GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES

GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES

August 30, 2007 – 7:00 pm – SAGE Small Business

Present were: Mary McCormack, Chris Spielman, Ellen Lerner and Tim Van Weezel

The new member packets: The packets were presented and will consist of the GBACC newsletter, window decal, benefits list, GBACC certificate, 2007 calendar of events, 2008 calendar of events, welcome letter from GBACC President, important phone numbers, Brunswick Directory, Walking Map and other City Brochures as available. They will be enclosed in a white pocket folder with a GBACC label on thefront. New member packets are to be hand delivered or mailed.

The member survey: Tim and Ellen have generated a list of questions for new and current members. The surveys will be done by phone with the current member survey conducted in November. The New Member surveys will be done two months after joining GBACC.

The Buddy system: The Membership Committee is looking for Members willing to be a buddy to new members and current members, They will keep in contact and check in to see how things are going with the member. An example of a call would be: “The meeting is tomorrow at 7:30 am can I save you a seat?” Chris Spielman will contact the August new members.

Ellen provided the Committee with a list of potential members to target for membership. She got the list during her work on the new business directory. This list was divided among the members present.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25

GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES

May 31, 2007 – 6:30 pm – Green Country Inn

1. Call to order at 6:35 pm

Attending: Tim van Weezel Chairman, Jerry Knight, Bob and Kitty Nalewaik, Brian Rossa, P.W. Shaffer, Chris Owens and Ellen Lerner.

Absent: Chris Spielman Co-Chair, Dave Smith, Dave Swope, Charlotte Klaar, Jeff Austin, Beth Van Houtte and Spencer Ault.

2. Ellen Lerner ofCreative Possibilities explained to the members present she would be working on the New Brunswick City Directory. She will make contact with businesses in the Brunswick area to either check information if they are in the current directory or get them signed up for the new directory. She will also be selling ads in the directory. During this process she will recruit new members for GBACC. She expects to increase the GBACC membership by fifty new members. Ellen will need help calling the listings in the old directory to check on the information and requested the Membership Committee help with this task. She will make a checklist of questions to ask when calling. Everyone agreed this would be a great opportunity to get new members and to check with the old members to make sure they are getting the best possible advantages out of GBACC. She explained Jerry Connelly of Pleasants Development (Brunswick Crossing) is very Brunswick friendly and would like a database on Brunswick businesses to use for promoting the Brunswick area.

3. Tim asked the question "What and how should we contact and communicate with new members?" Ellen suggested we do a "adopt a new member" program. A host will be assigned to each new member. The host will call the new member; ask them to attend the next function of GBACC and meet them at the event or offer to pick them up. They will introduce them to other members and be their sponsor. The new member would be presented with the GBACC Certificate, window decal and a welcome basket of items from participating businesses. This sponsorship will continue with the new member for about three months, a final determination will be made later.

4. The question was raised how to make sure our current members are getting the best out of GBACC and how to get them more involved. It was suggested that when we are calling for the directory or the database we would then have the opportunity to find out what each members needs to make them more involved with GBACC.

5. Kitty suggested if a meeting is cancelled for any reason Members of the Committee are called, not emailed, to advise them of the cancellation. Not everyone checks email every day.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

APRIL 24, 2007 6:30 PM

AT GREEN COUNTRY INN

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman Tim Van Weezel Members present were Tim Van Weezel, Kitty & Bob Nalewaik, Spencer Ault, Dave Smith, Brian Rossa, Chris Spielman and Chris Owens.

Old business was discussed and Tim was brought up to date.

Recruiting sheets were passed out for comments and suggestions.

Spencer suggested we enlist a quarterly contacting regimen to keep in touch with GBACC members to see if their needs are being met by GBACC and to make note of any concerns that need to be addressed. The committee decided to address this further at the next meeting with a strategy.

It was determined that the committee will meet on the last Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm at the Green Country Inn.

The GBACC Summer picnic was discussed briefly but a date cannot be determined until a location has been decided upon. Plans to check on the Burkittsville and Jefferson community centers for use of the outdoor pavilions are being implemented.

The GBACC Golf Classic was reviewed and the GBACC membership list was divided between the committee members so a push for golfers, sponsors and raffle prizes can be made among the membership. A request was made for anyone that golf’s, knows anyone who golf's or knows a golfer please pass the word. The picnic fare dinner is open for anyone to attend. The cost is $20.00 and reservations need to be made in advance. Volunteers will be needed for that day to help run the tournament smoothly. Anyone interested should contact Dave Smith.

The meetings ended with all members having an important golf tournament assignment to follow through with and were ask to report any responses to Mary McCormick and Dave.

GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES

March 20, 2007 – 6:30 pm – Green Country Inn

1. Call to order at 6:30 pm

Attending: Tim van Weezel, Dave Swope, Chris Spielman, Jerry Knight, Dave Smith, Charlotte Klaar, Jeremy Biser (briefly), and Bob and Kitty Nalewaik.

2. Old Business:

Jerry Knight announced Tim van Weezel would be the co-chair with Chris Spielman of the Membership Committee.

Jeremy Biser attended the meeting to advise on the new member letters and certificates. Tim will take over these duties and Jeremy will send the information to him.

The members’ present discussed ideas for attracting new members to GBACC. Contacting people in the Business Directory and those who advertise in the citizen is one approach. Making 8 1/2 x 6 post cards to send out to local businesses was discussed. The card would be flossy on the front with a generic approach to the GBACC logo and contact information. The back will be a matte finish so it can be customized and printed as needed on regular printers. Whether the occasion is a special GBACC event or a tool to solicit for new membership. Dave Smith will contact Scott at E-Graphics concerning set up and pricing

Tim suggested it would be interesting to track business that is done within our membership as a good statistic to use as benefit to attract new members.

Dave gave an update on the Golf Classic. He stressed if everyone on the Membership Committee could bring in a golf foursome we would meet out goal. Ellis has been working on a flyer and we decided that it would be best as a front and back 8 ½ x 11 format. The event information will be on the front and the application form on the backside. Buddy Rizer of Vegas Radio has committed to do the music at the dinner. Charlotte suggested we open the dinner portion of the function, for a fee, to anyone wishing to attend. Dave will check into the price for additional dinners. The dinner portion is to be picnic style food.

New Business

Jerry proposed GBACC mentor a new business. The Chamber would select a new business pay their dues and sponsor them for a year. They would be assigned a mentor to assist as needed. GBACC members would be encouraged to do the same with other new businesses. The membership would be asked for nominations and the board would pick the winner. This selection will be done soon but future selections will be announced at the January awards dinner. The proposal was approved by the membership committee and will be sent to the GBACC board.

A member-to-member discount voluntary agreement was discussed. The GBACC Board previously approved it. Charlotte will get more information and have it put on the web site.

Plans for a GBACC Summer picnic were discussed. Dave Smith of Smith Home Team volunteered to help sponsor the event, which will be in either late July or early August. A committee to plan the event was selected. The committee will be Kitty Nalewaik, Bob Nalewaik, Dave Smith, Beth Van Houtte, Spencer Ault and Jerry Knight. Kitty will find out if Petersville Farmers Woods is available for the picnic.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.

GBACC Membership Committee Minutes - October 24, 2006 - CM Bloomers Florist

Members present: Jeremy Biser, Chris Spielman, Jerry Knight and Dave Smith.

The meeting was called to order.

Progress report since last meeting was held:

Dave – He has begun organizing an annual Chamber-sponsored golf tournament to be held in May. To date Hollow Creek in Middletown has given him the best rate. The date and details are to be negotiated, as well as sponsorship opportunities.

Jerry – Plans are being made for an annual GBACC Dinner to be held in January 2007. He reported that the decals will be available in early November.

Chris – She is working on the recruiting sheet.

Jeff – He continues to make contacts to area businesses for recruitment.

Doug – Currently, he is working on retention strategies and is looking into cooperative health and dental plans and well as retirement options.

Jeremy – He reported that the membership packet is complete. The application for placement on the FNP insert has been revised – once in October and once in November. He is also working on a member-to-member discount incentive for GBACC.

Our goals for the next 30 days:

We will strive to reach the targeted goal of 75 members by the end of 2006.

Jeremy is going to create an e-mail campaign to reach all to businesses listed in the new directory that are NOT yet members of GBACC. This will include members of the Lovettsville Business Association.

All other committee members will continue working on plans set forth.

GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES - SEPT 25, 2006 - CM Bloomers Florist

Members Present: Jeremy Biser, P.W. Shafer and Chris Spielman

Old business:

Each member left the last meeting with a job to carry out and we started out by reporting our progress.

PW: Contacted 10 businesses in Jefferson, response not great, the businesses were well established with many years behind them. Suggests focusing the target on new business and associate members.

Jeff: Reported to Jeremy that he contacted businesses in Burkittsville and Jefferson, also touched base with the Lovettsville Businessmen’s group. He will continue networking.

Dave: Spoke to a couple Attorneys with no luck there. Put out proposals to a couple golf courses for a spring golf tournament. He will also continue his mission.

Chris: Tallied the survey responses and made sure they were presented at the monthly meeting. Started but not yet completed a recruiting tips sheet.

