Regular Meeting -- February 21, 2016
The Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting at 2007 Bert Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, starting at 2:30 pm. The following directors (constituting a quorum of the full board) were present at the meeting: President Kathy Lee, Secretary John McGarey (by phone), and Treasurer Penny Chambers (by phone). Robert McGarey (Executive Director), Wayne Ewen (Guest) and Kim Pillsbury (Guest) were also present at the meeting.
The Mission Statement was read aloud at the beginning of the meeting. Minutes from the previous meeting were read aloud and approved as read.
Temperature Reading. Kim appreciated the Center and that she wanted to figure out a way that she could come more often. Wayne said it would be a wonderful problem to have standing-room-only at many of the workshops. Bob said if we did, he could re-start the Facilitator Training series and we could have more facilitators.
Positive Feedback for Bob. There were several comments about Bob. We played back a voice mail with compliments about the Video Exploration Night, and an enthusiastic email was read with much positive feedback about how Bob's workshop on leading workshops helped her improve her workshop. Also, Wayne expressed appreciation for how Bob leads the Video evening, and Penny expressed similar appreciation for Bob and for the questions that come as a result of that event.
Elevator Speeches. Appreciation was expressed for the discussion of the elevator speeches in January. The Board agreed to independently perform the homework of writing our own elevator speeches per the exercise in the link that John sent out in January, and to discuss the topic throughout the month via email
Self-Esteem workshop. Self Esteem workshop is every week throughout March. The promotion of this workshop has already started. Any promotion the board members can do for this workshop would be welcome
Marketing. Bob repeated that the challenge for all 30 years has been getting enough people so there would be a critical mass. On Meetup and on the Info board out at the street it seems that we are advertising that nothing ever happens. "Here is the HPC where nothing ever happens!" Bob believes 50 members actively engaged would be a tipping point. At this point in time, there is always a question of "I don't know if I want to come because I don't know if anyone else is coming."
Applescript. The problem with Applescript needs to be raised on the priority list
Memberships. It was unanimously
RESOLVED, that any member who signs someone else up as a member, gets one month membership for free.
Insurance. Our new insurance policy from the Alliance Nonprofits in Insurance includes insurance on the buildings on our property for the first time in 15 years, and Product Liability Insurance ($1,000,000), and Professional Liability Insurance (to cover the workshops and professional services). Previously it was costing us $550 per month to NOT have many of these insurance features; now its $620 per month. The Board suggested it was a great win.
Birthday Party for the Center. We discussed the Center's 30th Birthday Party. Suggested putting it on Go512.com, in Natural Awakenings and The Chronicle. Suggested we have t Gladys Taylor McGarey and Glenda Taylor come to town. Board homework: Plan some really cool things to do for 30th anniversary party. Think of what we might want to do for the 30th and how that might look.
John McGarey appointed to Board. It was officially noted that John was elected as a board member late 2015. This seems to have been missed from the minutes.
Since there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at around 4:30 pm.