Present:
Troy Alexander, Gaetano Apa, Brandon Bressner, Robert Burdess, Jr., John Chaney, Jeff Davies, Jon Foerster, Mark Friedrich, Lamar Harris, Marcel Isaak, Tim Jacobs,?Rich Ledbetter, Stan Marshall, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Cathy Thomatis,  Matt West, Mitch Williams, Glenn Berkshier

Absent:  
John Abraham, Randy Begole, Al Bennett, Steven Buttice, Melissa Comer, Kosta Demetreas, Pauline Johnson, Tadd Johnson, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Hal McNeill, Mike Meronk, Mugdha Pattekar, Art Remsik, Kathy Schaeffer, Kate Wilson

Guests:   
Robert Burdess Sr. – Retired Businessman invited by Robert Burdess Jr. of Potter's Graphix
Karen Lawson of Gutter Helmet/ Peoria Siding invited by Lamar Harris

Meeting Agenda:

Mark Friedrich, President, called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests.  

All members and guests introduced themselves and gave a short account of their business.  

Mark also reminded members and challenged everyone of the “member take a member to lunch” to have a better understanding of one another’s business

Mark once again reiterated our 50/50/50 rules:  $50.00 membership fee, 50% attendance is required, 50% vote is needed to change by-laws.

The Meeting Minutes of the March 6, 2008 Meeting were accepted and approved – Motion made by Brandon Bressner, seconded by Stan Marshall – approved and passed.

Announcements:

1. Gaetano Apa announced that soon everyone will have an opportunity to create their 60 second commercial print version 'business brief' that could possibly include pictures and even a video (if the member chooses and desires this) and that each business will have the opportunity to send their commercial via the Potter's eMarketer email account that has been set up for the Forum to the entire membership. Gaetano will follow up with instructions on how to do this so everyone has an opportunity to get involved. The business briefs will alternate so that everyone will get their turn. Eventually the eMail system can be utilized to go beyond the membership. Gaetano said he will show us how this can be done effectively.
2. Mark asked for a discussion on ‘Fun Get-together’ ideas. A discussion ensued. Several suggestions were made. Several people were asked to get more information and bring this information to the table next time we meet. Some ideas were a picnic at the Poilce Park in Bartonville. Matt West is gathering more info on this. An idea of a Peoria Chief’s game outing. Kim Shadley is looking in to the possibility of utilizing his company’s box seats for this event.
3. Several members shared testimonies on how they were offering each other leads and using each other’s services and products.
4. Mark asked for more thought on a new meeting location for the Forum other than the Lariat Club. A discussion ensued with suggestions on possibilities. No decisions made. Some members were asked to investigate other options.

Treasurer’s Report:

Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $1,919.28 in our account.  All submitted bills have been  paid.   

Committee Reports:

1. Holiday Committee: N/A
2. E-Board: N/A

New Business:

Application and check submitted for approval by Karen Lawsen of Gutter Helmet / Peoria Siding, (Could someone fill in the remainder of the contact info please) . Applicant and guests were asked to step outside while discussion and vote ensued. Motion made by Jon Forester, seconded by Lamar Harris – motion carried and vote was taken. Karen was voted in as our newest member under the category of (Could someone fill in the remainder of this information).

Old Business: n/a

50/50 Drawing:

The 50/50 drawing was held. Mark reminded members the purpose for the 50/50 drawing is to help offset the $15 eMail service fee for the eMarketer account. Paul Zacovik won the drawing. There was a total of $37 in the basket of which Paul won $18 and the remaining $19 will be deposited into the Forum bank account. To date there is a total of $37 in the account from the drawing.

Member Spotlight:

Member: Brandon Bressner with Legal Record Corp. was spotlighted.

Meeting Adjourned:

Motion of adjournment of the business meeting was made by Mark,   seconded by Jon Forester at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gaetano Apa, Secretary