Attending: Ellis Burruss, Ben Mourad, Jerry Knight and Cheryl Wathen
Absent: Gayle Shaw, David Swope, and Bill Sims
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.
Minutes
The minutes from the last meeting were approved as posted on the web.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer was not present. For a complete treasurers report contact the treasurer.
Membership:
The recruitment advertisement directed at home and small businesses that was put into the Brunswick Citizen was discussed. At Cheryl's suggestion it was agreed to put her phone # in the ad. It was suggested it be put into a Frederick News Post insert. Ellis will check to see if the Farmers Market wants to do an insert and it can be included.
A proposal for GBACC to have a GBACC New Member Special was discussed and passed by the board. GBACC will offer a membership fee of $40.00 for new members who sign up before the end of the year. It would be the 2009 dues and would revert to $85.00 beginning January 1, 2010.
Events:
The Lovettsville Business Association asked if GBACC would like to do a combined Networking event in August. The idea is to tour a working vineyard near Lovettsville then enjoy light hors d'œuvres outside or inside their large barn they use for Weddings and events. Local restaurants and businesses could bring food. 7 PM till 8:30 PM, Monday, August 24th. The board agreed and Jerry will find out more what is required of GBACC.
Ellis advised work has begun on the 2010 directory and gave details on the pricing structure. A recommendation was accepted that the ad rates for GBACC members be reduced to $35.00 for a 1/4 page and $75.00 for a half page ad. GBACC will subsidize the cost of the ad reductions which is expected to be less than $1000. The Directory is expected to be completed by the end of November.
Plans for the GBACC, EDC and Main Street reception at the October Brunswick Railroad Days may need to be changed. The original site is not available. Jerry will check with Patrick Kay, the Main Street Manager, to find out alternate plans. It was agreed our back up plan will be to still have the information tent and add a Saturday reception at Cripple Creek Antiques.
The board had a discussion on the future of GBACC. It was agreed the recession is playing a major role in the ability for GBACC to attract and keep members. The 2010 Board election was discussed and a request for a nomination committee will be put into the Friday GBACC bulletin.
GBACC is taking August off so there will not be a Business Meeting or a GBACC Business Card Exchange. Look for more information soon on the Lovettsville Business Association and GBACC join event.