May 17 NIBGA Festival Organizational meeting

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting at the Noble County Fairgrounds, U.S. #6, Kendallville, Indiana

Our Mission: The purpose of this organization shall to be educate the public and promote the awareness of, Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music.

                 Pres. Jim Winger called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
         
                 Roll call: Officers present are:                  Board directors:
                   President - Jim Winger                             T J Collins
                   Vice-president - Joe Steiner                      Pam Keiper
                   Secretary - Barbara Collins                       Paul Saurborn
                   Treasurer - Linda Winger

           Others present: Jim Miller - Co-gate captain; Greg & Brenda Aldrich - Co-gate captains; Tonia Bacon - Band Scramble Chair;         Carolyn & Richard Bacon - Green Room Hostess; Maggie & Gary Bilby - Instrument workshop instructors; Louise & Terry McLouth - Merchandise/Membership table co-chair; Jay Winger; Dave Keiper - grounds; Chris Steiner - Instrument Workshop          Chair, Taxi Chair; Leslie Ellis - Co-gate captain; Julie Goldsmith - Kids Korner Craft Chair; Jeanette Young - Vendor              Chair & Merchandise /Membership table Co-chair.

• April Secretary report approved.
• Treasurer's report - Festival update.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Internet has two different signals;: One on the Merchants Bldg & one on the Log Cabin. 
• WAWK - Behind the mic - Wed. 5/20 - 9:20 a.m. with Joe Steiner and Jim Winger. To advertise the festival. 
• Avilla nursing home scheduled; Paul Saurborn will go with the Trinity River Band to the nursing home on Friday 5/22 at 2:00 p.m.        The band will perform a show for the residents. 
• Port-a-jons will be delivered Monday 5/18 early p.m.   Service schedule will be: 
• Wednesday PM RV only
• Friday PM RV and Portajons
• Saturday PM RV and Portajons
•  Monday 7 AM  RV only
• RV pumps will be $10 each
• The stage will be inside the Activities Pavilion on a 12' x 24' x 24' platform. Need tarps hung up behind the stage Wednesday after tents are installed. Flowers available for pick up at Kroger's. Donated by Kroger;s. Will be set on the stage. 
• Garbage pickup:  AM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Old trash is to be picked up.
• Security Schedule: Thursday - 4 to 11 p.m.; Friday - 6 p.m. to Midnight; Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. No Sunday. 
• 2015 Summer Newsletter mailing schedule:


• June 21 - Barbara Collins
• July 19 - Paul Saurborn
• August 16 - Joe & Chris Steiner
• September - Pam Keiper

NEW BUSINESS

• Pres. Jim Winger reviewed the Emergency procedures used if necessary during the festival. Jim would call the shots for which procedure to use in case of a missing child. We cannot advise people where to take shelter in case of a storm but there is shelter in the basement of the Firehouse.
• All officers and volunteers are encouraged to be approachable and friendly to attendees. Show appreciation to attendees and campers.
• Julie Goldsmith - Kids Korner. Set up in Mini Barn needs 12 Tables and 30 Chairs.
• Activities are Saturday 5/23 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• The 'Green Room' (Band Hospitality) needs tables and chairs set up for the Bacon's in the Merchants Building.
• Workshop Review; Friday & Saturday. Set up requirements. Friday Square Dance workshop in the Log Cabin 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Need 8 chairs in the Show Arena for the workshops on Saturday 5/23. The workshop will be before the Band Scramble.
• Vendor Chair - Jeanette Young - Wood will be available for sale at Jeanette's campsite. A Church group will be opening at Bonnie's former stand with a variety of foods. The music vendor will be here. Masons will be serving food at the Lion's Stand. Other food items will be Ice Cream, Mexican food, Carmel corn, Fried Spiral potatoes, Lemon Aid,etc.
• A Jewelry vendor and a Kid's toy stand will be here. Plus a few more.
• Band Scramble - Tonia Bacon Chair; All set and ready. Band scramble drawing will be backstage at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Band Scramble will be 4:00 to 5:10 p.m.. There will be a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prize awarded.
• Merchandise table - Schedule for opening and closing will be determined by Jeanette Young and Louise McLouth - Co-merchandise chair. (They will train for using the CC processing after this meeting.)
• Chris Vogie will be stage manager for the festival. Announcers will be: Thursday 5/21 - Bob Gilson. Friday 5/22 - Terry Thacker. Saturday 5/23 Early shows Terry Thacker. Saturday 5/23 Evening shows - Donnie Voiles. Sunday afternoon - 5/24 -Terri Grannis. Sunday evening  5/24 - Elaine Vogie.
• "50 - 50 drawing" - Pam Keiper will chair the 50 - 50. Tickets will go on sale today 5/17 $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Drawing will be after the Band Scramble Saturday 5/23.
• Advertising Update; 
• Ft. Wayne Newspapers 130,000 web impressions 5 x 5 ad Thursday/Friday, Sunday.(Show ad)
• Kendallville News Sun - One page in KPC media group (show ad) * Mailing to 237 media outlets (early May)
• Updates to NIBGA Facebook page frequently to keep readers coming back.
• Facebook, Google ad buys - Joe Steiner reports

