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Meeting Minutes – September 6th, 2005
Location – Lilac Lanes, Spokane WA
Members in Attendance: Duane Becker – President, Jim Arnold – V.P., Lee Lessig – Treasurer, Joel Johnston – Secretary, Russ Rask – 5th Voting Member
Meeting called to order at 6:35 PM
Review of August 15th Meeting Minutes/Old Business
NWSGA T-shirts - Brief recap of Bill Barnett’s offer to produce some T-shirts with NWSGA logo. Duane has not heard back from Bill on this issue.
Statement about disbanding – It was determined that a formal statement is needed in the record and signed by the officers of what the course of action would be if the NWSGA were disbanded. A motion was made by Duane that outstanding funds in the treasury be donated to the National Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in St. Louis if for some reason there was a disbanding of the NWSGA. Motion carried with unanimous consent.
Thanks were directed to Joel and to Lee and Darlene Lessig for their efforts in drafting, printing and mailing the recent letter from the President and the Newsletter to the membership.
Duane reviewed the issue of association newsletters and other members-only material being password protected when posted on the website. A discussion ensued and all were in agreement that this should be pursued. Member Don Benoit had originally presented this as a discussion point in e-mail and opined that one of the benefits of membership should be gaining access to members only information. Joel volunteered to ask Rosalie Remick what the possibilities might be of acting on this suggestion.
Fall Jam – details were firmed up for the Oct. 9 Jamboree. Joel suggested we again pick a theme for an extended showcase right after lunch. Russ suggested a Ray Price tribute with 45 minutes dedicated to his music and Buddy Emmons style steel. Joel committed to drawing up the details for this showcase and contacting Danny Middleton for fiddle and Dave Reynolds for drums. Dave already committed to playing all day for a fee of $100. Motion was made to approve that fee and carried. Other house band members who will volunteer their time are Russ Rask, Duane Becker, Joel Johnston and possibly Joel’s sister, Jeri Lynn, if available. It was decided that Joel would draw up a flyer for the event and post a tentative daily schedule and the officers would do a phone blitz to the membership to get commitments from showcase players. Current plan is to follow the same format as the June 5th event, but to plan the round robin portion for Saturday evening from 7-9PM. This may appeal to some members who had commented that a single day event was not worth the drive when they come from far away. After the round robin, members would be invited to the Valley Eagles where Duane is scheduled to play for additional jamming.
Treasurer’s Report
Lee Lessig reported that the current savings account total is still $2063.07. Upcoming known expenditures are: 1) Reimbursement to Lee of $31.90 for payment he made for web domain renewal; 2) Reimbursement to Lee of $22.20 for stamps used for recent Newsletter; 3) Web hosting payment due this month of $59.00; 4) INWC Building payment for Oct. 9 Mini-Jam of $100.00; 5) Payment to accountant for professional advice resolving issue of non-profit status of $100.00. Thanks to Lee and Darlene for donating the envelopes that were used in the mailing. Comment was made that we should consider putting a year-end financial summary in a spring newsletter to the members so they can be informed as to how much funds were raised through the efforts of the officers and other members who organize the jams.
New Business Discussed
2006 SuperJam – More details were laid down for the 2006 Spring SuperJam. Jim Arnold met last week with Laurie Clements at Clear Channel to set a strategy for finding a hotel venue for this event. A promo flyer is in the works that will be used to pitch our event to the Mirabeau Point Hotel for May 20th & 21st with a possible need to secure the facility Friday evening as well for set up and informal gathering or jam. Jim seemed confident of Laurie’s ability to land us a facility. Duane has spoken to Jaydee Manness who has confirmed he could headline for us barring any scheduling conflicts due to commitments to play with Vince Gill. He said he’ll know by March. Brief discussion was made of securing an alternate or back up artist. Joel suggested we contact Russ and Laney Hicks, Ron Elliott and a few other top notch players that might be interested in exhibiting at our event and would be capable of standing in for Jaydee if he couldn’t make it.
