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.

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

NIBGA Board meeting, Oct. 19, 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:
    President - Jim Winger                                     Board Directors:
    Vice-President - Joe Steiner                                   TJ Collins
    Secretary - Barbara Collins                                     Pam Keiper
    Treasurer - Linda Winger                                        Paul Saurborn

Others present: Chris Steiner, Sandra Carnes, Dave Keiper, Greg Aldrich, Brenda Aldrich

• Secretary - Barbara Collins emailed minutes of the August 24th & 28th meetings at Noble Co. Fairgrounds,  Kendallville, IN. to all officers on September 12, 2014. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.
• Treasurer - Linda Winger reviewed August and September Financial reports that were emailed to all officers on November 14, 2014. Pam Keiper motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn seconded. all say yes. Motion carried.
• Linda also reviewed the Fall 2014 Preliminary Festival Tally as of this date. More is being done to complete totals. 

INFORMATION ITEMS

• President - Jim Winger reviewed with the board, analysis of Income 2014 vs 3 highest previous years 2003, 2004, 2005

OLD BUSINESS

• Pam Keiper reports: A new merchandise second chair person is needed for the NIBGA festival merchandise table.  Louise McClouth has expressed interest in taking the job. She might do 2 days and Jeanette Young would continue doing 2 days. 

NEW BUSINESS

• Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Officers and Directors for 2014/2015. All current officers have agreed to continue their positions. No one else has shown interest in a position. 
• Review of stage set up @ Labor Day Festival: What will we do about the stage in 2015? Jim Winger listed 5 options to consider. After discussion, Paul Saurborn motioned we continue with the same set up we used for Fall 2014.   TJ Collins seconded. All say yes. Motion carried. 
• TABLE =  For Nov. meeting. Katelynn Lowe, a High School Senior has requested a NIBGA Scholarship to help with Bluegrass music lessons. Also Doug and Any King have applied for music Scholarships for their 3 Elementary school age children. Due to shortage of time at the meeting, there was no decision made.
• TABLE = Nov. meeting" 2015 Advertising - Strategies: Review results of 2014. Which methods to use for 2015? There are many options to study. 
• Band Budget:  If we don't buy a new stage, should we/could we expand the band budget? 2014 was $15,000 with a cap of $17,500. 2013 was the same. After discussion Vice -President Joe Steiner purposed $22,000 with a cap of $25,000. Joe purposed more bands with each day different.. Joe Steiner made a motion for $22,000 with a cap of $25,000 for 2015 for Band Budget. Paul Saurborn second. all say yes. Motion carried. 
• TABLE = Suzuki Fiddlers Scholarship for 2015.  Yes or No?
• Grants for 2015 = Who will lead? Chris Steiner says, "We need Grants large enough to hire a good A Band to attract the crowd." Another suggestion was to use a Grant to subsidize the Thursday evening show. Another suggestion was a Grant to subsidize the Nursing Home Shows when we send a band to do a Friday show. Also it would be good to have a grant to help give back to the community. (Jim Miller's son is a Grant Writer.) 
• TABLE = Discussion and decisions on All Day Workshops at the festivals. 
• Expense: One expense receipt submitted for postage. Joe Steiner. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Pam Keiper seconded. President Jim Winger called the meeting adjourned at 2:45 P.M.

Sincerely - NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins
   Sent Nov. 22, 2014

NIBGA board meeting 11/17/2013

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Orientation Meeting, November 17, 2013
At South West Conservation Club, Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President - Joe Steiner at 12:30 p.m.

OFFICERS PRESENT:                      BOARD DIRECTORS: 
 President - Jim Winger                          T.J. Collins
 Vice-President - Joe Steiner                 Paul Saurborn
 Secretary - Barbara Collins                    Pam Keiper (via conference phone)
 Treasurer - Linda Winger

Others Present: Chris Cooperrider - Special Events; Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair & Merchandise; Leslie Ellis - Co Gate Captain; Past V. Pres. - Sandra Carnes; Jim Miller - Co Gate Captain; Greg and Brenda Auldridge - Co Gate Captains.

