GLH Minutes of the Annual Meeting, October 25, 2008

In the absence of President Rolliana Scheckler and Vice-President Elizabeth Cifani, the meeting was called to order at 12:50 PM by Secretary Jean Humphrey. Present were Board members Annette Bjorling, Doran Blakeslee, Carl Johnson, Debra Sawyer, Gretchen Sigwart, and Kelly Yousoufian, plus approximately 20 members.

The minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting, published on the GLH web site, were approved as published by voice vote.

Ms. Sigwart presented the treasurer’s report. She reported that GLH has an adequate bank balance to cover current business, including a possible loss on the annual event, but added that preliminary figures for this year’s event projected a minimal loss. Members desiring details on this subject should contact Ms. Sigwart directly via email.

Ms. Humphrey then presented nominations for Board positions. First, three members whose terms expired with this meeting had indicated their desire to continue to serve: Annette Bjorling, Carl Johnson, and Patrice Ribando. Nominations from the floor were requested. None being offered, these three were elected by voice vote to a three year term.. Second, Ms. Humphrey requested that the term of Doran Blakeslee, elected to fill a vacancy in 2007, be extended by two years to create the desired rotation of electing four Board members each year. This extension was approved by voice vote. Third, Ms. Humphrey announced the resignation of Rolliana Scheckler from the Board and the Presidency. Ms. Scheckler was thanked for her service. Ida Gannon was nominated to fulfill Ms. Scheckler’s remaining term, and (no nominations being offered from the floor) was elected. In subsequent surveys of Board members by email and at the conference, Ms. Gannon was elected to the office of President of Great Lakes Harpers.

Ms. Humphrey then presented several issues for discussion.

  1. Members offered ideas about the causes of lower enrollments at the 2008 conference. Economic fears, fuel and housing prices, and competing commitments were mentioned. Specifically rejected was the concept that the program needed to be altered. It was agreed that new publicity methods should be developed, both to employ new technologies and to save costs. Ms. Sawyer has agreed to lead this effort.
  2. Members were asked if the hiring of a major headliner was necessary. Points against included cost, high quality of local talents (some of whom have been headliners elsewhere), and related ability to offer some compensation to local teachers. Points in favor included member exposure to major talents on an extended and intimate basis, which is more likely draw to participants, and presentation of material specific to the headliner.
  3. Potential sites for the 2009 event were discussed. Possibilities include a site in Michigan , a return to Rockford , or a site in Chicago or Milwaukee .
  4. In both 2007 and 2008, we have departed from our former program to offer only a one day event. Should we continue this pattern, or return to the Friday evening thru Sunday afternoon format? A lively discussion followed.
  5. An issue was raised concerning the Yahoo discussion group. These groups have some security issues that bother some members, which may account for the fact that the present group site is under-utilized. Members agreed that our web master, Ms. Susan Trotter, should be asked to investigate a self-directed chat room for members on our web site.
  6. It was proposed that the Board generate a survey, which could reach all members, covering the above issues and others which require resolution. Several methods of ascertaining that the maximum number of members are reached and are likely to respond were presented. It was agreed that the Board would prioritize this activity so that results could be obtained by early 2009.

No further business being presented, a motion to adjourn was presented and passed by voice vote. Time of adjournment was approximately 1:25 PM .

Respectfully submitted;
Jean Humphrey, Secretary