available. Baier noted that Foundation principal would eventually be drawn down as part of this scenario, reminding all that that the Foundation is not a legally separate entity from FIGA( ALL FRETS). While Foundation funds are accounted for autonomously, they reside within the general ALL FRETS Merrill Lynch account. Again citing wisdom of past boards, Baier noted that had the Foundation been set up as a separate entity, if and when the day came when general organizational funds and reserves were depleted, remaining Foundation principal could not be used for operational purposes and would simply need to be given away to another nonprofit organization( very possibly having nothing to do with the mission of ALL FRETS or the stated purpose of the Foundation). While bemoaning the eventual need to draw on Foundation funds for operational purposes, Baier restated his belief that Foundation organizers( most of whom are passed) would support the use of Foundation funds to prolong life of FIGA / ALL FRETS as opposed to turning residual funds over to another nonprofit.
On another financially related subject, Ron McLawhon brought up the annual fundraising raffle, noting increased difficulty in procuring instruments coupled with diminishing revenues based on declining membership. Baier noted that Andy Johnson continues to work diligently in maintaining relationships with the vendors who donate the instruments( citing the addition of Elderly Instruments to this years donor list). McLawhon opined the need to monitor the cost versus return of the raffle and that the board be aware that Andy will someday not be willing or able to continue his annual efforts on our behalf. Baier stressed the importance of our membership’ s support of instrument donors, making known their ALL FRETS membership when business is being transacted.
Opening discussion of future conventions, Ron McLawhon stated his belief that trends in both our membership as well as the hotel industry will dictate the direction of our annual event. With smaller membership numbers representing a finite number of sleeping rooms being utilized, hotels will not be willing to provide the meeting space needed for our event at no cost. McLawhon noted the delicate balance between attendance versus necessary guarantees to hotels in previous years exposing the organization to potential financial losses from the convention. Additionally, he noted the annual struggle to research and secure hotels and convention hosts in varied locales. While fully aware that our membership seems to favor new convention cities annually, Johnny Baier interjected his praise for the annual NAIBC event in Dearborn, Michigan which seems to thrive because it is in the same venue and timeframe each year. Baier also stated his belief that NAIBC maintains vibrancy because of its geographical proximity to many participants, its coordinated and dedicated volunteer staff, and the comfort provided its attendees by the familiarity of the facility, location and surrounding attractions and services. It was also noted that the Dearborn event has a track record with its host hotel, requiring little in the way of financial risk on the part of its organizers. While no food and beverage or room night guarantees are in place, the hotel is well aware of the annual financial impact the event brings with both room nights utilized as well as food and beverage revenue realized in the restaurant. Baier opined that if ALL FRETS members were willing to accept the concept of a“ permanent” convention location which filled our needs at a good value – while simultaneously minimizing or eliminating the organization’ s financial exposure in hosting a convention – this would be the best alternative for future conventions. Discussion followed, reviewing certain past convention locations along with their pros and cons. Despite its somewhat remote location, discussion kept circling back to the Marriott Cincinnati Airport hotel( site of the 2016 convention). Noting Cincinnati’ s ease of access by both car and airline, the hotel’ s physical layout as well as hospitality, and the nearby proximity of attractions( including the Great American Ballpark which invited us back“ anytime”), there was a favorable response among the board to exploring the possibility of returning to this venue with the expressed purpose of exploring the possibility of a long-term relationship with the property. As the hotel had courted such a possibility in attempting to secure our business again in 2017, we already have proven ourselves as a client. Baier noted that this fact in itself was significant noting that most hotels are very skeptical of who we are and what we do until after they have hosted one of our conventions. Maddie Lombardi stated her belief that ALL FRETS members don’ t necessarily need“ sight-seeing” trips and would be ready for a“ home” with relation our convention venue.
With regard to board population, president Grosser asked if there were any suggestions for new board members. Cindee Burkitt noted that Col. Kim Johnston-Rapaczmay be a good candidate. Noting the by-law provision of offering contiguous board terms based on being requested to serve, Ron McLawhon suggested we consistently track board member terms of service and request continued service as terms are concluding. Noting that the terms of Linda Lehmann, Margie Baumann, Larry Rutan, Tom Garren and Ron Hinkle are close to expiring, Baier asked each present if they would continue serving. Lehmann, Baumann and Rutan stated they would continue board service with the understanding that if there were other individuals who wished to serve, they would vacate their seats. Baier said that he would contact Hinkle and Garren to query their interest in continued service. Cindee Burkitt suggested the establishment of activities or responsibilities outside of board membership which might be assigned to prospective board members to keep them actively interested in serving.
Prior to adjournment, a call was made for board endorsement of the proposed contract for the 2019 ALL FRETS convention to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois from July 9 th – 13 th. Moved and seconded, the endorsement was approved and would be presented to the general membership for approval the following day.
With no further business or discussion, the annual board of directors meeting of the Fretted Instrument Guild of America was closed at 9:40AM. Respectfully submitted by Johnny Baier, Secretary / Treasurer
ALL FRETS JULY / AUGUST 2018 31