MINUTES: ERA Executive Board of Directors Meeting Wed., Nov. 19, 2008 Start Time: 6:38 pm CDT Attendees: Jim Thomas, Joe Bradish, Mike Shroeder, Ken Plourde, Chris Thompson, Ronnie Charnes, Hank Henke, Kenny Turner, Wes Grueninger, Chris Galbreath, Mike Dietrich, Harald Kober AGENDA 1. 2009 BUDGET TALKS Jim Thomas discussed the upcoming changes in the 2009 budget. With Joe Davis not giving seminars in 2009 and new training programs and methods in the planning stages, assigning an accurate budget will be challenging. Wes Grueninger will present a training roadmap proposal at the next training committee meeting. Mike Schroeder assured the board that Wes Grueninger would be compensated for training in the future. A discussion regarding a possible increase in dues took place. It concluded with no dues increase planned at this time due to the current uncertainties of ERA training program. 2. MEMBERSHIP REPORT Jerry Kieffer emailed Joe Bradish that there were 8 new members, one of whom is from Canada. 3. FINAL COMMENTS ON JOE DAVIS Chris Thompson talked with Joe Davis on Friday and Joe expressed no hard feelings about the ERA’s economic inability to accept his proposal. Chris Thompson offered Joe Davis the ERA’s support in the future and would like to maintain a good relationship with him. Mike Schroeder will contact Joe Davis to reconfirm his seminar at the April 2009 Kansas City show. 4. TRAINING AND MERGER COMMITTEE REPORT A dual meeting of the two committees took place on Nov. 12, 2008. a.) The Merger Committee was released from it’s duties as the proposed merger with the APRA will no longer be considered. b.) The Training Committee met with Joe Davis and discussed his proposal for training for the next 5 years. The committee felt it was not economically feasible for the ERA to accept Joe Davis’ proposal. Joe Davis will pursue other possibilities. Ken Plourde made a motion that the Executive Board of Directors take the Training Committee’s recommendation not to entertain Joe Davis’ proposal at this time. Joe Bradish seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. c.) Tech Hotline details from its inception led to expectations by Bob Thomas that the cost for next year would be approximately $300 per month and $4,000 per year. Ken Plourde made a motion that we continue with the Tech Help Hotline for another year, not to exceed $5,000 per year without board approval. Hank Henke seconded the motion which passed unanimously. d.) Wes Grueninger recommended that we subscribe to webinar on a monthly basis at $49 per month. His recommendation was accepted. e.) A goal of a trial webinar on GM RVC would be ready by Jan. 2009. The ERA would seek out 25 shops from across the country to participate and gain their imput on the new training method. 5. ATLANTA-JOE DAVIS SEMINAR Board members are calling prospective attendees about the upcoming Joe Davis seminar. Jim Thomas will email all neighboring-state ERA members to encourage their attendance. 6. NEW BUSINESS a.) Mike Dietrich asked about plans for training for the Kansas City show. Polly Shea will have a telephone conference to plan training. Seminars were suggested by the following: Ken Plourde – Business Management Jim Thomas – Quickbooks Harald Kober – Exel Basics Wes Grueninger has talked with Quickbooks in the past and will talk with them again to determine their seminar requirements. Jim Thomas suggested that the ERA help direct training for the upcoming show. b.) Ken Plourde sought advice on selecting Nominating Committee members and was told he could choose anyone from the ERA. THE NEXT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 17, 2008 AT 6:30 PM CDT. Meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm CDT. Respectfully submitted, Joe Bradish Secretary