Winter Jam in February? – Joel offered the suggestion of bridging the Oct 9 event and the May 20/21 event with another small Jam in the February time frame to keep our presence alive and raise some additional money going into the Super Jam that might be badly needed if we go over budget and don’t get the turnout we expect. Lee suggested adding a Bluegrass feature to this winter jam and tapping into our friends at the INWBA for showcase musicians. Duane mentioned a couple of awesome dobro players that he is aware of who could be showcased. This would also be an opportunity to invite the bluegrass players and fans to attend our SuperJam in May and increase the draw for that event. All agreed we should consider organizing a winter mini-jam and ask our friend and NWSGA member, Dan Marvicsin, to help dovetail the bluegrass folks in to our event.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55PM
Meeting Minutes – June 7th, 2005 Location – Rosauer’s in the Valley, Spokane Valley WA Members in Attendance: Duane Becker – President, Jim Arnold – V.P., Lee Lessig – Treasurer, Joel Johnston – Secretary, Russ (& Ruby) Rask – Fifth Voting Member. Meeting called to order at 6:35 PM No review of May 31st Meeting minutes as the are still being drafted. Treasurer’s Report Lee Lessig reported that the official tally from the concluded Sunday Jamboree was not yet totaled up – but the unofficial estimate was about $1390.00. The lunch proceeds accounted for approximately $250.00 of the total. There were also numerous membership renewals and new member sign ups. Lee committed to finishing up the accounting book work from the Jam and issuing a detailed Treasurer’s report as soon as the tally was complete, deposits made, etc. Old Business Discussed Post Jamboree Discussion It was pointed out that the INWC building was a bit too small if attendance were to peak on future small jams like this, but overall the facility was ideal and should be a good venue for a Fall Jam. Future Spring Jams will aim at a larger venue such as a hotel complex. Discussion about advertising prior to the jam – Duane commented that the newspaper article written the week prior to the jam was nice, but could have been more inclusive and detailed about the NWSGA and the variety of players lined up to play the jam. He suggested we try and do a better job of connecting with the reporters and other media people who might give us exposure and make sure we have some direct involvement in what they present to the public about our Association and Events. This will better insure that accurate information is printed or broadcast to the public. Duane commented that the effort to get members to fill out the voting ballots at the jam was not as successful as anticipated and made a motion that we mail ballots to all members to vote on the bylaws issues. Motion passed and it was decided that Duane would draft a cover letter for inclusion with the ballots that would introduce the new officers (Lee, Jim and Russ) and remind members of the user name and password for the forum feature on the website (some complaints were lodged that folks didn’t get that info). Joel volunteered to draft a post-jamboree newsletter that would also go out to the membership in this mailing. Time frame target was within the next two weeks. Motion was made and carried to draft a Thank You letter to Dan Marvicsin in appreciation for the great NWSGA Banner that he made and presented to us at the Jamboree. Jim Arnold volunteered to do this. Discussion was renewed on possible need to copyright the NWSGA logo and to attempt to get some T-shirts made prior to the next Jam or Newsletter. Duane was working these issues. Russ Rask suggested we do a better job of drafting or appointing people for committee chair positions on future events. This will result in better organization and, hopefully, more participation if the Chair People are tasked with collecting volunteers to commit to helping them with their committee duties. There was no official Clean Up committee at the Sunday Jam, or Recording Committee – resulting in some players being recorded and others not. New Business Discussed Fall Jam Date – Lee motioned we set the date at October 16. (Joel checked with the INWC Building people and the facility is already committed to another party for that Sunday. We will try to secure the Sunday before – October 9th) 2006 SuperJam – Jim Arnold will approach Clear Channel Radio about partnering with the NWSGA to handle securing a hotel complex for the event, advertising, possibly pulling in a well known country artist to help act as a draw and raise the profile of the event. It was agreed that we would take a few week break before the next officer’s meeting. General Comments about the June 5th Jamboree – the consensus was that it went very well and could be called a success. Organization was good, but could be better with more discipline applied to committee chairs and defining what needs to be done –AND- finding volunteers willing to do it. Much was said about the members and the players who attended and participated and the amount of talent that filled the room on Sunday – from Larry Meier’s very nice, down-home style worship service that started things off to the final round robin that included Chris Howe doing mesmerizing solo versions of Yesterday, Georgia on My Mine and Twilight Time - and all others in between. Many thanks go out to all. It was unanimously decided that the Jerry Byrd Tribute Showcase by Ray Montee was also an overwhelming success and captured the undivided attention of everyone in the room. Ray’s playing and story telling between songs were both a big hit and he captured clearly the essence of Jerry Byrd’s music. Ray’s set consisted of these Byrd tunes: Steelin’ is His Business, Drowsy Waters, Georgia Steel Guitar, Wabash Blues, Coconut Grove, Twilight Blues, Harbor Lights, South Sea Moon, The One Rose, Song of the Islands and Panhandle Rag. Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM
Meeting Minutes – May 31, 2005
Location – Rosauer’s at the Y, Spokane WA
Members in Attendance: Duane Becker – President, Jim Arnold – V.P., Lee Lessig – Treasurer, Joel Johnston – Secretary, Russ (& Ruby) Rask – Fifth Voting Member.