Gate Schedule - Pam Keiper & Paul Saurborn will decide when to close the gate on Saturday evening. Gibson Brothers play 5:50 & 10:00 p.m. (Gate will stay open until 8:30 or 9:00 p.m.) Sign ups for working the gate have started.

Golf Cart Allocation - If you are not using your cart, someone else gets your cart for the day. Need to share. Carts came in on Friday 5/15.

Grounds Update - Taxi signs need put on the golf carts today.

Reminder: All officers, Chair & Gate captains on stage for introduction at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday 5/23.

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T J Collins seconded. Meeting adjourned at 2:55
Next Meeting: Thursday 5/21 at Wingers Trailer. A 10 minute wrap up.

Secretary - Barbara Collins
Done 6/3/15

Thursday, May 21, 2015 NIBGA Festival status meeting

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association - Fairgrounds - Kendallville, IN
Thursday, May 21, 2015 Festival status meeting

To cover all points in preparation for the festival beginning this evening.

Officers present:                                      Board directors:
   Pres. - Jim Winger                                       T J Collins
   Vice-pres - Joe Steiner                                 Pam Keiper
   Secretary - Barbara Collins                          Paul Saurborn
   Treasurer - Linda Winger

Others: Brenda Aldrich, Jim Miller, Jan Meade, Carolyn & Richard Bacon, Jeanette Young, Dave Keiper, Dave Vogie, Terry & Louise McLouth, Dave Smith, Chris Vogie.

Linda Winger - Treasurer gave a quick report on how many campers are on the grounds as of today.
 Linda says the flowers donated by Krogers are worth $350.00. They are to go to the Noble Co. Fairgrounds after the Sunday night show.

Merchandise: Jeanette and Louise report it is ready. The C card has been tested. A purchase needs to be at least $25.00 or more says Jim Winger.

Chris Vogie; Stage is ready. Announcers are all set.

T J - Grounds; Things are going good. No complaints for now from campers. There is a heavy water leak in the back field that will be attended to.

Green Room - Bacons report that all is ready. Water/Coffee/cookies. (All cookies are homemade by Bacon's.)

Saturday 5/24 - First Saturday band on stage at 11:00 a.m.

All Officers and Chair on stage at 11:45 a.m.

Meeting closed at 1:10 p.m.

Secretary - Barbara Collins

NIBGA Board meeting April 19, 2015

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc. board meeting 

South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Rd., Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Our Mission: The purpose of this organization shall be to educate the public to, and promote
the awareness of, Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music.

Pres. Jim Winger called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m.

