National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Board Meeting Minutes for July 4, 2006

Meeting called to order at 12:40.  All board members present except Joe Minichiello. 

Treasurer's report still needs to be reconciled.  Discussed state fund-raiser.  Alan states that we should have a comparable prize.  Chapter members do not have an idea of importance of fund raising.  Chapters have severe localitis.  Possibly offer chapter incentives within chapters.  Open it up to fund-raising contest.  The person with the idea we choose gets $50.  Sell backpacks as a state project.  The logistics of selling backpacks was discussed.  Check with DJ Hackney.

Moneys for the various national funds were discussed.  The amounts were somewhat confusing. Tentative amounts were: White cane fund for this year $1500 dollars.  $500 to Jernigan.  Tenbroek $1000.  $2000 to imagine.  $5000.  Tom said he would write down all the figures and present them to Kathy before she has to announce our gifts on Friday.

Tom is facilitating a seminar for Trust managers and estate planners.  Board suggested that fund raising committee work on planned giving.  Possibly redo brochure.  Still has some brochures left.

It was asked if someone other than Donna wants to handle mailing list for the Focus? Dan suggested setting up database to track members and those receiving focus.  Annual roster of members that is accurate.  Have focus go to targeted groups.  Has to be done in timely fashion.  Suggested offering Donna the position of managing the database for the state for some remuneration.  Sabrina keeps track of subscriptions to the Braille Monitor for the state.

Bids for the 2007 convention were discussed.  East Hillsborough and Broward have responded via e-mail.  Marion has $69 a night at the Wyndham Westshore Hotel.  Tom Hartig met with salesperson from hotel.  Discussed layout of hotel.  Several separate meeting facilities.  No definite date.  Dan said that there should be definite chapter geographic boundaries when planning conventions. This issue was discussed. The logistics of East Hillsborough hosting a convention in Tampa were discussed. It was decided to give Tom Ryan a week or two to determine a bid.  Have bid from Tom by July 17.  Have convention bids in by July 31.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Sherri Brun, Secretary

National Federation of the Blind of Florida