IABA BOARD MEETING FEB. 4, 2019 - BY PHONE CONFERENCE

Attending:  Andrew Murano, Joy Lawrance, Simona Fava, Ann Bosso Johnson, Janet Lombardi, Gina Hallisey, Anne Cucchi, Tom Tancredo

President Andrew Murano called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.

Minutes had been distributed via email, and one correction was made about the PO Box address. Minutes then accepted as corrected.

Ann Bosso Johnson gave a treasurer’s report – there were 20 people at the January meeting, and we currently have $4755 in the bank. She also gave a summary of members:

Total    17, 2 in last seven days (Godfather Cannoli Company, Nancy and Phil Gumo)

  Individual Memberships: 

46 active

25 renewal overdue

1 lapsed

1 new

24 pending renewal

In regard to an email received from Wild Apricot, Janet Lombardi said there was no need for action on our part.

Andrew asked where we stand in reaching out to people who have not paid member dues – yet may want to come back. Janet said she is waiting for Joannie to return from her trip and they will follow-up.

Andrew will ask board members to propose agenda items following our monthly meetings and have an agenda in place 2 weeks prior to the board meeting.

Janet reported on the Feb. member meeting: It will be catered by Amici. She will pick up gelato for dessert (from our new member Amore Gelato) and has contacted Silvio Caputo to perhaps put something together such as “Love Italian Style.” She has new name tags for members. And since we need wine for the meeting, she offered to purchase it – all agreed. Gina offered chairs – and Janet agreed that we would need them.

There is nothing new on Festival Italiano, and Janet and Simona will work on contacting vendors.  Some future meetings have been scheduled – Bocce Ball and Mrs. Condi’s.

It was suggested that we need more restaurants to become members (Andrew said that Brodo has joined). We would like to have others for meeting venues, which would be a benefit to the restaurant as well as to IABA. Gina recommended Liberati (the board had met there in Dec.) and Anne Cucchi will follow up with them; Janet will follow up with Parisi, Ann (BJ) suggested Pietra’s and Romano’s; Anne knows about Rocca with good meeting space, and Janet will contact them. 

Discussion followed on how to get the restaurants to become members – many say they will, but then don’t. Gina will put a letter together for any new restaurants, emphasizing benefits of IABA, and Janet will follow-up with past locations. Andrew asked everyone to put together a list of possible places. Some mentioned were Grandma’s Noodles, Nonna’s, Pasta Pasta Pasta, Heidi’s Deli. (Janet will ask the Deli to perhaps cater the Bocce Ball event.)

Anne Cucchi reported a new member, Jill Giovanetti.

Andrew asked Ann B-J to report on total memberships at each board meeting. (Noted above)

New Business

Tom Tancredo reported on recent meetings concerning the Columbus Day Parade. Given the climate in the new state legislature (wanting to change it to “Colorado Day”) there seems to be little optimism about its future. He’ll keep us posted.

A By-Laws Review had been suggested at our last meeting, and it was agreed that a small group (of those who are familiar with the document) should get together to start going thru them. Gina offered to work with Janet and Andrew.

Andrew reported on the survey results from the membership. Bottom line, people want more of everything! One common theme was that people enjoy connecting with fellow members. There were no comments about money or charging more for better food. A variety of speakers is suggested. Andrew asked the board what we might do to make meetings more fun, varied.

Discussion followed on what the function of IABA really is. Tom asked if we were JUST Italian businesses; Anne Cucchi suggested we expand to “friends” who like Italians/Italy; Janet says our claim to fame is Italian Business, as opposed to other Italian organizations in the area. (This is clearly stated on our website.) Thoughts were: We need to reach out; many Italian businesses don’t know we exist; do we need a mission statement; we need to get a list of businesses; ask members to suggest businesses they know; establish a social media presence.  Janet will start visiting restaurants.  Board members are urged to send any suggestions to Joy.

Our next board meeting will be a conference call (as long as technical issues can be resolved).

The meeting was adjourned at 5:19pm.

Meeting Host and location:  BONACQUISTI WINERY

We had a nice turnout for a mild, January evening at Bonacquisti Winery and enjoyed some lovely” fruit of the vine”. Jimmy Lovato provided a sumptuous buffet that included tossed salad, chicken piccata, noodles, and meat balls in marinara sauce with lovely cannolis for dessert.

Paul Bonacquisti spoke to us about his wines and special events held here – including Yoga and wine, which sounds like a great combination! You can join their wine club for about $55 a quarter, which gets you three bottles of wine.

Janet Lombardi gave a review of our recent board meeting and introduced the board members. The Christmas party was a great success with 64 people in attendance. 

Currently IABA had 48 active members, and we would like to grow the membership. It’s been suggested that we combine efforts with other Italian organizations in the area which would benefit us in many ways. There are many volunteer activities to participate in, and community outreach. Suggestions for meetings are always welcome, and we will certainly continue the “usual” most enjoyed events. 

All members and guests introduced themselves, and lively conversations continued as the evening went along.

Don't miss the next meeting!

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 1^st 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.