Roll call: Officers present are:                        Board directors:
  President - Jim Winger                                      TJ Collins
  Vice-President - Joe Steiner                             Pam Keiper
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                               Paul Saurborn
  Treasurer - Linda Winger

Others present: Chris Steiner - Workshop and Taxi Chair; Sandra Carnes - Past Vice-President ; Jeanette Young - Vendor chair & Merchandise/Membership table; Greg & Brenda Aldrich - Co Gate Captains; Leslie Ellis - Co Gate Captain; Dave Keiper - Grounds/Maintainance

• Secretary Barbara Collins: The March minutes were emailed to all on March 22, 2015.   Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer Linda Winger: The March financials were emailed to all on April 13, 2015. Linda reviewed the financials with the board. The totals are as of 3/31/15. All bills are paid as of now.  Joe Steiner motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• eBay ad - Chris Steiner gave a update. She is working on the ads. All needs to be posted within 2 weeks.
• S15 Video by Dave Crabill - Dave Crabill has offered to video record the Spring 2015 NIBGA Festival. He has permission from most of the bands that will be performing May 21 - 24. Also he will video campground jamming, camping, plus many other activities going on that 4-day week end. The board has agreed to this. Dave will give the NIBGA a copy. These may be available for purchase later. 
• Security during the festival. The schedule will be as in the past for Thursday 5/21, Friday 5/22 & Saturday  5/23. 
• The Tents & Stage Floor will be installed on Wednesday 5/20. It was purposed and agreed to put steps on both sides of the stage. Chris Vogie will be stage manager. 
• WAWK - A 59 second radio ad-Video MP3 made by Dave Crabill will be played on the air. 
• Vendor Update: Jeanette Young - Vendor chair:  
• Mexican Burritos, Tacos, etc., 
• Soup, Chicken & Rice, Chicken Strips, 
• Buffalo burgers, 
• Hawaiian & Volcano brats, 
• a wide variety of burgers and sandwiches, French fries, Ribbon fries, Pulled Pork sliders, Fried pickles, Pickles on a stick, 
• Lemon Shake-ups, 
• Kettle corn, 
• Shaved Ice, Cotton candy, Ice Cream, 
• Mini donuts and Funnel Cakes. 
• Concession trailer will serve biscuits and gravy and other breakfast items and will open at 8:00 a.m.. 
• Avilla Masons @ the Lions Building will serve food and sell ICE. 
• A new restaurant will be serving at the stand by the Floral Hall. They are a Church group. 
• Merchandise will include craft items, jewelry & scarves, handmade Jewelry, kids's toys & novelties, and wood craft items. 
• Jeanette will fire wood for sale from the wood vendor at her camp. 
• Planned arrival dates at Kendallville fairgrounds for the officers and captains:  
• Jim & Linda W.  5/12:  
• Joe & Chris S. 5/15:  
• TJ & Barb C. 5/14:  
• Pam & Dave K. - early week:   
• Paul S. 5/14:  
• Jim M. 5/14:  
• Greg & Brenda A. - Not sure:  
• Leslie E. - in and out but back by Friday 5/22: 
• Dave S. ?:  Jan M. - ?.  R. & C. Bacon ?  Tonia - Later in the week. 
• Tim Addis was notified that the contract between the Fairboard and NIBGA needs to be discussed and renewed soon. Jim W. also addressed a list of items that need to be taken care of at the Kendallville Fairgrounds before the festival. 
• Cheri Franz will be cleaning the restrooms as usual. There are a couple of 'back ups' just in case. 
• WAWK placemat  15,000 to be distributed ; Bluegrass sponsorship is renewed. 
• Jim W. and Joe S. will go to WAWK on Tuesday May 19th @ 9:20 a.m. to talk about the upcoming festival events.  "Behind the Mic". 

