MINUTES: ERA Executive Board of Directors Meeting Wed., Oct. 15, 2008 Start Time: 6:33 pm CDT Attendees: Jim Thomas, Joe Bradish, Mike Shroeder, Ken Plourde, Chris Thompson, Dick Vensel, Ronnie Charnes, Hank Henke, Daren Roggentien, Kenny Turner, Joe Davis, Tom Barrett, Bob Thomas, Wes Grueninger, Chris Galbreath, Mike Dietrich, Jerry Kieffer AGENDA 1. MEMBERSHIP AND NEWSLETTER REPORT a). As of now, there were 4 new members added in September. b). The current newsletter is underway with articles by Jim Thomas and Wes Grueninger in process. Wes is contacting additional suppliers to be sponsors. If no sponsors can be found, the ERA will fund this quarter’s newsletter as was previously agreed. 2. TREASURER’S REPORT BY CHRIS THOMPSON Chris reported the checking account has $18,810.45 and expects $6,000 – $7,000 in deposits soon. 3. TRAINING COMMITTEE REPORT BY MIKE SCHROEDER a). The Training Committee met on Oct. 1st for a trial run of a webinar. The committee was very impressed with this technology and sees it as an excellent method for future training by the ERA. Mike Schroeder is talking to Joe Davis about use of his material in this format. Mike Schroeder will meet with Joe Davis the weekend of Oct. 17-19 to discuss future plans and proposals regarding webinars. b). Mike Schroeder and Jim Thomas discussed how a webinar works. Production of seminars would be done live on the internet and be interactive. They would be recorded and made available on the website for future training. c). Bob Thomas gave Tech Hotline details: e August had 42 calls from 24 different members at a total cost to the ERA of $288 e September had 18 calls from 15 members at a total cost to the ERA of $160 e Bob Thomas has found Tech Hotline duties satisfactory to date 4. MERGER COMMITTEE REPORT The Merger Committee met Oct. 8th for 2-1/2 hours and agreed on the proposal found in the ATTACHMENT to these minutes. A discussion followed with board members wanting clarification of issues. Mike Schroeder and other Merger Committee members provided answers. Many details would