New Officers as of 08/14/2010
Jerry Braden - President
Tom  Monaco - Vice President
John Williams - Sgt. at Arms

Existing Officers for 2010
Deb Bailey - Secretary
Judy Williams - Treasurer
Linda Austin - LOS Representitive
Susan Martin - Vet's Representitive
Brooks Brown - Vet's Representitive

Birmingham Star Touring & Riding

Meeting Minutes

August 14, 2010

Meeting called to order by Doug Turco (GA/AL State Director)

SOS cards for Choice Hotels discount were handed out.  This allows a 15% discount at all of the Choice Hotels.  A supply of STAR brochures were also given to the Chapter to use at Bike Nights and events.

There needs to be one internet point of contact for the chapter to go to.  Make sure it is known to everyone and make it easy for everyone outside of the chapter to find. 

Growth is needed and having a set schedule of rides and/or meetings makes it easier for people to know in advance what to plan for.  i.e. Set the ride dates as the 2nd Saturday and 4th Sunday of every month.  The dates are known well in advance.  Set a single meeting place for everything or post the meeting place at least 3 weeks in advance.  These rides can be set for a morning, afternoon or all day event. 

A Ride Captain or designated ride leader is to lead all rides.  This person is responsible for leading the ride and checking the route for potential delays/hazards. 

Keep attendance of rides. 

Ride Waivers must be kept on each ride.  It contains contact information in case of emergency.

The Chapter Charter is to be carried to every meeting and ride. All members will have access to the chapter charter. The Charter is to be kept by the president and can not be copied.

There was a discussion of options to fill the vacant officer positions. 
There were two options discussed:

1)  Succession of current officers - Sergeant of Arms

     moves to President or

2)  Election by active members

     Joe Payne made the motion to go with Option 1

     naming Jerry Braden as President - John Williams to

     Sergeant of Arms and Tom Monaco as

     Vice-President. 

     John Quick 2nd the motion.  Doug asked these three

     if they were willing to accept the positions.  They all

     agreed.  The group all agreed and the motion was

     carried.

Patches

Judy reported that in our July meeting it was announced that the chapter patch was approved and Ken had offered to purchase the patches in advance on behalf of Chapter (to be reimbursed as sold). There will be more information to come on this. Pricing is pending. 

The chapter website is still under construction and will be completed soon and sent to national for approval.  Doug has received the website registration info, etc and will work to get it updated. For the time being Doug will handle the Chapter 478 website until such time that it can be turned over to someone in the chapter to manage. Tom Monaco suggested that he could do the website.  Jerry will make the final decision. 

Correspondence:  Always use the BCC on emails.  Do not distribute individual contact info via email using the To: or Cc: lines on the e-mail form.  This could be a potential privacy issue. All STAR members should use this method and only chapter officers should send e-mails to the group to keep from violating members privacy rights.

Officers Names and contact information should be published to all members.

40% Rule

To be an active (voting) member or to hold an office you must have 40% participation.  A combined count of attendance in meetings and rides determines each individuals Chapter participation.   Anything less will be considered an associate member as long your membership has not expired.  You are responsible for keeping your membership current with STAR.  When a meeting and ride are scheduled together that will count as a single participation.  Each time you show up for an event you will be credited with participation of that event. 

Three Ride Rule

You can be a guest for a total of 3 times in a 5 month period before requesting to join the Chapter.  If at that time, you elect not to become a member you can not continue to attend Chapter events.  When a guest request to be a member of the Chapter they can be either accepted or denied by a vote of the members.

Officers:

President, Vice-President, Sergeant at Arms, Lady of Star Rep, Secretary/Treasurer (one or two people), Vet Rep.

There are 5 people of the Chapter Board - President, Vice-President, Sergeant of Arms, Lady of Star Rep and one other person appointed by the President.

Jerry asked Jeff what could we do for Big #1.  Jeff is working on the Big #1 Star BQ but details are not finalized.  Jerry offered to provide a grill and cooks if Big #1 could provide meat.  Joe offered a distributor to help with the cost of meat.  STAR members would work as volunteers as well as enjoy the day.  Jeff was surprised by the offer and will discuss with Jerry.  Jeff requested an e-mail proposal stating this offer for his files. Jeff also said the biggest thing was to be a positive group and support STAR.  

If we want to provide a cork board with STAR header and keep events posted he will hang it in the break room at Big #1.

Jerry asked everyone to send him 3 or more ride suggestions (with dates if specific) by Friday, August 20 to plan rides for the remainder of the year.  He will evaluate suggestions and propose a ride schedule.  He also stated the next meeting will be focused on ride safety!

Closing comments:  Always show up!  Have Fun!  Promote STAR and enjoy the ride

Next Meeting:  will be determined and published by next week.