Meeting called to order at 6:46 PM
Review of May 2 Meeting Minutes. Minutes approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Lee Lessig briefly noted that we have had at least six member renewals and several new member applications received since the last meeting. Current account balance is $1039.32.
Old Business Discussed
Duane updated us on the topic of revising the bylaws as pertains to officer’s terms, member dues payment cycles and word change requirements to gain non-profit status. Duane presented a ballot that he drafted to allow a vote on these issues among the membership. Joel committed to bringing copies of the ballot to the June 5th Jamboree to collect votes from the members attending there. A 2/3’s vote is required to amend the bylaws. Ballots would be mailed out to all remaining members. Duane also stressed that attaining non-profit status would also require voting to appoint a non-profit beneficiary organization to donate our funds to if our organization were to dissolve. Lee Lessig commented that he had consulted with his CPA as well as with officers of the Texas SGA and was told that if our association income was less than $25,000 then non-profit status is unnecessary. The decision was made to continue to gather information to confirm what was necessary. Duane stated that he would talk to the people he works with at the Museum in Newport, which is a non-profit organization and see if they can provide some insight.
New Business Discussed
New officers were announced and welcomed in the persons of Jim Arnold as new Vice President and Russ Rask as new Fifth Voting Member.
Discussion turned to the upcoming June 5th Jamboree. Joel confirmed that the INWC Building would be available to the membership Saturday evening, June 4th for our use to set up the stage, organize the kitchen and practice or jam.
Committee review was made and all responsibility for the kitchen and the lunch during the Jamboree was handed over to Ruby Rask as the Kitchen Committee Chair. Ruby determined the menu would be spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, fruit cocktail. Ruby also committed to handling donuts and coffee in the morning.
Jim Arnold confirmed that he had arranged with a local Pepsi distributor to get from them a sizeable donation of Pepsi products to offer as refreshments at the Jam.
Duane announced that he had a commitment from Bill and Shari Barnett to work the door at the Jam and register people and collect admission monies.
Joel mentioned that he had received a call from Darrell Klein wherein Darrell announced that he would not be able to participate in the Jamboree due to personal commitments at church and with family that weekend. Adjustments were made to the Jam schedule to back fill Darrell’s time slot with other players. Also mentioned was that Chris Howe had called and inquired about playing a showcase, as did Dave Burton.
More committees chairs were needed and volunteers to help with: Lunch Set Up – Ruby Rask Chair House Band – Joel Johnston Chair Stage Equipment – Duane’s friend Dave Johnson volunteered Recording Crew - ?? Church Service/Gospel Segment – Larry Meier/Joel Work the Door – Barnett’s Clean Up Crew - All
Joel committed to creating some signs – admission sign, guest list book, showcase player song list and final schedule, etc. Modified/updated tentative schedule now looks like this:
8:00 – 9:15 Coffee/Donuts – Set Up Time 9:15 – 9:30 Worship Service conducted by Member Larry Meier 9:30 – 10:00 Stan Remick/Joe Evans Shared Gospel Showcase 10:00 – 10:25 Joe Evans Showcase 10:30 – 10:50 Chris Howe Showcase 10:55 – 11:15 Warren France Showcase 11:20 – 11:40 Dean Simmons Showcase (w/ Dave Cannon) 11:45 – 12:00 Ryan Giese Showcase 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch – NWSGA Business 12:30 – 1:15 Ray Montee Extended Showcase Tribute to Jerry Byrd 1:20 – 1:40 Len Ryder Showcase 1:40 – 2:00 Dave Burton Showcase 2:05 – 2:25 Duane Becker Showcase (w/ Jim Russell) 2:30 – 2:50 Gene Capps Showcase (w/ Darlene Capps) 2:55 – 3:15 Tom Palmer Showcase (w/ Billy Olson) 3:15 – 3:45 David Wright Showcase 3:45 – 4:00 Break – Set Up for Round Robin 4:00 – 6:00 Round Robin All Play 6:00 - ??? Clean Up
Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM NWSGA MEETING MINUTES - May 2, 2005 Location – Joel Johnston Residence, Mead WA Members in Attendance: Duane Becker – President, Joel Johnston – Secretary, Lee Lessig – Acting Treasurer, Darlene Lessig – Historian/Executive Assistant Meeting called to order at 7:12 PM Treasurer’s Report It was acknowledged that Darrell Klein, elected Treasurer of NWSGA had tendered his resignation within the last 30 days and asked to be relieved of his office for personal reasons. The officers present agreed to accept Darrell’s resignation and a review was made of the bylaws for guidance in assigning a replacement. As spelled out by the bylaws, a replacement officer can be chosen by the association officers. A motion was made to choose Lee Lessig as replacement NWSGA Treasurer to finish out the term. Motion was