Brainerd Lakes Curling Association

Board Meeting held in conjunction with

the second Annual Membership Meeting

at Hallett Center in Crosby MN

March 8, 2008

Welcome and Introductions – Tom Jones

Tom greeted everyone to the annual membership mtg.  He commented that this meeting schedule and location was not according to our by-laws which read that the annual meeting is held in April in Baxter MN. Tom suggested that since the membership was together it was an appropriate time to change the by-laws, if the membership wanted to so. Bruce Lunde made a motion, Andy Holmes seconded the motion that the Board will designate each year where and when the annual meeting is to be held.  Membership approved unanimously.

Membership Committee Report – John Raboin

There are 56 paid members and approximately an equal number of guests or subs.

Paid members can vote at membership meetings.

In 2007-08 season, the charge for an individual club membership was $175.  Team charge was $700.

Treasure’s Report – Dave Kapitzke

See report

President’s Report – Tom Jones

Membership growth: Tom encouraged each of us to invite people to curl and help grow the membership. The faster the club grows the sooner we can have our own building.

Youth membership: This past year one sheet was devoted to the youth during the first time slot on league night.  15 different youth participated over the year.  Next years our goal is to have youth teams with youth ages 10 to 16 years old. Tom reminded us that involving youth is required for our club to obtain tax exempt status. Tom Jones, Kim Deiss, and Mike Hoff have taken training are certified instructors.

Teams for state competition: BLCA team won this past year.  It was a great experience.

Rocks: John Raboin is in negotiation to purchase used rocks from Bemidji Curling Club. The cost of the USCA new rocks are $32,000 vs. Hibbing’s used rocks are $11,000.

Ice Conditions: Improvement has been seen.

Bonspiels: Members are encouraged to attend other clubs bonspiels.  The board will make an effort to notify members of date and place of Bonspiels via the internet, bulletin boards, e-mail.

Volunteers: Tom reminded us all that “The club happens because people volunteer.”

League Planning – Al Rogers

As the league grows we can include Wednesday as a league night. Until we have our own building, it appears that BLCA will curl at the Hallett center due to ice availability and higher rate for ice time in Brainerd.

A person is designated as a Marshall for each league night.  They are to oversee the ice prep, set up and storage of equipment.  Please help with the set up and putting away of the equipment.  It is an easy task if several help.

Fund Raising – Kim Deiss

Brat sales – BLCA is on the schedule for a Sat. this summer. Date and location announced later.

May Day Festival – Kim requested feed back if we should plan this event.  Last year it was not well attended and we are not sure what factors influenced the poor attendance.  Since Dave’s Pizza is closed another location needs to be found. Prairie Bay and Matty’s was suggested. We need members to attend as well as bring guests plus walk-ins as a result of advertising.

Other suggestions were Applebees Pancake Breakfast fund raising event and to participate in 4^th of July Festivals. At Crosby 4^th of July celebration there would be opportunities for a food booth, raffle and to participate in the parade. See Ellen Uglem for details.

Participation in the Brainerd’s 4^th of July parade public awareness of BLCA would be raised.

Gary’s Bar in Crosby will give us a percentage of drink and food purchases. Be sure to tell them that you are a BLCA member.

Building Committee – Mike Deiss

Mike reported that the committee has been on hold for the past year.  They have checked out the Brainerd Fairgrounds and Paul Bunyan’s attraction area.

A schematic plan has been drawn up and we are prepared to move forward.

Building cost is approx. $500,000.

Election of Board Members

Tom expressed appreciation for the work of the outgoing members and the members continuing on.

Departing members; Ron Everson, Mark Ostgarden, Rita Johnson, Dave Lekatz, and Kim Deiss.

Board Member candidates for 08-09 season. Seven open seats

            Chair of the Board                  Jack Christofferson*

            President                                 Tom Jones

            Vice-President                          Al Rogers*

            Secretary                                 Jan Axtell (returning)

            Treasurer                                 Dave Kapittzke (returning)

            At-Large Members                  Mike Hoff (returning)

                                                            Mike Deiss**

                                                            Andy Miles**

                                                            Caren Bedard**

                                                            Jill Anderson**

                                                            Marty Richards**

*indicates the individual has completed a two-year term and seeks re-election for a second term

** indicates a new board candidate

Susan Rogers made a motion to approve all board members as drawn up. Karen Selenis seconded the motion. Membership approved the motion unanimously.

A special thanks to Kim Deiss for her dedication and excellent work that she has done for BLCA.