OLD BUSINESS 

• Vice-Pres/Band Chairman Joe Steiner reviewed the band lineups. All contraacts are signed. 
• Some will be arriving in buses or RVs. There was a review of the band budget. 
• It was noted that Dennis Narker shared many good ideas with the board on ways to attract more attendance to the festivals. All have read this list. Pres Jim Winger suggested we review the list. 
• Linda Winger passed a list of names of those to be allocated a Golf Cart at the festival. 
• It was reviewed and accepted to be correct.
• Long discussion on credit/debit card machine use at the Merchandise/Membership table. Maybe will do. Will review possibilities. Possibly only will use at the Mds/Mbship table. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Festival fliers are printed & mailed. *Note* There is one (1) error.  Open Highway will NOT be playing at the Fall 2015 NNIBGA festival.
• Facebook and Google ads need created and scheduled. 
• Merchandise status: Jim and Linda will be going to the 'Shirt Shop' on Tuesday 4/21 to look at the colors and styles available and choose for the 2015 festival merchandise. 
• Summer Newsletter mailing schedule:
• May - Jim & Linda Winger
•  June 21 - Barbara Collins
•  July 19 - Paul Saurborn
• August 16 - Joe & Chris Steiner
• Sept 20 - Pam Keiper
• Pres. JIm W. & Joe S/ need to be prepared to negotiate a new contract between the Noble County Fairboard and Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at the festival in May. 
• Workshop List: Chris Steiner:  1-1/2 hr. 
• Workshops. Kids Corner at 10:00 a.m. Saturday 5/23. 
• Intermediate Jam with the Bilby's and Friends at noon (both in the Mini Barn). 
• Beginning Guitar, Mountain Dulcimer, Bluegrass Banjo for beginners, Clawhammer/Frailing Banjo for beginners, and Old Time Dancing. More details are in the May newsletter. 
• Friday 5/22 Square Dancing in the Log Cabin in the evening. Time to be announced later. 
• There will be 50/50 drawings. Pam Keiper in charge. 
• Paul Saurborn motined to adjourn. TJ Collins seconded. Pres. JIm Winger called the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
• Everyone is advised to charge their club radios, discharge and then recharge. Checking to be sure they work. 
• Festival organizational meeting Sunday May 17, 2015 after the Carry-In Dinner  Noon/1:00p.m. 

Next Winter Meeting is October 18, 2015
Secretary - Barbara Collins.

March 15, 2015 NIBGA board meeting

  March 15, 2015

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting at South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana

• The meeting was called to order by  President Jim Winger at  12:50 p.m.

•    Officers present are:                            Board Directors:

     Vice President - Joe Steiner                     Paul Saurborn
     Secretary - Barbara Collins                      Pam Keiper - via phone conference call.
     Treasurer - Linda Winger
 Others present are: Past Vice President - Sandra Carnes; Christine Steiner - Festival workshop Chair & Taxi Chair;  Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair & Merchandise/Membership table. Brenda & Greg Aldrich - Co Gate Captains; Jim Miller - Co Gate Captain; Joe Wyandt (past board director).

• Secretary's report - Barbara Collins emailed the February 15th minutes to all on February 22, 2015.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer's report - Linda Winger emailed February financials to all on 3/11/2015. Financials were reviewed and discussed. T J Collins motined to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

 INFORMATION ITEMS

• Grants: George Miller contacted Jim Winger and said, "I have spent time on their website (gov/arts). While the application deadline is not until March 13, applicants were required to submit letters of intent to apply by January 9. So we missed jumping through that hoop. Good to keep in mind for next year though."  George has been working on finding grant possibilities for NIBGA. 