Secretary's report for the Oct 20th meeting was emiled to all officers Oct. 25th, 2013. No additions or corrections. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Jim Winger seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

Treasurer's reports; The October 2013 Financial Report was emailed to all officers on 11/13/13. Report as of 10/31/13. The report was reviewed. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the financial report.  Pam Keiper seconded. All say yes. Motion carried.

                                                              OLD BUSINESS

Renewal response to expired membership mailings. 300 copies were printed. Over 200 were mailed to members who's membership has expired. Very few replies. Discussion on how to reach past members.

There was a review of Fall Festival financials. No change.
Merchandise report. No change.

* TABLED = Renegotiation of rent cost with Noble County Fair Board for 2014.

501C3 = Lengthy discussion about Grants:
   Jim and Linda Winger attended a Grant learning class on Monday November 11, 2013 at the Fort Wayne Public Library. They will be attending more sessions. Some of the sessions cover:  Stewardship for Non - Profits. (Jim & Linda)
   Grant Basics 1 - Jim and Linda Winger.
   Grant Basics 1 & 2 on Dec. 3rd - Joe and Chris Steiner
   Grant Basics 2 - on Nov. 18th - Jim and Linda
There was much discussion on other deductible contributions.

Volunteer in-kind-time documentation: It is requested that all officers and volunteers send a 'Tally List' of time spent working at festivals, etc. Send to Chris (Cooperrider) Steiner.

Budget for 2014
   Discussion of Band Budget, Advertising, Golf Carts, Tents. Are they adjustable?

  Ticket prices for 2014 Festivals. After lengthy discussion there was a vote on Member and Non-member gate prices. It was purposed the prices need to be increased for financial reasons. To cover the rise in Electric, water, grounds rent, bands and all other necessary expenses to produce the festival for 2014. The band budget is the largest expense. After a in-depth look at expenses, T.J. Collins motioned to change the gate prices.

  A members 3 day week-end gate ticket will be $25.00. A Non-member 3 day gate ticket will be $30.00.  Plus the $10.00 one time charge for electric.
  The daily ticket prices will be: Friday $10.00 - - Saturday $20.00 - - Sunday $15.00.
Paul Saurborn seconded the motion. All say yes. Motion carried.

TABLED = Special Events: Extended Workshops at the festival: Chris Cooperrider requested more money budgeted to pay for more expensive and experienced workshop directors for the classes.

TABLED = B.U.G, (Bluegrass Under Ground) Revisit in the spring.

TABLED - Band Scramble

Joe Steiner gave a report on the band hiring status. He is already working with bands for 2014.

Linda Winger reports: Golf Carts and Early Tent Rental contracts will be taken care of before the end of Dec. 2013. The price for delivery of Golf Carts is going up. There is a discount for Golf Carts and Tents with early payment.

It was approved for Linda Winger to purchase 2,000 Forever Stamps for mailing newsletters, before the increase to save the club money later.

Renewals for Ever note (Document Storage Facility) was agreed to renew.

TABLE = Grant to Suzuki for 2014.

No expenses to approve.

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Jim Winger seconded. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Sincerely, Barbara Collins - NIBGA Secretary.