carried. Duane explained that he had met with Darrell & discussed banking details, non-profit status of the organization, picked up the Treasurer’s binder, the check book, the post office box key, etc. These items were handed over to Lee Lessig. There was a brief discussion about our non-profit status and it was revealed that we are not yet established as a non-profit association. Lee was tasked with contacting the IRS to obtain guidance on accomplishing this and the costs involved. It was mentioned that this is an issue the SWSGA is apparently dealing with as well and some guidance may be available from them. Member donation checks for new members and renewals were passed to Lee for deposit this week. New Members were: Gene Capps (4/24/05), Jimmy Watkins (4/15/05), Richard Brooks (4/22/05), Darlene Lessig (5/3/05). Existing Member Renewals were: Stan Remick (4/15/05), Roy McKinney (4/15/05), Lee Lessig (5/3/05). Total donations were $175.00. Estimated account balance at this time, including these funds yet to be deposited, is about $525.00. A check for $250.00 had been written last month to retain the Inland NW Wildlife Council Building for the June 5th Jam. Of that amount $75 was for building rental, and $175 was a refundable deposit after clean up. Old Business Discussed Discussion was renewed on the topic of revising the bylaws as pertains to officer’s terms. A motion was made that we try to have ballots ready to allow a vote of all attending members of the June 5th Jam and mail ballots out to all remaining members. Up for vote and revision would be these topics: 1. A Two Year Term for all elected officers (eliminating the VP’s obligation to assume the Presidency at the end of the VP term). 2. Make membership dues payable at any time and valid for a period of 12 months from the month they were originally paid - expiring on the last day of that month. The payment date will be held in record by the treasurer and also noted in the electronic database. These changes will need to be taken to a vote of the membership in order to implement the desired changes. Ongoing discussion about the NWSGA website was opened up with Duane stating that he was working the learning curve on MS FrontPage and had received some tutoring via e-mail from Rosalie Remick. He hoped to be proficient enough soon to handle some of the website upkeep himself. Discussion was made of getting meeting minutes posted on the NWSGA website; Joel Johnston agreed to look into that possibility. Canadian Member Don Benoit had e-mailed a suggestion to make some items on the website Login/Password protected and for members only – such as the Newsletter and the Forum feature (which was temporarily shut down due to spammers). A consensus was reached that it sounded like it might be a good idea – especially in the case of the forum, as it may provide needed protection from spam. At this point in time, since the Newsletter currently posted is the very first, the mindset was to have it available for all to see as a means of promoting the organization and helping gather more interest and more members. A suggestion was made to post all new Newsletters for a 30 day period and then store them in a password protecting archive that members could access via a Login procedure. Duane committed to looking into these possibilities. New Business Discussed It was acknowledged that current Vice President, Bill Atwood had recently informed the officers group that he was moving out of state and would be forced to resign his position. He will still be in the area on June 5th and will still be happy to help with the Jamboree, however. There was discussion about finding a VP replacement and it was decided to work that issue at the June 5th event and see if any members attending would have an interest. New developments surrounding the June 5th event: NWSGA member Jim Arnold had been contacted and confirmed to be the MC for the event. Suggestion was made ask Dean Simmons if he might act as official photographer for the Jamboree. Lee committed to calling Dean. Joel reported that he had made contact with Yokes Fresh Markets about the cost of food trays for sandwich making during the lunch at the Jam. Jill in Yokes Deli at the Mead store estimated the need for 5 meat/cheese trays (turkey, ham, roast beef and swiss, provolone, cheddar) and 5 condiment trays (tomato, lettuce, pickle, onion, mayo, mustard) to cover up to 150 guests. Total cost was quoted at $364.90 (about $2.45 per head). Joel stressed the need to establish committees and people to chair committees to help with: Lunch Set Up House Band Stage Equipment Recording Crew Church Service/Gospel Segment Work the Door Clean Up Crew A question was raised about whether or not to charge showcase players and committee volunteers an attendance fee. It was agreed that this was a difficult decision. The success of the event is highly dependent on volunteerism and it is difficult to ask those who step up to the plate to volunteer their time to also reach deep into their pocketss. A motion was made and carried that we review the commitments we get from volunteers to man the committees listed above and create a limited “Guest List” that the door worker would use to allow those volunteers in with no cost obligation – however, a donation would still be accepted from these people if they felt inclined to pay. Discussion moved to putting together a tentative showcase schedule to try and get the day laid out and locked down. Here is a rough draft:
Final discussion of the evening covered the topic of recording the Jamboree and especially the Jerry Byrd Tribute for submitting to SteelRadio.com as requested by Michael Scott. Duane had some contacts, both amateur and professional, that we could get in touch with to see what this might entail. Joel committed to contacting those people and getting the details. Meeting adjourned at 9:25PM NWSGA MEETING MINUTES - March 21, 2005 Location – Prime Tyme Restaurant, Chattaroy, WA Members in attendance: Duane Becker – President, Bill Atwood – VP, Darrell Klein – Treasurer, Joel Johnston – Secretary, Lee Lessig – Voting Member Meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM. February Meeting Minutes were reviewed. Treasurer’s Report – Darrell reported a $25 membership donation check from Don Benoit in Canada and Don was added to the paid members list. Bank balance was approximately $650.00 at this date. Old Business Bylaws Discussion - The topic was raised once again about problems the SWSGA was having with their bylaws and the question of whether the NWSGA should move toward modifying and amending certain portions through a quorum vote via ballots passed out at the next Jam and via a mailing to all other members. At issue was the VP “inheriting” the President position. The concern was voiced that by mandating that the current VP take over as President at the end of an existing term and then be mandated by the bylaws to serve as “past president” in a 5th Officer position (as a tie breaking vote), this straps anyone elected to the VP position into a 6 year obligation. A motion was made and carried that we make an effort to revise this portion of the bylaws, via a quorum vote in the near future, to obligate all elected officers to a two year term only. Don Parks Benefit Report – Darrell reported that the Don Parks Benefit was an overwhelming success. The event was well attended and raised a total of $2838.00 in donations that were all turned over to the Parks family. NWSGA members who donated their time and talent were: Darrell Klein, Duane Becker, Joe Evans, Warren France, Bill Atwood and Joel Johnston. Darrell added that the event was covered in the Sunday edition of the Spokesman Review, complete with pictures. Newsletter – Joel reported that he had been working on the first official Newsletter that would report on the success of the Don Parks Benefit, explain the mission of the NWSGA, make mention of the website, and announce the date and location of the upcoming Jam, once those were established. New Business Membership Cards - Duane brought out a sample of a NWSGA Membership Card that he had drafted on his computer. Motion was made and passed to have Duane print the cards up and send them out with a letter to the members when the Newsletter was finished and ready. NWSGA T-Shirts – Duane mentioned that he had looked into the cost of having the NWSGA logo printed on T-Shirts and the cost for small quantities was $10.00. Motion was made and passed to have Duane order a small batch that could be offered on the website and at the upcoming jam, to see how they might be received. 2005 NWSGA Jamboree – Much discussion was had about when and where to hold this year’s event. Duane and Joel reported that they had made calls to many hotels, dance halls and conference facilities in and around Spokane and come up dry – with the exception of the N. Spokane Western Dance Center on Freya. There were some issues there concerning BMI licensing. Joel reported that he had been in contact with the Inland NW Wildlife Council to look at their facility and if it was large enough, it might be a good venue at a great price ($75.00 per day). Joel was tasked with trying to secure this building. A Jam date of Sunday, June 5th was decided on – motion made and carried. Joel commented that he had just returned from the TSGA Convention in Dallas where it was announced that Jerry Byrd was in the hospital and in poor health. Joel mentioned also that he had spoken recently with Ray Montee about Jerry Byrd. Joel made a motion that we attempt to entice Ray to be a feature artist at the next Jam and do an extended showcase as a tribute to Jerry Byrd. Motion was carried and Joel tasked with contacting Ray and getting a commitment from him. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM Joel Johnston, Secretary, NWSGA
NWSGA MEETING MINUTES - February 12, 2005 Officers Meeting @ Rosauer's Resturant Spokane, WA
Members in attendance: Duane Becker - President Bill Atwood - Vice President Darrell Klein - Treasurer Joel Johnston - Secretary Lee Lessig – Chair Nominating Committee