OLD BUSINESS

• Jim Winger was told that the board agreed to not use COX Media Promotional Company for advertising. Jim then notified Cox Media. 
• Band Hiring update - Joe Steiner; Joe shared the list of bands he has hired and ones still under consideration or waiting to confirm. There was discussion on bands and Joe will be continuing to work on the line up.  The band schedule will be finalized and discussed again at the April meeting. 
• Chris Steiner discussed the Ebay usage and the hits. She reports there were at least 340 hits. Chris will continue to watch Ebay and report. Chris will try using the Sellers Account on Amazon. Jim Winger explained how and why it is a good way to do on line purchases. Use the NIBGA Amazon site and receive refunds. 
• Scholarships - Barbara Collins reports no Scholarship activity as of now. Linda Winger - Treasurer, has sent the $1,000 2015 Scholarship to Suzuki music school in Fort Wayne, IN
• Jim Winger ask the officers to review the suggestions that Dennis Narker sent to the board. Dennis submitted several good suggestions that could be possibilities to increase local attendance to the NIBGA festivals at the Noble County Fairgrounds. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Vendor Chairman - Jeanette Young gave update on vendors for the spring festival. The food stand that Bonnie used to run will be a Full Service Food Stand run by a Kendallville Church. Other vendors so far are Children's Toys, Mexican Food Stand, Ice Cream Stand, Maison's  (Lion's) Food Stand. Jeanette is in contact with several other vendors and trying to get more.
• Joe Steiner - Nursing Home Band. The band that will be performing at the Avilla Nursing Home during the Spring festival will be Trinity River. A band for the fall has not been scheduled yet.
• Festival fliers need printed and mailed. 
• Facebook and Google ads need created and scheduled. 
• Stage Manager; Due to Gloria's health, Bill Merrill will not be chairman for the festival stage announcers. Chris Vogie has offered to be the Stage Manager. All say yes. 
• Music Workshops for Spring and Fall. Christine Steiner reports. Chris suggested splitting up the workshops by having 6 for Spring and 6 for Fall. She suggest eliminating the mini workshops and go to more advanced workshops. Cost would be $300 paid to teachers/directors plus  week end festival tickets. The board agreed to the suggestion.
  Chris recommends:
  Spring::: Bluegrass Jam (Bilby's), Guitar, Bluegrass Banjo, Claw hammer Banjo, Mountain Dulcimer, Dancing )to be finalized yet).
  
  Fall::: Guitar, Bluegrass Banjo, Claw hammer Banjo, Dancing (to be finalized yet), and others "To Be Announced". (Working on Mandolin and Fiddle). Christine Steiner will put information on the workshops in the April newsletter.
  
  On Friday and/or Saturday evenings there will be a open jam at the stage area after the last band performance.  (This will replace the BUG)

• Merchandise at the festivals. Jeanette Young and Louise Mclouth will be co-chair for the Merchandise and Membership tables for 2015. 
• Jim Winger shared a copy of the Backstage Country Style newspaper now being published by Dave Crabill due to the passing of long time owner and publisher Jim Egoff. Jim E. was a long time supporter of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association. 
• TABLE:  Confirm list of how many Golf Carts we need for festival and who will be needing use of them. 
• There was discussion on possibilities of setting up for pre-buy festival passes. The board will work on a system of setting up but do not have details in place yet. 
• There was also discussion on possibility of starting use of credit/debit card machine at the Merchandise/Membership table during the festivals. Chris will look into details of what is needed to use SQUARE. Possibily extend to the gate if it works out well.
  (Later it was decided that it is not practical for use at the gate at this time. Many would not know how to do or have the phone to use it with. Also it would hold up the line at the gate considerably when there is a heavy traffic flow.) 
• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T J Collins seconded. President Jim Winger adjourned the meeting at 2:15 p.m.

The next meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be April 19, 2015.
    * This will be the last meeting for this winter.*

Secretary - Barbara D. Collins

NIBGA Board meeting Feb. 15, 2015

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc. Board Meeting at SW Conservation Club, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Joe Steiner at 12:45 p.m.

Officers present are:                              Board Directors:
  Vice - President Joe Steiner                    TJ Collins
  Secretary - Barbara Collins                     Paul Saurborn
                                                                   Pam Keiper - Via phone conference call.
President Jim Winger and Treasurer Linda Winger were absent due to a family funeral. They stopped in but were not able to stay for the business meeting.

Others present are: Past Vice Pres. Sandra Carnes: Chris Steiner-Workshop & Taxi Chair: Brenda & Greg Aldrich-Co gate captains: Jim Miller-Co gate captain.

• Secretary's report-Barbara Collins emailed the January 18th meeting minutes to all on Jan 20th. President Jim Winger posted them on the NIBGA Blog. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

• Treasurer's report- Financials for January 2015 were emailed Feburary 6, 2015 by Linda Winger to all officers. Totals are as of 1/13/15/. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS

• Grants::: Chris Steiner reports that George Miller is actively working on Grants for Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assoc.

OLD BUSINESS

• Cox Media Promotion Company has submitted a proposal for advertising. There are many different options for WEB site adds. The deals and prices were reviewed and discussed by the Board. After lengthy discussion it was decided that we do not choose to use advertising by Cox. It is expensive and high risk for any results for the club. Vice President-Joe Steiner recommended staying with E-Bay. All agreed.