NIBGA Board meeting 10/20/2013

Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association Board meeting October 20, 2013

 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

1. Gate Price changes
2. Use best Open Mike band for first Friday 'unpaid' band. Play for free 1 day ticket. 
3. Children's Activities before and during festivals. Suggestions: Games, Music Instrument Workshops etc. 
4. Alternative Bluegrass on Sunday or other day?
5. More band discussion. B.U.G. - to have or not?  Band scheduling. (Traditional verses Contemporary). 
6. 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. 
7. 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 

NIBGA Board Minutes March 20, 2011

March 20, 2011 Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:55 P.M.
Officers present were:                             Board Directors:
President - Jim Winger T.J. Collins
Vice President - Joe Steiner Paul Saurborn
Secretary - Barbara Collins
Treasurer - Linda Winger
Board director Pam Keiper in Texas, could not be reached by phone.
Others present were Chris Cooperrider - Taxi Chair/ Special Activities chair, Sue Saurborn, Tonia Bacon & Carolyn Bacon

Minutes of last meeting:
• Minutes of the February meeting were e-mailed to each officer by Sect. Barbara Collins on Feb 21. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
Treasurer Reports:
• February Financial reports were e-mailed to each officer by Treasurer - Linda Winger in March. The report was reviewed at the meeting. T.J. Collins motioned to accept. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried. 
Information Items:
• NIBGA Taxes due May. 
Old Business:
• 501c3 investigation:  Chris C. / Joe S. report the subject has been revisited and they are taking action. There are three choices on how to approach this subject. Joe Steiner recommends we continue research. Further investigation of the Proxy method as a legitimate procedure.
• Band Updates: Joe Steiner/Band chairman.  All bands are hired. Schedule is set. Ready to go!
• Workshops: Chris Cooperrider. Workshops and directors are scheduled. Ready for spring. 
• For Taxi service during the festival, use Phone number (260)302-1555. This is a Kendallville number.
• Advertising: Jim Winger.  News Sun. We will continue and pay fee if ad sales are under $1,500.
• Radio Stations: - Nothing committed. Jim passed out information sheets for Radio station adds with THUNDER Country WTHD/105.5 Lagrange, IN.; Country WLZZ/104.5 Bryan, O.; and WBET/99.3 Sturgis, MI.  The Fort Wayne market very expensive. T.J. Collins motioned to go with advertisements with the three stations listed above. (WTHD, WLZZ & WBET) Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Joe Steiner will update band web pages with our link. Encourage people to go to the Facebook. 
• Facebook / Search - Tri-State
• Suggested reminder; Collect email addresses from attendees at the festivals. 
New Business:
• Review on memberships;  Who needs paid memberships and who is included in family membership. Two adults per family membership. No limit on children 15 and under. One newsletter per household address. Two tickets per family membership. 
• Discussion on list of Complimentary newsletters & Canadian mailings. Should we only do e-mails. Decided: Continue as is. Suggest emails but do not restrict to just emails. 
• Golf Carts for festival. Six seater not available, will be using two four seaters. Chris has a golf cart 'Google Voice number' for Taxi phone number:  260-302-1555. Golf cart price is the same. Delivery price up a little. 
• Port-a-Jon: Cost is the same. Delivery service price is up a little. 
• Festival fliers - 5,000 printed with Memorial & Labor Day on front and Memorial schedule on the back.
• TABLE --- for April.  Should we attend IBMA fall 2011? If so - who? Joe S. will check with Dan Hayes on  Open IBMA Board spots, IBMA cost and such. Joe recommends that NIBGA remain visible at IBMA. Wise to keep our relationship.
No expenses to approve. 

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Meeting adjourned at 2:05PM

Submitted by NIBGA Secretary - Barbara Collins

Next board meeting/Jam Sunday April 17, 2011. This is the last meeting of the winter and the last before the Tri-state festival.

NIBGA Board meeting minutes 2/20/2011

February 20, 2011 Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:00 P.M.
Officers present were:                                    Board Directors:
 President - Jim Winger                                    T.J. Collins      
 Vice President - Joe Steiner                            Paul Saurborn
 Secretary - Barbara Collins                             Pam Keiper - Via conference phone call.
Treasurer - Linda Winger                                    & Dave Keiper

Chris Cooperrider - Special Projects
Jeanette Young - Vendor Chair
Others present were: Tonia Bacon, Carol Bacon, & Michaela Gerkin

• Minutes of the January meeting were e-mailed to each officer by Sect. Barb Collins on Monday January 17, 2011; Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the minutes. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Motion carried.
• January Financial Report was e-mailed to each officer by Treasurer Linda Winger on February 16, 2011. The report was reviewed at the meeting; Joe Steiner motioned to accept the Treasurers report. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.

