National Federation of the Blind of Florida, Inc.

Board of Directors’ Meeting

September 2, 2005

The Board of Directors meeting of the NFBF held at the Holiday Inn Resort in Orlando, Florida was called to order by President Kathy Davis at 8:13 PM

Roll Call:

President: Kathy Davis

First Vice President, Dwight Sayer

Second Vice President, Dan Hicks

Treasurer, Tom Hartig

Secretary, Merry Schoch who arrived @ 10:15 PM

Board Members: Betty McNally, Gloria Mills Hicks, and Joe Minichiello.

JD Townsend: not present

Kathy said that this meeting was a time for the board to get together and talk about our strengths, goals, and some of our concerns. She remarked that she is proud of the board, and pleased with the make-up of the board. 

Kathy shared that Joanne Wilson, chairperson of the Affiliate Action Committee, told Kathy that she is very happy with the progress of the Florida affiliate.  

Tom presented the budget, which had been produced by the Budget Committee.  The Board made revisions to the Budget. Revisions are as follows: 

Changes made to proposed budget:

Line items revised for State Convention:

General funds – proposed $10,000 revised amount $11,000

Scholarship funds - proposed $4,200 revised amount $6,000

Line item revised for National Convention

Travel and Lodging Board funds – proposed $7,200 revised amount $8,500

Proposed Total Expenses $82,166

Revised Total Expenses $86,266

With the above revisions the proposed budget was approved.

Kathy mentioned the correspondence she has had with Kathy Roskos, President of the Gainesville Chapter.  Kathy believes the chapter is important to Kathy Roskos.  Dwight and Dan suggested that one or more board members attend at least one of the Gainesville chapter meetings.  Dan suggested doing a mail out through the library and inviting people to a revitalization meeting for the chapter.

Betty suggested we work to educate our chapters and membership about SUN, PAC, Imagine, and other fundraising programs. This will be presented this weekend at the retreat.

Dwight said that his chapter has spent $80 to join the Chamber of Commerce.  He said this is a worthwhile investment and urges other chapters to consider doing the same. Kathy stated that this would be a good way to get names for Imagine, since it is so difficult to approach people for both chapter and national fundraisers.

The idea of providing a Mentor/Liaison from the board to each chapter was discussed.  Dan suggested that we discuss this with attendees of the retreat either on Saturday or Sunday.

Dwight asked if we could offer a token of our appreciation (in dollars) to MV transportation for the transportation they have provided for this event. Tom made a motion for the affiliate to give MV transportation $250, seconded by Dan, so moved.

Betty asked for input from the board regarding chapter elections that have been manipulated. The board discussed with no resolve.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 PM.