Januay 2006 Board Minutes

The AMFA Board meeting was called to order by President David Hogan at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 11, 2006. The meeting was held at the Savannah Portage restaurant. Present: Rusty Hoglund, Dave Hogan, Gene Betts, Tom Vacca, Gary Werkhoven, Dan Larson, Byron Helland and Dave Sarvela

The minutes of the December meeting were reviewed and approved.

 
Membership Committee

? Tom Vacca volunteered to Chair this committee, with Helland and Werkhoven to assist.

? Minnesota Twist Drill was accepted as a new member.

? Delinquent members will be contacted after the January meeting. It was suggested that non-renewing members go through an exit interview.

? Additional volunteers are needed on this committee.

? Membership retention improved in 2005.

Marketing Committee

? Gene Betts volunteered to chair this committee, with Werkhoven and Helland to assist.

? The newsletter and website were discussed as tools that can be used to promote the membership.

? Helland and Betts reported on a January 3rd meeting with Richard Braun at UMD?s Center for Economic Dev.

? It was suggested that AMFA participate in the SBI - Student to Business Initiative, in which two student teams (under faculty direction) compete to develop the best marketing plan for their chosen business project. Participation for the business/organization is $200. Motion to participate in SBI if available this spring.

? Heather Rand from MN DEED has agreed to write an article for the newsletter on programs offered by DEED that can assist local businesses.

? An OSHA specialist will contribute monthly articles on safety issues that affect manufacturing businesses.

? The committee will explore revenue generation through the sale of display ads in the newsletter.

? The electronic Shoptalk now includes hot links for each member?s email and website.

Government Affairs

Rusty Hoglund will chair this committee in 2006.

? Duluth Days at the Capital is scheduled on March 27-28, 2006. Discussion on whether to reduce the size of the booth. The booth would benefit from additional participants. Promotional materials, such as AMFA note pads, would be an inexpensive way to promote the association.

 
AMFA ?ET

Mary Brandt will continue as Treasurer of this committee.

 
MMA ? Midwest Manufacturers? Association

Motion for Steve Utech and Gene Betts to represent AMFA on the MMA/CVI Board of Directors in 2006.

 
Financial Report - 2006 Budget, Draft B.

? Line item added for $100 Drawing. Business cards will be collected at each meeting. The collection of cards will be cumulative, and the member must be present to win.

? Line item added to occasionally pay for speakers at AMFA meetings.

? Line item of $200 to $250 added to purchase note pads for Duluth Days.

? Motion to accept 2006 Budget with amendments.

 
CETA Funding Request

The Capital Equipment Tax Alliance will lobby regarding the issue of Sales Tax on Capital Equipment. It was determined AMFA will not make a donation.

 
General Issues

? There was a discussion on what constitutes a quorum. It was determined to be a simple majority.

? Suggestion to email all members promoting the new website.

 
Motion to adjourn.

 
Respectfully submitted by Dave Sarvela, AMFA Secretary