                                                      INFORMATION ITEMS

• The 1099s were mailed to bands in January.
• 1099 forms were sent to IRS on Saturday 2/19/11
• NIBGA taxes are due in May. They will be done on time.

                                                          OLD BUSINESS

• 503c3 investigation. Chris Cooperrider reports she is waiting for the IRS software to become available. 
• Joe Steiner reports. The Electrical problem at the gate area has been resolved. 
• Joe Steiner - V. Pres/Band chairman has completed the hiring of the bands for Spring and Fall 2011 for the N festivals. A list was given to each officer. Joe has been able to stay under budget again. Good job Joe! This job is very time consuming and we appreciate Joe's talent and time it takes to contact and contract bands. 
• Chris Cooperrider has been working on plans for festival workshops. Bull Harmon will be doing an four hour guitar workshop. Chris will be working up a list for the scheduling of all workshops. Some to be planned are: harmonica, mountain dulcimer, bass, clogging, & jamming. And hopefully: workshops for mandolin, dobro, fiddle, banjo, song-writing, and harmony singing can be set up.   Chris will have more information for the March meeting and the April newsletter. This information will go on the NIBGA WEB and Blog. 
• Chris purposed that the people directing workshops will get two weekend tickets. She suggested that jamming workshops be early in the weekend to free up people on Saturday to watch the stage shows. All but the guitar workshops will be free with a festival ticket.  
• Paul Saurborn motions to charge $25 for the four hour Bull Harmon workshop. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.
• Paul Saurborn motioned we pay up to 6 additional instructors, $50.00 each, for workshops. Joe Steiner second. All approved. Motion carried.
• Discussed and approved.  An Open House crafting session will take place on Wednesday May 25 in the Log Cabin, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Each person will bring their own craft project to do. Craft and Chat session, a good way to spend time and meet new people and share your talents. 
• Jeanette Young reported on Vendors up to this point. The lemon shake-up people are interested in setting up a Leather goods booth. This will be charged a normal fee.  Jeanette is talking to several people trying to find a group that will do a Bake Sale at the festival. A man from Nashville has inquired about setting up a booth to sell his handmade (USA made). 
• Advertising: Jim Winger reports on all the possibilities he has investigated and inquired about. Some are possibilities for us and several not. Some possibilities are NCCVB rack cards in welcoming centers (Visitors Centers), & radio stations.  Good places to advertise will be WAWK Kendallville, WFGA "Froggie" Auburn, and a maybe a Coldwater or southern border Michigan station. Jim will continue to work on these.  Barbara Collins motions we advertise with three radio stations. Pam Keiper seconds. All approve. Motion carried. 
• Facebook - Nathen Gerkin has contacted bands to "like" Tri-State page. 
• Joe Steiner suggest asking Bands to cross link with NIBGA on the WEB
• Collect e-mail addresses from attendees that would like to receive notices and information via-email. Not decided. 
• Joe Steiner motioned to adjourn. Paul Saurborn second. All agree. Meeting adjourned at 2:10 P.M. 

Sincerely, NIBGA Secretary Barbara Collins
The next board meeting & Jam session will be Sunday March 20, 2011

Why don't bands want to promote themselves?

Linda is busy trying to put together publicity for the upcoming Memorial festival. The frustrating part is bands do an extremely poor job of having material that is press ready. Snapshots of fans, lots of them. Professional photo that tells a story for the newspaper, few or none. Color photos that most web sites and newspapers want, not to be found.