Jeremy/Jerry: Worked together on the welcome kit and it is close to completion. GBACC business cards completed and in, GBACC certificates complete and printed for current membership and welcome letter completed. A source for the certificate frames is still pending. A decal has been decided upon and the company will be contacted about sending a proof.

Jeremy sent out 4-5 membership applications to some contacts he met at the Business Killers Seminar.

Assignments for the next 30 days:

Dave - continue to work on trying to get a lawyer or law firm to join the chamber. Also, continue working on a potential location for a chamber sponsored Golf outing in the spring. PW recommended contacting Bonnie Swanson at Hollow Creek in Middletown, as she has been willing to offer discounts for non-profit organizations.

Jeff - continue networking with the Lovettsville Businessman’s Association and try to establish a partnership with their leadership and members, explaining the benefit of joining both organizations. Also, continue looking for a business or community organization, like a church or fire department that may also have an alternate meeting location for the chamber. We need to get the word out more to area non-profits or community organization that they can join the chamber for only $35, and in return, they will be eligible for valuable cooperative advertising opportunities and more.

Doug - begin brainstorming on some ideas for current member retention strategies. Our committee is charged with both attracting new members and keeping existing ones, so we need to come up with some ideas to implement in November and December to get all current members to rejoin. As many ideas as possible would be great.

PW - continue networking with area businesses, as well as display chamber membership information and applications at upcoming county trade show.

Charlotte - we know you're busy with the Nominating Committee stuff this month, so you deserve a break. Thanks for all that you do to support the chamber!

Jerry - we know that you're busy with many things with the chamber, so we would just ask for your ongoing support and help with things that come up along the way. Chris will need some help from you in placing the order for chamber decals, and Jeremy will need your feedback on a final version of the Welcome Kit letter. Thanks for all of your support!

Chris - continue working on a recruiting one-sheet for new members. Also, present the committee recommendation for decal to board and work with Jerry to get decal ordered. Discuss the possibility of printing a modified chamber application on the back side of the next Frederick News Post insert with Ellis, and if it is possible, work with Jeremy to create copy to deliver to Ellis for printing.

Jeremy - finalize all aspects of the new member Welcome Kit, including frames for certificates and final version of welcome letter. If possible, work with Chris on creating a modified application and ad to be printed on back side of upcoming FNP insert. Begin the process of polling the membership for interest in providing a discount to GBACC members, as well as share information with Chris to include on recruiting one sheet.

Future meeting planned for Tuesday October 24th at 5:30 pm in C.M. Bloomers Florist & Gifts.


GBACC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MINUTES - AUGUST 17, 2006 - CM Bloomers Florist

Chairman Jeremy Biser called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Members present: Jeremy Biser, Chris Spielman, Charlotte Klaar, Dave Smith, Jeff Austin and Jerry Knight

Old business:

The need for Decals and Name Badges were discussed. Committee members Charlotte and Jeremy volunteered to research some companies compare prices and create a design to begin the process.

Networking Business Cards was assigned to Jeremy and Jerry to obtain a design and supplier. Jeremy received a quote for a 1,000 cards for $39.95.

The surveys are to be looked over and reported on by Chris at the next regular meeting.

New business:

Jeff suggested we put together a welcome package like other chambers do for new members. We all agreed it was a viable suggestion. It was determined that package would include a introduction letter from the chamber president, a current listing of chamber members, the window decal, a framed certificate and a “where to find” list that would include the web site and phone numbers etc.. Jeremy and Jerry will also take on this project.

A possible fee to enter the business card exchanges was discussed for non members and it was decided to table the idea and revisit it in January 07.

Chris suggested we compile a “how to” type of document for each and every member to use as a recruiting tool to help build membership. She and Jeremy will collaborate in this.

Dave Smith suggested that for the upcoming year we plan more social events. One per quarter will be our target in 07. Events such as a golf tournament, holiday party, summer cook out/picnic and maybe a Frederick Keys Night. Jeff suggested a social function after the Great River Race that will have featured a Chamber entry. Jeff & Dave along with the social committee will start implement this idea.

Dave expressed the importance of having a lawyer involved in the chamber for advice and so forth. He encouraged us to make a connection with a local lawyer or ask the membership if anyone recommendation for recruitment.

It was brought up by Jerry that Lovettsville has a new organization of business persons and Jeff was assigned to make a contact with them to possibly recruit new members.

Last, but not least, Jeremy requested the committee set a reasonable target membership goal to fulfill by the end of the year. It was agreed that 75 is the number of members we would like to close out 2006 with. Currently we are at 55. Each committee member was asked to promote and recruit where and whenever possible in order to meet this goal.

The meeting was closed with a brief recap of each person’s duties.

The next meeting is being planned for September 25th.