• Chris Steiner has put together a ticket DEAL and posted on E-Bay a week long Family packet for a $110. Chris posted pictures of the NIBGA festival and information. There have been 303 who have seen this offer on line. Five people are watching the results. This will be posted for 30 days. Chris is also considering a second packet for a week end for $70.00. All agree it is a good packet deal.

• Jim Miller suggested we do more advertising in Illinois. Joe Steiner purposed $1,000 per festival. Greg Aldrich says, "Send information to Illinois Newsletters and Associations to advertise". The board re-addressed Illinois advertising and adjusted the amount to spend. Paul Saurborn motioned to spend $500 per festival on Illinois advertising. TJ Collins seconded. all say yes. Motion carried. 

• Joe Steiner will continue with Google and Facebook postings. 

• Band Hiring update-Joe Steiner: Beginning to hire bands. Working continually on remaining line up. 

• Band Scramble 2015 - Secretary Barbara Collins contacted Tonia Bacon to confirm her being chairman for festivals this year. Tonia confirmed she will chair the Band Scrambles. 

• Green Room Host: Richard and Carolyn Bacon have confirmed to Secretary Barbara Collins that they will do the 'Band Hospitality Room' for the 2015 festivals. 

• The revised band schedule for Spring 2015 Festival was e-mailed to all officers by V.P. Joe Steiner. It was reviewed at the meeting, discussed and decided to eliminate the first show on Saturday and start a little later than the original time of 10:30 a.m.. It was suggested we start the show on Sat at 11:15 or 11:30. Pam Keiper motioned to eliminate the first show on the schedule and adjust the time. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

• In reply to a request for suggestions on "How to attract new campers", a letter was sent in. Suggestions to improve bathrooms was one. A reply was returned explaining that the Noble Co. Fairgrounds 'Is Not a campground'. It is maintained by the Noble Co. Fair board & volunteers. Even though NIBGA has rented and used the fairgrounds twice a year since 1990, we are not responsible for basic maintenance. Our association has donated money for improvements and have made request for many improvements. Some have happened, some have not. Also there are several other large events that take place on the grounds yearly and those cause wear and tear to the grounds. Tim Addis of NCCFB said, "We will spruce up the rest rooms". 

• There was a long discussion among the board about vendors for the festivals. Vendor Chair Jeanette Young was not present. Vendor subject will be discussed more at the next meeting. Past VP Sandra Carnes offered to help Jeanette if necessary. 

• Water Fountain at the Merchants Building at the fairgrounds. People asking wy it is not in working order. We don't know. It has been addressed with the fair board. They said they will 'look into it'. 

• The board will continue to request improvements to the restrooms and showers & etc. 

• Discussion on special ticket prices for visitors. It would be difficult and time consuming to police and sort out the 'full price attendees and the visitors'. It would not be fair to charge some full price to sit in the concert area and others less because they want to visit a friend or family. It was decided no reduced price visitors passes will be made available. 

• Dennis Narker of the Kendallville News Sun sent a letter to NIBGA with suggestions on increasing local attendance to the festivals. Dennis touched on several different possibilities. Some we already do, others are possibilities to consider.

• TABLE::: Discussion on possibilities of setting up for pre-buy festival passes. 

• TABLE::: Possibility of starting use of credit/debit card machine at the Merchandise-Membership table during the festivals. Possibly extend to gate if it works out well. 

• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Barbara Collins seconded Vice President-Joe Steiner called the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Next meeting will be March 15, 2015 - Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Secretary - Barbara Collins

Jan. 18 NIBGA board meeting

January 18, 2015
Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting at South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:40 P.M.
 Roll Call: Officers present are:                
   President-Jim Winger                                   Board Directors:
   Vice President-Joe Steiner                                T J Collins                          
   Secretary-Barbara Collins                                 Pam Keiper - Via phone conference call.
   Treasurer-Linda Winger                                    Paul Saurborn
Others present: Chris Steiner-Workshop Chair, Taxi Chair, Grants;  Sandra Carnes-Past Vice President; Jim Miller-Co Gate Captain; Greg & Brenda Aldrich-Co Gate Captains; Jeanette Young-Vendor Chair.