Where is the biography of the band that has a story versus Joe plays banjo, Tom is a great guitar player loved by his mother, etc. Don't bands ever read a newspaper story or look at some of the bluegrass magazines? Buyers of magazines, papers, blogs, etc. want a story not dry copy. Why is it up to the event producer to create this?

OK, some bands change so often that only the band leader is common from month to month. The leader could still have an interesting story to tell and a professional publicity shot.

Most bands now have a web site that someone has sold them on using the latest and greatest gizmo. Today that seems to be Adobe flash. Guess what, you cannot easily extract information from a flash presentation so it is unusable for publicity outside of the bands web site. If the band doesn't have an Electronic Press Kit, EPK in the jargon, then please, please create a web site that will allow copy and paste. I'm not going to retype your stuff!

One last word, a high resolution photo is not a photo that displays well on your web page. A high res is 1,000,000 pixel or larger not 1,000 pixel. The band has that high res photo when the picture was taken so put it on the web site someplace.

I feel better.

NIBGA facebook page for TriState Bluegrass Festival

Everyone has a Facebook page and we didn't want to be left behind. If you would like to help the club, let us know the best ways to use this new capability. Here is our Facebook page for TriState.

.

NIBGA Board meeting minutes 1/16/2011

January 16, 2011 Minutes of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association board meeting at Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Winger at 12:30 P.M.

Officers present were:
President – Jim Winger                  Board Directors:
Vice-President – Joe Steiner        T.J. Collins
Secretary – Barbara Collins          Paul Saurborn
Treasurer – Linda Winger              Pam Keiper – Via conference phone call.
Other chairs:
Chris Cooperrider – Taxi chair/workshop chair.
Jeanette Young – Vendor chair
Others present: Tonia Bacon, Carol Bacon, Jade Bacon, Jeanette's daughter, Sue Saurborn

• Minutes of the November meeting were e-mailed by Sect. Barbara Collins to each officer on Nov. 21, 2010 Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the minutes. TJ Collins second. All approve. Motion carried.
• November and December Financial Reports were e-mailed to officers on Jan. 10, 2011 by Treasurer Linda Winger. Linda revued both reports at the meeting. Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the reports. Joe Steiner second. All approve. Motion carried.

INFORMATION ITEMS:

• Bands receiving more than $599.99 for performing need to file a 1099.
• NIBGA year end Taxes are due May. Jim has recommend using the original CPA in Churubusco. Board agreed.

OLD BUSINESS

• 501c3 investigation – Chris C.  As things are now we do not qualify for this status. Chris will look into possibility of sitting up a foundation within NIBGA to be able to accept donations. If we sent a ballot with the note that unreturned ballots could be voted by the board, would that qualify as a Quorum to change the constitution? Joe Steiner will investigate
• Electrical problem at gate area. Joe S. will take care of this.
• Jeanette Young – Vendor chairman, reports she will continue to look for vendors for the festival. All agreed for her to use which ever Wood Vendor she chooses. Discussion on how to attract new vendors.
• Joe Steiner – Band Chairman, reviewed the list of bands hired for the spring and fall 2011 festivals. He is within the set budget for both festivals at this time. All but two bands are hired for spring and almost all for fall.
• Host families are needed to provide food, snacks, drinks, and or a resting place for the bands.
• Workshops for the festivals. Discussion on how much to charge, what day(s), to hold workshops, how long they should be, etc. have been discussed several times. Bull Harmon has agreed to do an extended workshop in the spring 2011. At this time the board is considering this for a Friday. Chris Cooperrider agreed to help Dave Vogie set up the workshops. Joe Steiner motioned to have a Friday extended workshop. Paul Saurborn second.  All agree. Motion carried. (Times to be decided later.)
• Joe Steiner motioned to give 2 free W/E tickets to workshop teachers who do at least a 2 hour minimum workshop. This does not include early camping or electric. Paul Saurborn second. All agree. motion carried.
• Advertising: Discussion and several suggestions on continued and new ways to advertise. Jim Winger will look into several possibilities.
• Tri State Blue Book will be one advertising for $125
• The Terry Lease book will not be printed
• Don Moore is working on Placemats with advertising on them to be distributed in the Kendallville area prior to festivals. Cost $195.00. More advertisers are needed he says.
• Other suggestions for advertising: Whatz-Up, Electric Company fliers sent with Elect. bills, WAWK radio station. Fort Wayne radio stations. WSLE in Valparaiso. Joe Steiner has asked bands to put links up on their WEB sites. Continue to research. Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association fliers will be distributed in many directions all over the USA. Jim W. will report back at next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

