MINUTES: ERA Executive Board of Directors Meeting Wed., Sept. 17, 2008 Start Time: 6:36 pm CDT Attendees: Jim Thomas, Joe Bradish, Mike Shroeder, Ken Plourde, Dan Smith, Chris Thompson, Dick Vensel, Ronnie Charnes, Hank Henke, Daren Roggentien, Kenny Turner, Joe Davis, Tom Barrett, Bob Thomas, Wes Grueninger, Harald Kober AGENDA 1). TREASURER’S REPORT Chris Thompson is on vacation and was not able to give an updated report. 2). MEMBERSHIP AND NEWSLETTER REPORT Ken Plourde relayed the following information from Jerry Kieffer: There were no new members to this point in September. Jerry was unable to line up a supplier-sponsor for this quarter’s newsletter. As a result, Jim Thomas suggested that the ERA pay the cost of the newsletter. Chris Thompson would create a PO to make this happen. 3). TRAININ MMITTEE REPORT BY MIKE SCHROEDER a). The ERA office will conduct a survey of all the members. The purpose of this survey is to get accurate information about the computer capabilities of the membership. The survey is expected to be completed by Darlene Schroeder by the next meeting. The Training Committee is looking into developing a webinar, a computer software program that may be used for future training seminars. An October 1st date has been set for a trial run to be viewed by the Training Committee. Webinars can be recorded or seen live with 25 members being the ideal number for the best usage and most cost effectiveness. b). Jim Thomas called ERA members within 50 miles of the Salt Lake City seminar to promote that event. He got 5 people to sign up and urged others to call as well. c). The Tech Committee came up with many new topics for future tech articles. Bob Thomas and Wes Grueninger will try to get one article ahead. Jim Thomas and Mike Schroeder thanked Wes Grueninger and Bob Thomas for their superior job on their tech articles. d). Joe Davis reported that 9 people are signed up for the Salt Lake City seminar and 20+ are expected. 12 are signed for Kansas City, 2 for Chicago and none for Los Vegas as of last Friday. e). Joe Davis will focus on his training manual next year. f). Wes Grueninger informed the committee website service was offering a special: Pay for 10 months now and get 2 months free. Mike Schroeder made a motion to pay for 10 months now for the 2 months free. Hank Henke seconded and the vote was approved unanimously. 4). Ken Plourde wanted to know the status of the Kansas City show. Jim Thomas talked to Polly Shea, who confirmed the date for the Kansas City show. Polly would like to have a conference call planning meeting for the Kansas City show. An agenda for training similar to Grand Rapids was suggested by Jim Thomas. Joe Davis was given a verbal commitment for seminars in Kansas City. Dan Smith made a motion that Joe Davis is to be paid for the seminar in Kansas City whether there is a show or not since he is foregoing the APRA show on the same dates. Ken Plourde seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 5). DISCUSSION AND IDEAS FOR MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT. Harald Kober asked if it is possible to have correct alternator testing procedures on the website. This will be looked into and Juan Grube of Jimco will be contacted about that possibility. 6). VOLUNTEERS FOR NEW COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS APRA MERGER NTER PROPOSAL a). Dan Smith resigned his position as the Executive VP of the ERA effective immediately. He will become the chairman of the Electrical Division of the APRA. Dan expressed his gratitude to the ERA and his desire to work with the ERA in the future. b). The committee which was established to present a counter proposal to the APRA regarding the possible merger included the following members: Mike Schroeder, Committee Chair Kenny Turner, Dick Vensel, Hank Henke, Joe Bradish, Tom Barrett, Daren Roggentien, Bob Thomas, Wes Grueninger and Chris Thompson THE NEXT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR OCT. 15, 2008 AT 6:30 PM CDT. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 pm CDT. Respectfully submitted,