September 2003 BOD Meeting Minutes
This meeting was held electronically on September 10, 2003 9:00PM EST

BOD Present:
Charles Scannell (President)
Lee Morey (Vice President)
John Brandt (MAC/USCRTF Representative)
JT Croteau (Internet Promotion/Membership)

Members Present:
Nancy Swart (Past President)
Joe Wall (???)
Alisa Abbot (Author, “Dwarf Seahorses”)
Kevin Kohen (Drs Foster and Smith)
Dustin ??? joined late in the meeting (???)

BOD Absent:
Cheri Phillips (Secretary)
Larry Burt (Treasurer)
Rob Tess (Editor)
Joe Scavo (Webmaster)

Call to order 9:09 PM EST
1) No reports were given since the last BOD meeting was held 9/5/03.

2) Chuck called attention to the eMAIL Nancy sent the BOD outlining the job duties for each board member. Chuck will be contacting each new board member to discuss duties for a smooth transition. Chuck is also going though the paperwork that Nancy gave him and he will send it out to new board members as appropriate. He will coordinate with JT on membership and will work with Larry on getting accounts in order.

3) Chuck reported on membership amounts. Collected at MACNA:
Cash = $250
Checks = $394
Total = $642
This represents 12 individuals, 6 clubs, 1 corporation and a $2 donation. Additionally, we have 2 corporations and one club that will be signing up soon. JT indicated that his boss (Sea Dwelling Creatures) has pledged MASNA support by joining as a corporate member. Kevin announced that Drs. Foster and Smith have also agreed to corporate membership. Lee will send JT the membership master list ASAP.

4) Kevin (kkohen@liveaquaria.com) volunteered to increase his involvement with MASNA if help is needed for specific projects.

5) Web Update:
First order of business is getting Joe going on the web to update membership, BOD list and profiles. If anyone’s profile needs updating or a new needs to be created, information should be sent to Chuck. Nancy reminded us to add Anthony Calfo to the Honoraries on the web and to the mailing list.

6) Lee reported that DFWMAS would like to have had representation at the annual MASNA meeting and will be sending a check. They are interested in working with MAAST, COMAS and OMAS. Lee is working on getting local clubs together, introductions for other clubs in close geographical proximity and encouraging the clubs to talk more.

7) The need for a hard-copy mailing to all members that have not renewed was discussed. Reliance on eMAIL was not successful.

8) The cost of John’s trip to the USCRTF meeting in October (10/3-6) was discussed. He reported an estimate of $2100. Concern was raised that we could be faced with a decision to have a printed newsletter or support John’s travel. The idea of soliciting sponsorship for the trip was raised. Current funds on hand are $2650, with an expectation of $350 coming in. John will try to find a sponsor to pick up some of the costs, and then eMAIL the BOD to approve the rest. Chuck offered to help John solicit sponsorship for the trip. Further discussion regarding this to be held outside the meeting and John will send group BOD eMAILs w/ updates. Potential sponsors should be told that they will get PR for this sponsorship if they desire it.

9) Suggestion was made by Nancy that we might now file for 501(C)3 status and pursue Grant money. Chuck agreed that is was time for this status change. This should be a BOD decision.

10) The meeting had problems with repeated net splits. Lee proposed investigating another way to have meetings, indicating that the last 3 meetings have experienced the same issues. Alisa suggested that if everyone chose the same server, there would be no interruption.

Motion to adjourn by Chuck, seconded by Lee. No vote (likely due to the net split).