Meeting Minutes

The May 7, 2008 meeting was called to order by president Jim Orn at 7:00 p.m. at the Bonfire Grill in Litchfield, Minnesota.

President: Jim Orn
Vice President: Galen Sundin
Treasurer: Tammy Winkels
Secretary: Rebecca Martinson
Chapter Rep: Wendy Steinborn
Sgt. at Arms: Rich Winkels, Al Salisbury, Lori Matter, Dan Schrader

There were 32 members in attendance and three guests.

SECRETARY’S REPORT was read by Rebecca Martinson. Motion to accept the report made by Clarence, seconded by Lori, passed by hand vote.

President Jim Orn passed around list for members to update their contact information if they desired.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chapter Products by Tammy. There were lots of new products at ABATE U; our t-shirts are not in yet, but should be within a day or two.

Gambling by Jim. Next meeting is May 10 at Kevin Todd’s. The revenues from ABATE U are looking good, and should have the final numbers by that date. Get tickets for the bike giveaway at the rally. There was a discussion about whether to reduce the price for each ticket and sell more tickets.

Ways & Means by Al. Next meeting at the Ugly Bar

Membership and Retention by Jim. We get $14,000 in memberships at the Algona Rally, making it a good idea for Minnesota ABATE to staff a membership table there. Are there any volunteers?

State Rally by Dale. The posters and tearoffs are in. Take some home and put them up. The City of Litchfield put some pressure on the fair board and someone heard the contract is finally signed. The board is putting up a cattle ring which will be semi-enclosed, and we will have the bands in there. We still need help with the front gate, security and first aid. The anniversary pin has been selected. Get names of fallen riders to Rich W. for the memorial ride; Dale believes the Litchfield police will help with the ride; he has made arrangements through a contact of the Carlsons to have a helicopter take pictures of the rally and hopefully of the ride; Jim brought up whether we should help with the ride and if so, what our contribution should be, perhaps just pointing directions in light of the issues last year; Dan has gotten okays for the police to stop traffic at critical points. There was a discussion about how to ride smarter, how to deal with traffic during a ride and how to approach police and sheriffs about the rides. Lori brought up publicizing the ride so townies come to watch us and perhaps gain a better knowledge of what ABATE is about.

Publications by Lori and Kristie. Need bike, business and member of the month nominations; next meeting at Becky’s on May 18.

Dial-a-Ride by Dale. Coverage began last week; Dale has the materials for locals bars. He’ll need help covering this summer; we didn’t have any calls last year or the year before, but if you do an intervention, whether riding or driving, let Dial a Ride know.

Joe Matter Scholarship Safety Riders Course by Artie. Class now costs $160, we cover $75; discussion regarding whether we should reduce our contribution to $50. There was a motion by Rich and Mike, which was passed by hand vote. None of the proceeds from the Spring Fling put on by Dan are going to the Scholarship fund.

Toys for Kids by Rebecca. According to Loriee Barnes, October Sun had agreed to do it for $600, which is what the Bonfire will pay, so we won’t have to contribute anything from South Central funds.

Buddy Bears by Charlie. Still waiting for the Bears.

PGR Riders by Galen. Check out the website. There are a number of runs all summer long in addition to the escort missions.

STATE REP REPORT by Wendy. Kudos to Peggy for the meet and greet. We still have time to contact our legislators regarding the failure to yield, helmet and emissions bills; Dale and Wendy went to the capitol and met with Gov. Pawlenty, who talked a lot about the PGR; Pawlenty is on our side on the helmet issue. We are going to contact local radio stations about motorcycle awareness month. Next ABATE U is April 17, 2009. We need participants and teachers for the Share the Road program. Rally raffle tickets must be in by August 14; contact the historian if you have input for the CD. Publications is hiring someone for the website. The July BOD is near Rochester.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT by Galen. The safety riders course is $160 for beginners, and $55 for skilled riders; all tech colleges teach them. Keep a supply of trifolds and sign up new members. Think about where the money from our fundraisers go and choose wisely.

OLD BUSINESS by Jim. Thanks to all who helped with the ditch cleanup. Dan S needs items for the silent auction, and we should show up at 5:00 to help set up. We also need door watchers. The Ride for a Cure is June 22, there’s a chapter ride May 25 over the Memorial Day weekend; Foundation for Challenged Children ride is May 17.

NEW BUSINESS. Charlie wondered where the book of photos came from that was at ABATE U; the consensus is from Shooters.

OPEN DISCUSSION: Events: Way West May 23; SC Spring Fling May 30; Vets Ride from Rogers June 1; Buddy Bears June 24; May 17 Lake Chapter Spring Run and Montrose benefit; lots of others. Galen proposed we contact Easy Rider and similar publications to see if we can get them to come to the rally.

Motion made by Kristie to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Lori, passed by hand vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.


Rebecca S. Martinson
Secretary, South Central Chapter
 

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