IABA BOARD MEETING JAN. 7, 2019
HOME OF TOM TANCREDO
In attendance: Andrew Murano, Janet Lombardi, Joannie Flynn, Ann Bosso Johnson, Tom Tancredo, Joy Lawrance, Simona Fava. By Phone: Anne Cucchi, Gina Hallisey. No guests.
Meeting called to order at 5:05 pm by Andrew Murano.
Minutes had been sent to board members, one correction was made, and Janet moved to approve them as amended. Joannie seconded, and motion passed.
Andrew asked each member to state what they feel are the elements of their position. He began, saying that he wants to help grow membership, oversee the organization and help be an organizer.
Anne Cucchi (Membership) offered many thoughts and suggestions about members, who can join, what constitutes a guest. Joannie moved that guests should not be pressured to become members, and they should not promote their business. Seconded by Ann. Motion passed unanimously. Further comments on those who have business memberships, which allow up to 3 more people to attend. Ann moved that those people must be involved in the business of the primary member. Second by Janet. Motion passed unanimously.
As more discussion of membership continued, Tom suggested that this was too large a subject for this meeting and that the board should consider a separate session where it would be a focus – all agreed.
Janet (VP) will continue with member meetings – locations, speakers and agenda. She also will help each committee with events and serve as liaison with the president.
Ann (Treasurer) will be in charge and take custody of the funds while keeping track of paid members.
Joy (Secretary) will take minutes of meetings, add a “What you Missed” summary of meetings to post on website, and help greet guests at the door during meetings.
Anne will focus on new members, Joannie on past members, contacting them to get them to join again. They need to update a welcome letter for new members and agreed to recognize them at meetings. Gina suggested that a current member be assigned to a new member to make them feel welcome, and to learn more about the club.
Simona (Webmaster) will keep track of e-blasts, update website and Facebook account. Gina suggested that we perhaps ad Instagram.
Treasurer Report: Ann said that 2017 taxes were filed. She would like to get back to the list of members who have not paid. She, Janet and Joannie will work together on this project.
OLD BUSINESS:
We have a new address:
Italian American Business Association P.O. Box 151165 Lakewood, CO 80215
General meeting agendas: Andrew reports that there’s not much agreement, since some want speeches, some want more networking, doing more things “Italian” related. People need to know more in advance.
Janet passed a summary list of previous meetings and said it would be good to have an accurate number of who is in attendance. We need a sign-up sheet at the door. She also sent around a meeting list for the Italians of America (IOA) club and said we might get together with them – and the Sons of Italy – on a number of events. She asked us to email her for any other ideas.
There were no Festival Italiano updates. Simona suggested that all the vendors be invited to join.
NEW BUSINESS:
Future board meetings will be on the 1st Monday of each month. Right now, 4:30 seems to be a challenge for some. Andrew suggest that we alternate with one meeting “in person” and another by phone. Board meeting minutes should be posted on the website (after they are approved).
E-Mails: Janet and Ann will coordinate these.
Facebook is set up – Janet is Admin. Along with Simona.
There were 64 people at the Christmas Party – a great success.
Tom stressed that we needed to be more involved with the community and suggested this be added to a special meeting discussion.
Gina said that Festival Italiano is our main membership drive – but perhaps we need to explore another way to reach out…maybe a larger event coordinated with another Italian organization. What is the best use of our resources? Shall we build on Columbus Day? Janet said that IABA is the only Italian BUSINESS association in the area.
There being no further business, Andrew adjourned the meeting at 6:35pm.