Meeting called to order at 6:45 PM Old business discussed: Bill Atwood asked that we poll the membership to see if anyone would be willing to manage the website, as he has been out of state working and has not been able to learn how to maintain it as he had hope he could. The suggestion was made to e-mail Rosalie Remick and see what software is needed to access and modify the site. Duane had suggested at the August 2004 meeting that we attempt to put some sort of tri-fold association brochure together. Several attempts have been made by Rosalie Remick, Joel Johnston and Darlene Lessig. Darrell presented a draft sample created by Darlene of a brochure and membership application that both looked very nice and appeared to be in a finished form that would be usable. A motion was made and passed that we print these items up for distribution at the Don Parks Benefit. Treasurer's Report - Association account currently carries a balance of $602.00. Darrell Klein reported that he had personally paid the P.O. Box fee of $18.00 for the past 6 months and requested the association reimburse him. Request was granted. Darrell mentioned that the fee was due again this month and would cost another $18.00. New Business Discussed: Don Parks Benefit Joel and Darrell opened a discussion on the details of the upcoming Don Parks Benefit Steel Guitar Jam on February 19 at the Lake City Senior Center in Coeur d’Alene. I was decided that a minimum of three donation boxes would need to be made and placed at both doors and on the stage. Also, it was suggested that a guest book be placed at each door to record attendees for the sake of providing a guest list to Don Parks after the benefit and for listing those people who have an interest in the NWSGA and may want to be on the mailing list or join the association. Darrell stated that things were progressing as planned and that his wife, Carol, had volunteered to run the bake sale. Suggestions were made to post the benefit Flyers that were produced at various locations – music stores, grocery stores, churches, and elsewhere to gain exposure for the event. Everyone agreed to do their part in making this happen. Joel will also contact KPBX radio and have the event added to their Arts Calendar, and notify the Inland NW Bluegrass Association and extend an invite to their membership. NWSGA Newsletter A suggestion was made that we plan on putting out a NWSGA Newsletter soon after the benefit jam as the event would be newsworthy and other topics and announcements would need to be made. Lee Lessig offered up sample newsletters from several other steel guitar organizations that he is a member of as examples to follow for our first official association publication. Subject matter and announcements to be included in the first newsletter: (1) 2005 Spring Jam sometime in mid-May, exact date to be decided at a planning meeting in March. (2) NWSGA Elections to take place at the May Jam. (3) Bylaws discussion and possible vote to amend them (see discussion point below for detail). Database Upkeep It was decided that Duane, Lee and Joel would split the existing database into three sections and do a phone blitz to try and contact all of the folks listed for the sake of (1) confirming their existence, (2) inviting them to the benefit jam, (3) verifying all of their contact info. A plan was made to pool the information after the phone blitz to update the entire database to make it as accurate as possible for the Newsletter mailing that would go out after the benefit. Bylaws Discussion Lee Lessig pointed out that the NWSGA bylaws were rooted in the bylaws from the Southwest Steel Guitar Association and that the SWSGA had just gone through a political firestorm of sorts with their officers based on a clause in the bylaws that states that the current year VP is bound by the bylaws to inherit the Presidency in the coming year. Questions were asked as to whether the NWSGA wanted to keep this clause or amend it and have the membership vote from open nominations for all of the officers on an annual basis. Motion was made and carried to post this issue in the upcoming newsletter and possibly put it on the table for vote at the Spring Jam. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM Joel Johnston, Secretary, NWSGA NWSGA MEETING MINUTES - August 12, 2004 Officers Meeting @ Rosauer's Resturant Spokane, WA
Members in attendance: Duane Becker - President Bill Atwood - Vice President Darrell Klein - Treasurer Joel Johnston - Secretary Lee Lessig - Future President
Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM
Old business discussed: Brief review of Bylaws drawn up and passed out at the previous meeting conducted during the Deer Park Jam. Treasurer's Report - Association account at the Panhandle State Bank currently carries a balance of $666.00. Bill Atwood briefed Darrell Klein on bank issues and passed all the banking information officially over to Darrell as Treasurer. Currently there are 24 paid members of the association. Paid members for 2004 are as listed:
