MINUTES ERA Board of Directors Meeting Feb. 20, 2008 Start Time: 6:35 PM CST Attendees: Joe Bradish, Jim Thomas, Kenny Turner, Ronnie Charnes, Mike Dietrich, Harald Kober, Ken Plourde, Chris Thompson, Joe Davis, Dan Smith and Alan Melton 1. Show Committee Report: a.) Hank Henke had a timing conflict was not present, but informed Jim Thomas that he bought the laptop computer for the show giveaway and has most other arrangements made. b.) Jim Thomas has filled out the booth paperwork for Polly Shea. c.) Wireless connections are being checked on by Jim Thomas and Chris Thompson d.) The APRA will be at the ERA show, so the ERA needs to pay for their booth. This is a reciprocal agreement for the APRA show. 2. Membership Committee Report: As of Jan. 31, 2008, there are 484 members with an additional 5 new members in Feb., for a total membership of 489. Jerry Kieffer has sent out 6 thank you cards for January’s new members and will do the same for February’s new members. 3. Budget Report: Chris Thompson reported that we currently have $30,902.26 in the bank. To be paid are a phone bill and two booth spots for the ERA show, totaling $1,550.00. This leaves $29,3000.00 in the treasury. 4. Training Committee Report: a.) Joe Davis talked with Bob Thomas. They have recruited Dan Poremba, Dick Vensel, Alan Melton, Dan Smith and Joe Bradish so far to participate in brainstorming meetings to start in a week or two. The objective is to come up with post-seminar educational methods. b.) Joe Davis feels that seminars have run their course and a new approach is needed. Video and print are being considered. c.) Ronnie Charnes suggested use of the internet and Mike Dietrich asked about interactive internet seminars. d.) Harald Kober thought contacting a tech school for internet classes was a good idea. Joe Davis will check with Ranken Technical College, his alma mater in St. Louis, in this regard. 5. Open Discussion/Open Topics: a.) Dan Smith is responsible for the Nominating Committee for the upcoming elections in Grand Rapids. Up for election are: Executive VP, Treasurer, NE, SW & NW Regional VPs. b.) There will be two board meetings in March, Mar. 5th and 19th, to provide additional time to prepare for the show and nominations. Cc.) Ken Plourde and Harald Kober will check with AERAC former members for recruitment to the ERA. They will be forwarded a list of current Canadian ERA members. The Next Board Meeting will be Mar. 5., 2008.