Sons in Retirement Branch 146 Walnut Creek Area Devoted to the promotion of Independence and the Dignity of Retirement

Minutes of the Branch Executive Committee Meeting
July 8, 2010

CALL TO ORDER
Big Sir Dennis Hallett called the meeting to order promptly at 9:30 a.m. There were no visitors in attendance.

BEC ROLL CALL/QUORUM
Asst. Secretary Jim Meehan, filling in for vacationing Secretary Jim Burk announced that a quorum was present. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Asst. Secretary Jim Meehan indicated that the minutes from the June 8, 2010 meeting as recorded by Secretary Jim Burk had been distributed electronically to all members of the BEC.  He also indicated that there were a couple of small changes that had been suggested by Ron deGolia. There were no additional corrections or additions to the minutes and the minutes were approved as amended.

BIG SIR REPORT
Publishing the SIR CALL- Big Sir Hallett indicated that this issue would be tabled for an in depth discussion, including the Membership Directory, in September.  We should aim to have the issue resolved for the Directory mailing in December.

Luncheon Table Feedback- Big Sir Hallett went around the room canvassing BEC members for feedback they had gotten from circulating among various luncheon tables. Prominent issues mentioned were:

• Random seating. This continues to be an issue that will be difficult to resolve to everyone’s satisfaction
• We should highlight the fact that the minimum luncheon attendance for the year is 5 not 6 luncheons.
• Concern about the number of “old” members resigning.
• Cost of alcoholic beverages (since lowered).
• An understanding of the emphasis on increasing membership.
• Returning to a membership policy that would create a short waiting list.
• Favorable impression of the increase in food quality.
• Likelihood of having a buffet once or twice a year.
• Budget/Expenditure visibility.
• Integration of new members.
• Importance of sustaining activities to continued Branch health.

LITTLE SIR REPORT
Little Sir Pete Gates reported that our speaker in July will be Tom Bugbee, Director of Operations at CourseCo.  He will update us on the past year at Boundary Oak as well as the year to come.

Our speaker for August will be Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation. It is their mission to assist permanently disabled veterans in their efforts to become productive, self-efficient, integrated members of the community.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
 Assistant Secretary Jim Meehan had nothing further to report.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Ron deGolia reported that June was a good month from a net cash standpoint..  Voluntary donations, now fixed at $25/year contributed significantly. We are now at a level of 77% contributions received. Once again there was a brief discussion concerning non-payers but no resolution was reached. Terry Marchione said that Branch Financials would shortly be posted on the SIR website.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership  - Chair Steve Sprague requested that the BEC approve the induction to membership of George Filice sponsored by Ray Kan and Robert Storkan (Bob) sponsored by Dick Richmond at today’s luncheon.  MSP
He also advised that that he had two new applications that were potentials for August inductions.
BIG SIR Hallett reported that we were required to submit a quarterly report to the State organization. He will use Jack Callaway’s six month update document as the basis for the submittal.
Our active membership count will remain at 252 as it was in June, including 6 Honorary Life Members.

Recruiting and Retention – Chair Jack Calloway referred us to his six month update. He highlighted the fact that there had been a de-emphasis on age as an element of growth and also suggested that we specifically communicate with the induction class of 2008 to see if they could assist in igniting new membership applications. He also indicated that we would be unveiling our new Sponsor Honor Roll at the August luncheon.

Dinner/Dance – Chair Vince Rettew reported that the fall event will once again be at Zia Fredos and is scheduled for October 6, 2010 with a guaranteed attendance of 100.

Travel – Ken Richter- Ken asked that we approve the following two future outings:

• A Day at the Races – Nov. 12, 2010
• Boulder Creek  golf outing – June 22-24, 2011

MSP

OLD BUSINESS
There were no items of old business to come before the BEC.

NEW BUSINESS
Big Sir Hallett reported that our new tri-fold advertisement brochures had been printed and were now available.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Big Sir Hallett at 10:42 a.m.  The next meeting of the BEC is scheduled for August 12, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in the Lakeview Room of the Clubhouse at Boundary Oak.

Jim Meehan, Asst. Secy.

Attachments:

• Attendance Roster
• Membership Chair’s report
• Attendance/Luncheon Chair’s report
• Treasurer’s report
• Membership Recruiting and Retention report.