• Discussion on possibly changing the Dues date of renewal. After discussion, TJ Collins motioned to keep the renewal date the same. Paul Saurborn second. All agree. Motion carried.
• The sheep shearing show has been moved to a date that is not apart of our contract. 
• Golf carts will remain same as 2010; Port-a-jons will remain same as 2010; Security will remain same as 2010; For further information on these see October minutes.

There were no expenses to approve.

Paul Saurborn motioned to adjourn. Joe Steiner second. All agree. Meeting adjourned at 2:20 P.M.

The next board meeting will be Sunday February 20, 2011   Jamming 12:00 to 6:00. Everyone welcomed.

Sincerely, NIBGA Secretary Barbara Collins

2004 Stiver Mandolin for Sale

Stock Photo

A NIBGA member wants to sell his 2004 Stiver mandolin, F model, hard shell case, radius fret board. Asking $3,800


260-492-7879


Stiver Mandolins are hand built one at a time in Polk PA. by me, Lou Stiver in my home workshop. I work alone and do all the work myself. In the past this sometimes even included going into the woods and cutting down the tree that would later become mandolins. At the present time I am using wood from the best wood supplier I have found in 30 years. 

Warning RV scam

We got a call yesterday asking what we thought about a GREAT deal on a Jayco trailer. Only $2,500 for a big 2006 unit on eBay with free shipping. The book value appeared to be over $12,000! What a deal! Just one problem, it was a phishing scam. If you had paid $2,500 you would have never heard from them again. The web site was an eBay look alike, not really eBay. Upon investigation, I found the same bargain on Craigslist throughout the country. Many of the sites had alreay flagged the information as a phishing scheme.

Many bluegrass'ers are campers and often looking for great deals. If it is almost too good to be true ...

NIBGA board meeting minutes Nov. 21, 2010

November 21, 2010  Meeting of Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association

At South West Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809

The meeting was called to order by Vice President – Joe Steiner  at 12:25 P.M.

Officers present were:                        Board Directors:

 Vice-President - Joe Steiner                  T.J. Collins

 Secretary -  Barbara Collins                    Paul Saurborn

                                                                        Pam Keiper – Via conference phone call

Others present were: Taxi Chair – Chris Cooperrider: Vendor Chair – Jeanette Young

Three other members were present in the meeting.

Jim and Linda Winger were absent because they were at their 50^th Anniversary Party. Congratulations Jim & Linda.

The minutes of the last meeting were e-mailed by Sect Barbara Collins on October 17, 2010 to all officers.  

 T.J. Collins motioned to accept . Second by Paul Saurborn.  All approve. Motion carried.

The Treasurer Linda Winger sent the October Financial report to each officer, Totals as of 10/31/10.

Paul Saurborn motioned to accept. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Motion carried.

                                                       INFORMATION ITEM:

The contract for 2010/1011 between Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association and South West Conservation Club has been signed and paid as of 10/17/10. This is where the meetings for Oct., Nov., Jan., Feb., March & April are held. The jamming is open to all ~ Beginning at noon until about 6:00 P.M. the third Sunday of each month that meetings are held.

