 29th NIBGA meetings at the Kendallville Fairgrounds were emailed to all officers on Sept. 4, 2013. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Jim Winger seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
- Treasurer's reports by Linda Winger. August Financial Report as of 8-31-13 and September Financial Report as of 9-30-13 were emailed to all officers on 10-17-13. Linda reviewed both reports. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner seconded. All say yes.Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
- There were 200 Newsletters with membership expiration notices mailed out. There were a few replies. Some returned because of wrong addresses. (Address unknown) There was discussion on different methods of contacting past members. One possibility discussed was starting a web site and set up ways of paying on line. More discussion later.
- The board reviewed the Festival financials as of 10/19/13.
- Jim Winger and Joe Steiner - NCCFC rental rates are to rise in 2014. President Jim Winger has been trying to make contact with the Fair Board. No results yet. Jim is planning to renegotiate the 2014 rent if possible.
NEW BUSINESS
- November is Election month. All current officers have agreed to continue in their positions. If anyone else is interested in running for a office, contact NIBGA.
- The budget for 2014 was discussed at length. It was decided to stay with the current budget. As we begin applying and receiving Grants we plan to have more assets to use. Paul Saurborn motioned to set the Band Budget for 2014 at $15,000 with a cap of $17,500. T.J. Collins seconded. All approve.
- Advertising was discussed and mostly decided on what and where but no budget was set. Joe Steiner purposed using Google and Facebook.
- There was a lengthy discussion on bands and stage show schedule. Linda Winger will contact Suzuki to see if they will do a free show for gate passes.
- Jim Winger purposed a Gate ticket price adjustment. The board looked at a list of many possibilities. With the association's festival utility expenses rising, a slight adjustment may be necessary.
- Tonia Bacon-Merchandise/Band scramble - requested a receipt booklet with NIBGA on the pages to give people when they make a donation of cash or gift items. It was approved and will be done.
- 501c3 - Grants discussion on where to apply. Robin Wenger is not able to help us. Joe Steiner and Chris Cooperrider plan to attend classes at Fort Wayne Library, to learn how to apply and where. Chris will be checking into hosting a Grant Writing class also. They will search for other training classes.
TABLED ITEMS
- Gate Price changes
- Use best Open Mike band for first Friday 'unpaid' band. Play for free 1 day ticket.
- Children's Activities before and during festivals. Suggestions: Games, Music Instrument Workshops etc.
- Alternative Bluegrass on Sunday or other day?
- More band discussion. B.U.G. - to have or not? Band scheduling. (Traditional verses Contemporary).
- Put in Newsletter = Ask people if they can apply to a company, their employer, credit union, 401K or other sources to designate a grant or donation to NIBGA. All officers and Captains are asked to search for possibilities.
- Consider a class on Sunday before the festival to host a Will Writing class.
T.J. Collins motioned to adjourn at 3:35 p.m. Jim Winger seconded. All say yes.
The next Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be November 17, 2013 at The South West Conservation Club, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Sincerely ~ Secretary Barbara Collins
