Regular Meeting -- November 20, 2016
The Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting at 2007 Bert Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, starting at 2:30 pm. The following directors (constituting a quorum of the full board) were present at the meeting: Secretary John McGarey (by phone), Treasurer Penny Chambers (by phone), and Vice President Kim Pillsbury (presiding). The following directors were absent: President Kathy Lee and Lia Nelson. Robert McGarey (Executive Director) and Sonny Keathley were also present at the meeting.
The Mission Statement was read aloud at the beginning of the meeting. Minutes from the previous meeting were read aloud and approved as read.
Finances. The conference cost $475 more than it brought in. Less than we were hoping, but not much of a loss and it resulted in a wonderful brochure and many additional contacts.
The center earned $5k through the end of November. That, in spite of the fact that our insurance now costs a bit more. However, we have much improved insurance with more complete coverage. MANY areas in which the center was just not covered before are now covered. etting so much more coverage for that small amount is VERY inexpensive relatively.
Bob's Personal Growth Sessions have been really successful this year. He brought in $20k when last year it was just $12k. (Previous Year's income are: 21k, 13, 21, 17, 12.) Most of the clients are Poly. Some workshops have made money: 1,300 from self esteem workshop where there were 11 people (the workshop can accommodate 14).
We had $30k income in rent. This is improved substantially from last year, and it's reliable. Penny added that we should prioritize based on promoting our mission, reducing costs, increasing income.
Brochure. Appreciation for the HPC Brochure is ENORMOUS! Bob said "Head-bangingly wonderful!" It makes him happy! He wrote the words 3 years ago and printed it up in a different form and when he handed it out people were unimpressed. But now when he hands it out he finds that people say WOW and read it right then
What Shall we Spend On? There was extensive discussion about what we'd be smartest to spend our additional income on. Bob presented several options along with their estimated associated costs: Raises for Bob, Lia and David Blackwell ($1,500 per year), new computer ($800), bicycle ($80), trike repair ($100), mini-split a/c unit ($2,000 ???), new refrigerator ($1,000), solar panels ($3,000), reprint 1000 brochures ($600). Much discussion followed, with approval for $25 raises per month and purchase of a new fridge and computer, especially if they can be found during Black Friday week.
Trailblazers Conference. The conference was great! Alison Beaver, the conference coordinator, is great. There is video coming from it soon, and we are actively pursuing interns in Health Promotion and Master of Arts in Counseling. There was discussion about when we should do the next conference: Fall of 2017 or Spring of 2018. Penny votes for Spring of 2018.
Since there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at around 4:30 pm.