Kalamazoo Area Runners Executive Board Meeting

January 2, 2007 @ TGI Fridays

In attendance: Cindi MacDonald, Dave Walch, Jen Shaffer, Marty Buffenbarger, Kristen Schmidt, Phil Goodwin, Sherrie Mann, Sara Parr, Ralph Meyer, Bonnie Sexton

1. ANNUAL BANQUET-FACILITIES AND MEAL ­Cindy proposed several options. KCC will be out of our price range for a meal. Stuart Ave Inn and a couple other venues were proposed, but determined to be too small. Consensus was to hold at KVCC Arcadia and have Giti cater an Anti-pasta buffet ­ cost approximately $7 a person. Cindi will follow up with KVCC and Giti to firm up details.

ANNUAL BANQUET-GUEST SPEAKER UPDATE ­ Randi Step is available March 7 and March 14. Proposed date is March 14 with March 7 as a back-up.

ANNUAL BANQUET-RUNNER RECOGNITION AWARDS (COST PROPOSAL) Carrie provided numbers to Bonnie. We will go with 5 x 7 plaques for all awards @ 6.45/each except for the 2 Volunteer of the year awards, which will be 8x10. Volunteer awards will be determined by the Board. All others will be based on member nominations. Kristen verified categories ­ several have no nominees. Kristen to provide Bonnie w/ a list of those with none and Bonnie will send a stand alone e-mail to request more nominations. Awards will not be given to categories without nominees. Board recommendations were made for two candidates for Volunteer of the Year award. Kristen will bring all nominations to Feb Board Mtg and decisions will be made on winners at that time.

ANNUAL BANQUET-AGENDA AND PRESENTATION Bonnie presented the agenda for the annual mtg. Accepted as is. Bonnie to follow up with Fred Vanhala on possible attendance. New Presidents may perform raffle to project positive vibes!

TURKEY TROT WRAP-UP We are looking at some BIG changes for next year to accommodate the larger attendance. Will discuss at February meeting when Scott is back.

SAFARI WRAP-UP Bonnie attended the Safari wrap up meeting. Chris proposed several changes for next year including hiring a Program Director and to have several coaches. These will be paid positions. Pace group leaders will be volunteers as we had this year. KAR should continue to coordinate Outdoor Track Workouts and Communications, as well as aid stations once a month..

BORGESS RUN CAMP SOCIAL Borgess Run Camp Social is scheduled for February 17 at BHFC. Will use some mugs as door prizes. Will provide hot chocolate as beverage and Bonnie will check with Giti on purchasing some specialty breakfast desserts. Marty, Bonnie, Kristen and possibly Dave will assist.

BEYOND POST MARATHON PARTY Budget of $300 was set for the post Beyond Party. It will be held May 10 in the large room at TGI Fridays. Party Platters and pitchers of soda will be provided. Program participants only. Bonnie will arrange details.

UPDATE ON AUDIO EQUIP Bonnie proposed several options for a portable PA system. With the growth in events, banquets and training programs, it has become necessary to purchase our own. Decision was made to order the Califone 150 through Kintronics for $420. 84. Bonnie to order.

EASTER HASH (PRE-PLANNING) Dave proposed a new location at Asylum Lake. Board agreed. Date will remain April 7 at 11:00 am. Dave will get with Carrie to develop a flyer. Further details will be discussed at Feb Board mtg.

KAL-HAVEN TRAIL RELAY UPDATE Cindi will follow up to find out who new Girls on Track contact will be. Asked about Run Camp/Gazelles participation in aid stations….Bonnie to check o that when following up with Chris on other items.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION KAR/BCRR event listing was passed out to the Board/potential Board Members so that events can be selected. Final assignments to be made via discussion at February Board Mtg. Dave and Bonnie will meet with the 3 Presidential candidates January 29 to review responsibilities and tasks currently assigned, and to facilitate selection. The Presidency will be proposed to the member as a team, but will be considered collectively as one vote in deciding upon Board matters. Cindi M. will be Co-Director of the Kalamazoo Klassic and all her other events (other than Board Position back office duties & program admin & Wed runs) to be reassigned. The 3 candidates were presented to the rest of the Board. Intent to be submitted by January 31. 2007 Board Candidates will be announced to the general membership early February.

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION RUNS Need a way to better integrate new members into KAR so they feel welcome. Bonnie suggested holding New Member Reception Runs on a quarterly basis right before Board mtgs. Several board members will come an hour early to welcome and run a 3 or 4 mile run with the group. General membership will be invited. Refreshments will be served after the run, and runners can mingle with remaining board members as they arrive for Board mtg. Bonnie will coordinate the first one for the March 5 Board Mtg as a test. Phil and Jen volunteered to help. May want to consider a seasonal theme for each run to make it fun and inviting. Future runs will be determined based on attendance.

Next two Board Meetings:

Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 pm at TGI Fridays

Monday, March 5 at 7:00 pm at Borgess Health and Fitness (New Member Run at 6:00 pm)