* Bass/Guitar & Vocals New Business Discussed: Bill opened a discussion about getting an Association website up and running and displayed a "mock" homepage and menu page that he had employed Dan Burnam to build as an experiment to see what Dan might be able to do for us. Dan built and maintains David Wright's website. A motion was made and carried to have Bill investigate further the details of setting up an official website. Cost to have Dan build the "mock" pages was $30. Estimated cost to fully create a website was about $300. A small annual maintenance fee would then have to be paid as long as no major changes were implemented. It was decided we should poll the association membership to see if we had anyone within the ranks of the association who might have the computer talent and the time to put something together. Bill also agreed to do some investigating locally to see if he could come up with additional competitive quotes. A motion was made and carried to make David Wright the first "Honorary Member" of the Northwest Steel Guitar Association. Thank you goes out to David for his interest in our Association and his dedication to participating in our functions. He is an inspiration and we appreciate him being so accessible to the membership. Duane presented a bullet point list of topics to be addressed as follows: >>Fundraisers - it was agreed by all that this is a front burner item. All members are urged to be vocal with any creative ideas on how the Association can go about raising cash to fund future conventions. Some suggestions that were brought to the table included: 1) Recording the next jam, producing CD's from the recording and selling; 2) Organizing a city-wide dance and steel guitar show for the public with a door charge - maybe tied in with some festive local community event such as a Harvest Festival; 3) Identify a list of NW players who could do seminars and advertise to the local populace to draw "locals" merely interested in learning to play the steel. It might feature a lap steel player, triple-8 Fender type and a pedal player covering Hawaiian, pop, country, etc. (e-mail suggestion from Ray Montee). >>Membership Drive - this dovetails with fundraising to an extent. Darrell pointed out that the Bylaws allow anyone who is a steel guitar enthusiast, player or non-player, to pay their dues and be a member. Duane suggested we produce a single sheet, tri-fold brochure (homebrewed on a PC - nothing elaborate) that describes the Association, our mission, offered up our web address and included a membership form that could be mailed back in with a dues payment. These can be handed to fellow musicians, posted at music stores around the NW and used as a promotional tool for the Association. Suggestions were made to try and draw more people to the jams by offering and advertising door prizes that would be awarded at the close of the jam for existing members and new members who's name went in the fishbowl when they signed up at the door. Prizes might be items donated by various music stores around the NW, or free lodging or meal certificates, and maybe down the road . . . a new steel guitar. >>Organize and build the membership database for the sake of better communication. We realize not everyone has or uses e-mail. We will need to make sure all major correspondence is done both by e-mail and USPS when possible. With that thought, Lee Lessig mentioned the Newsletters he gets from the Texas and Arizona Steelers Associations and suggested we look for a member who might be interested in formatting something similar for our NW organization. If any member would like to give this a shot, we welcome the participation. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM A parking lot discussion ensued between Lee, Bill and Joel after the meeting and an idea was born that may provide a path to some fast track fund raising. Consider this: If there are any NW Steel Guitar Association members who have done any semi-professional recording, either tape or CD and can provide me (Joel) with a copy of the recording, I can make a new CD of various artists - all steel guitar music from Association members and we could sell those through the website and at any fund raising events. All I need is 10 or 12 of the best songs we can muster. I know Duane and Lee have done recordings and have CD's of their own that they've sold at various gigs. It would be great to have one song per artist and lay down a dozen steel tunes on a CD. If you have a "professional quality" tape or CD of your best stuff, mail it to me at the address below along with a note telling me which song(s) you want to contribute to the cause. Also, give me your full name and address so I can update our records and mail you a finished copy. We can decide later how many we might need for fund raising efforts. I can burn dozens - but it's time consuming so if it runs into dozens and dozens, we might have to look at other ways. That's all from Spokane - here is my address: Joel Johnston, 4609 E. Woodglen Rd. Mead, WA 99021 Tel: (509)467-9937 |
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