Meeting called to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members Present were: Tony Larvie, Mike Corrigan, Dave Wilson, Scott Gormley, Dave Lehto, Brian Wilczewski, Mark Stack, Dennis Obert, Mike Cash, Ken Hall and Patty Tyrell. Absent was Dan Cook. Trinidad Herrara also attended.
Minutes handed out before meeting. Mike Cash moved to approve the minutes. Dennis Obert seconded, motion passed.
Treasurers report by Scott Gormley. (See attached), CD Interest approximately $300.00 per year about even on annual expenses $5006.69 + 565.37 debit, $5150.00 taken in. Dennis Obert made a motion to accept the treasurers report, Brian Wilczewski 2nd.
CONVENTION PROPOSALS
1. Sheridan Convention Center Proposal by Shelley Hare - See attached
Pool open 24 hours, Personal liquor distributed out of hospitality room okay. Presidents suite. One free keg of beer. Meeting room fee waiver. Any beer requested. $18 per 3 gallon (50 cup) urn. One free urn for every four urns. Will add a second security guard for convention. Good easels (guaranteed not to fall over), plenty of tables available. Question about guns and knives, no problem (lholinn@cyberhighway.net). Negotiate to $46.00 if Casper reduces their rate below $49.00.
2. Casper Holiday Inn Convention Proposal by Stacey Lorenz. Brian Wilczewski had a question on the major problems members had in getting rooms due to the renovations. There were several miscommunications on bookings, people were told there were no rooms when actually there were rooms available by Friday at 6 p.m. Dave Lehto stated that it was poor timing for renovation right before convention. Lots of excuses were offered and then Ms. Lorenz expressed her appreciation for holding the Convention at the Holiday Inn. She stated that Sheridan was not in compliance with the new renovation guidelines, but Christine thought they might renovate next January. Mike Cash asked if the rate will go to $51.00 next year and Stacey stated that she could not make any promises. Mike Corrigan stated that they need wider tables for Traders. Coffee costs were discussed, but nobody wanted to deal with it. Stacey stated that better easels would be provided for next year. Tony Larvie expressed concerns for eventually outgrowing the convention center. Stacey said that they could compensate for lack of paid rooms by decreasing the number of complimentary rooms for guests and speakers.
3. Presentation by Bryan Youngberg to host convention in his alley, garage and back yard (the house is off limits, but can use Phil Donohue's marquee), $10 per night, $1 per coffee urn, no fires except in alley. Board respectfully declined Bryan's offer.
Board discussion on Convention proposals: Mike Cash stated if we went to the general membership, it will go down in flames. There was discussion that we really need to go to Sheridan just to get Casper back in line on room rates as they have jacked them up $2 every year. They might do serious negotiation if they lost a season's business. Sheridan has a lot more exhibit space and would be better for Traders. Sheridan is also a much better facility for enlarging the convention. Problems include the additional expenses for membership to drive further north, especially in winter. Brian Wilczewski volunteered to do convention if it was moved to Sheridan. Ken Hall made a motion to move the Convention to Sheridan, Dave Wilson second. Discussion ensued. Patty called for a vote. Motion failed: 4 to go, 6 to keep Convention in Casper.
Dennis Obert made a motion that the convention be held at the Holiday Inn in Casper, Mike Corrigan 2nd. Motion passed with 2 opposed.
Dennis Obert moved to adjourn, DL 2nd
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm
Meeting reconvened at 9:46 pm
Trinidad Herrara spoke about an affair in Lander and wated to know if he could promote the State Muzzle Loading Association at the Wyoming State Winter Fair (third weekend of February). Cost is $140.00 for a table through the Jeffery City Association. Brian Wilczewski made a motion to spend some money for the table, Mike Corrigan 2nd. Dave Lehto wished to ammend to $140, but Trinidad rejected the offer. Motion passed one opposed.
OLD BUSINESS
Convention Report - Mike Corrigan: "It's happening!"
Photo Contest - Dave Lehto "Got traders bucks. Categories are humorous, shooting, Flora, and Fauna. Have new easels and already have several entries.
Auction - Mke Family only donations, Ken needs to set up table. Ken Hall is on top of it. Marlin will be here.
Video Tape & Safety Packets - Brian Wilczewski bought a new tape Ed Fowler knife making
Traveling Trophy - Patty Tyrell: $217 taken in, $95.20 for trophies.
Newsletter Committee - Mike Cash: "Somebody else needs to do it, it's easy!"
NEW BUSINESS
Mike Corrigan would like to see the By-Laws published in Newsletter or made available some how.
Mike Corrigan Motion to donate $200 to Wyoming State 4H Shooting Program, Ken Hall 2nd Motion passed
Discussion about radio campaign at Parkway, to give away Harley for Convention.
Brian Wilczewski did not want to take money away from traders to purchase an expensive door prize. Currently giving away $300.00 of Traders bucks. Members and Traders both benefit.
Dave Lehto spoke about road closures and the Yellowstone Ecosystem proposal. Larry Levine will potentially be placed on the road closure board, he his anti-closure. After discussion the board decided not to issue a position statement.
State Shoot - Mary Stack acknowledged the Deer Creek Muzzle Loaders intent to do the 2000 State Shoot. Mary was curious about requesting the standard $500.00 State subsidy for trophies, targets, etc. The potential date would be June or July.
Meeting attendance - Dan Cook's attendance deemed to low for board participation. 66% (3 of 5) of meetings is minimum. Board feels the need to fill position, but felt it was important to give Dan a choice by sending a letter to Dan to inform him of the position vacancy. A response would be needed before Memorial Meeting. Board will appoint position in May.
Tony called for any other new business. Mike Corrigan stated that we need a volunteer for Convention Coordinator for next year as he was not willing to do it again.
Patty Tyrell made a motion to adjourn, Dennis Obert 2nd. Motion passed
Meeting adjourned at 10:54 pm adjourned. (a marathon meeting of 3 hours and 19 minutes)