                                                        OLD BUSINESS

501c3 research. Chris Cooperrider has been researching all the details of becoming a 501c3 club. There are a lot of details (rules and regulations) and forms involved. Chris explained all the details she has gathered up to now. Chris reported that it is very involved and detailed and will take a lot of work to achieve this. She will continue to research and work on the project. At this point we do not qualify for 501c3.

TABLE: 501c3 until further meetings.

Joe Steiner will continue to work on the Electrical problem at the gate area.

T-Shirt project. Linda Winger has captured all historical shirt designs and posted them on the web. She needs to know who designed some of the early ones. Are we missing any? If anyone has any helpful information about past T-shirts, will  you please contact tres@nibga.com or give her a call.

TABLE:  Vendor chair Jeanette Young will look at the Wood Vendor situation. She has had several offers and will need to settle on one vendor by May.

                                                           NEW BUSINESS

Joe Steiner – Band Chairman – gave a list of bands hired and ones being considered for Spring and Fall 2011 Festivals. There was discussion and suggestions on bands the club is interested in.

Consideration – possible change to workshop format.

      Add intensive workshop to festival, maybe Friday during the day?

      Earmark money for an instructor. Discussion followed. Each attendee would possible pay $20.00 each for a 4 to 6 hour instructional class.

Paul Saurborn motioned to earmark $500.00 for an instructor in an extended workshop. Pam Keiper second. All approved. Motion carried.

There was discussion about instructor possibilities. Paul motioned for Joe Steiner to find an instructor. T.J. second. All approve. Motion carried.

Advertising for 2011

  Ads committing to Tri-State blue book in MO & Terry Lease S. IL 125.00 each full page.

Approval to continue that add.

IBMA guide has an ad (as part of our sponsorship cost.)

Discussion on advertising budget for 2011.  It was decided to go with last year’s budget.

T.J. Collins motioned to set the advertising budget at $6,000.00. Paul second. All approve. Motion carried.

Advance tent rental due 12/31/10 to get the discount.

   The discount is a significant savings.

Paul Saurborn motioned to accept the savings offer. T.J. Collins second. All approve. Motion carried. Treasurer Linda Winger will send payment before 12/31/10.

Postage is going up in 2011. Linda Winger purchased 4,000 forever stamps. This will result in a large savings if rates go up.

Barbara Collins motioned to approve the purchase. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion carried.

Xymmetric internet mail and domain name fee is $135.00 every 6 months. Need approval to pay.

Barbara Collins motioned to pay. Paul Saurborn second. All approved. Motion carried.

Evernote Premium.

  Evernote allows posting of events fliers on web site.

  Premium version will allow OCR on additional files, at cost of $45.00 per year.

     (There was discussion and an explanation of this feature)

T.J. Collins motioned to purchase the Evernote Premium one year on a trial basis and see how it works for us. Paul Saurborn second. All approve. Motion Carried.

There were no expenses to approve.

T.J. Collins motioned to adjourn. Paul Saurborn second. All say yes. Carried.        1:45 P.M.

Sincerely – NIBGA Secretary – Barbara Collins

The next board meeting is Sunday January 16, 2011. 

Advertising purchased for Memorial Day weekend

NIBGA has committed advertising in the IPFW Communicator (Fort Wayne, IN) on April 22 & 29 with 5.5 x 8.5 1/2 page inserts. Total cost around $571. This ad shows, weekend ticket $23 with ad.

NIBGA committed to Trine University (Angola, IN) $300. Here is what they will do:
we are holding a special that would allow you to run a full page ad on the back page of The Triangle as well as an online ad and a few mentions on the schools radio station WEAX for $300. We circulate 2,500 copies every two weeks, so you would have 5,000 copies of your ad out by the time it runs twice. The size is about 12 x 12. Along with your 5,000 copies you'd have the online ad that can be viewed multiple times and the mentions on the radio station would run throughout those 2 weeks.

This ad says free electric with ad.

By doing two different discounts, NIBGA can judge the ads effectiveness.