• Secretary-Barbara Collins: Minutes of the November 16, 2014 meeting was emailed on November 21st 2014 to all officers. Pres. Jim Winger posted them on NIBGA Blog. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T J Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer-Linda Winger: Financial reports for November 2014 and December 2014 were emailed to all officers on January 13, 2015. Totals are as of 11/30/14 plus 12/13/14. Linda reviewed with the board. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• President Jim Winger also reviewed the Fall 2014 Festival Tally Finals as of 01/15/2015. (No motion required)

INFORMATION ITEMS

• The Noble County Executive board has been contacted by Pres. Jim Winger requesting a new 5 year contract. It is time to start talking about NCCFC fairgrounds for our rental contract renewal for the next 5 years. 
• Ryan Robinson says: The Log Cabin has been rented for events on the Saturdays prior to our Spring and Fall festivals. Jim requested that the whole grounds not be roped off for those events parking so that it will not interfere with our Bluegrass campers needing to park. 
• Six (6) contracts have been signed for the rental of South West Conservation Club for NIBGA meetings for the year of 2015. 
• Chris Steiner reports that George Miller is aggressively working on Grants for NIBGA. Nothing further to report at this time. 
• Scholarships: Barbara Collins reports that Katelynn Lowe and The King Family (Elija (13), Lucas (11), and NIa (5) have been notified of their acceptance for scholarships. A very polite "Thank You" has been received from the King Family. No response from Katelynn yet. 
• It has been announced that the Osceola and Terry Lease festivals (several events) have folded. there was discussion on what causes these events to decide to close. 
• 2015 Advertising Strategies: Jim Winger has contacted three city Medias; Dayton, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan & South Bend, Indiana. The board reviewed Ad rates. Was determined to be expensive. No final decision on print ads. There were suggestions of 'Some kind of contest' and possibly gift s given away. Advertising possibilities will continue being discussed later. 
• Pres. Jim Winger reports he was able to repair the NIBGA club printer for a minimal price. Will not be replacing the printer with a new expensive one. (Good going Jim !) 
• Chris Steiner reported on 2015 Festival Workshops for Spring. Chris is working on possibility of 10 workshops for S15. Maybe will be able to have 2 levels for Guitar, 2 levels for Fiddle, 2 levels for Mountain Dulcimer, 1 Claw Hammer Banjo, 1 Bluegrass Banjo, 1 Upright Bass, 1 Mandolin.

OLD BUSINESS 

• The board discussed at length the Band Schedule for 2015. How many bands for each day, and start and end times for scheduling. Preliminary plans would be to have 4 bands on Thursday (each playing once), 4 bands on Friday (each playing once), 10 shows total on Saturday (each band playing twice) , 10 shows on Sunday (each band playing twice). In the schedule would be the Board Introduction on Saturday, Supper breaks Saturday and Sunday, Sing along before scheduled show on Sunday A.M., Devotional with Pastor, Band Scramble on Saturday before Supper Break. 
• Pres. Jim Winger and Vice Pres. Joe Steiner will work on the times and set the schedule. They will report to the officers at the February meeting.  Update * 1/21/15 - - Jim has worked on a schedule. If approved by all it will be the schedule. Looking Good! 

NEW BUSINESS

• Band status: Fliers needed by mid Jan for SPGMA and Snow Birds. 
• TABLED: Band Scramble for 2015
• TABLED: Suggestion - Contact Suzuki about our week end events plus camping possibilities. 
• The next meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association will be February 15, 2015
• Linda Winger motioned to adjourn. Paul Saurborn seconded. 
• Meeting adjourned: 2:05 P.M. 

NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins

NIBGA Board meeting Nov. 16, 2014

November 16, 2014  Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Board Meeting.
at South West Conservation Club Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The meeting was called to order by President - Jim Winger at 1:05 P.M.
Roll Call: Officers present are:                            Board Directors:
  President - Jim Winger                                           TJ Collins
  Vice President - Joe Steiner                                    Paul Saurborn
  Secretary - Barbara Collins
  Treasurer - Linda Winger
Board director Pam Keiper & husband were not present. They were on their way to Texas for the winter. We were unable to reach them by cell phone.
Others present: Chris Steiner-Workshops, Taxi, etc.; Sandra Carnes-Past V. Pres.: Jim Miller-Co gate captain. Greg & Brenda Aldrich- Co gate captains.

• Minutes: Secretary-Barbara Collins. The October minutes were emailed to all officers on October 24, 2014.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer: Linda Winger emailed financial reports to all officers on November 11, 2014. Financials were reviewed.  Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Barbara Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 

Old Business

• Labor Day update: Linda Winger - Festival update - No change in report.
• Scholarship: Katelynn Lowe's request was approved for $500 1st time Scholarship. Katelynn is a High School Senior. She plays Bass and is interested in learning other instruments. Information was shared with the board by Barbara Collins-Sectretary. Joe Steiner motioned to present Katelynn with a Scholarship. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Scholarships: Request from Doug and Amy King for their 3 children. Elija (13) plays Banjo; Lucas (11) plays Mandolin and Guitar; Nia (5) plays a 1/4 size Fiddle and is taking piano lessons. The King children have been approved for a 1st time 'Family scholarship' of $500. Paul Saurborn motioned to present the King Family a Scholarship. Joe Steiner seconded. all say yes. Motion carried.  (P.S. I have sent messages to each informing them they have been accepted. I will send them an Scholarship award Certificate as in the past. 11/21/14) 
• TABLE:  Advertising Strategies: Results of 2014. What can we measure? What for 2015? Radio? Newspapers? Social Media? R.V. Industry? Outlets? Flyers? 
• Suzuki Fiddlers for 2015: Discussion and decision made. Joe Steiner motioned we give a Grant to the Sazuki Fiddlers for 2015 and have them return to the Festival to perform.  Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Grant projects for 2015: Jim Miller's son George Miller will do work on Grants for NIBGA as a Volunteer. 
• NIBGA Festival Workshops for 2015: Much discussion. All day workshops with Professionals, using 2014 Marathon Oil Grants of $1,000. Possible. Joe Steiner motioned to have the Workshops on Saturday of the festival. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. There will be more talk later on details. Chris Steiner will work on details and report to the board. Joe Steiner asked for a budget. Grants from Marathon Oil for 2013 & 2014 plus others are earmarked for Education. Joe motioned to use these grants for Educational workshops. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Band Status: Joe Steiner reviewed the list of Band possibilities and scheduling for 2015. No bands hired for sure yet. Show scheduling times were discussed. Flyers are needed by Mid-January for SPGMA and Snow Birds.  Chris Steiner suggested a 'Gospel Sing' with the audience to begin the Sunday morning show. There was discussion. All officers like the idea. So there will be a Gospel Sing with one of the bands leading, to open the Spring 2015 show on Sunday. 
• TABLE: Band Schedule.
• Audience Tent: Do we need a bigger tent for the back of the pavilion in the Spring 2015? It was discussed and decided the size we have been using is adequate. ACE TENT Rental: has offered a discount on the two tents used at the festivals if the fee is paid by December 1, 2014.  Paul Saurborn motioned for it to be paid. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.  Treasurer-Linda Winger will pay the rental fee to secure the discount. 
• Renewal of Evernote for $45 fee. It allows posting fliers on the WEB. there were 1,390 hits last year. Joe Steiner motioned to renew. Paul Saurborn seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Internet Renewal for BluegrassUSA.net $135. 33,399 hits last year. Paul Saurborn motioned to renew. Joe Steiner seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• Printer: Jim Winger-President expressed the need for a new printer for the NIBGA Club printing. The old one is over 11  yrs. old., worn out and not working well. Jim will research prices. TJ Collins motioned to approve the purchase of a new printer. Barbara Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. TJ Collins seconded. Meeting adjourned at 2:35 P.M. 

NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins  tjb5662@gmail.com