CONSULTANTS FORUM
INDEX OF MINUTES
Present:
John
Abraham, Troy Alexander, Gaetano Apa, Randy Begole, Al Bennet
represented by Misty Swearingian, Brandon Bressner, Robert Burdess,
Jr., Steven Buttice, Jeff Davies, Jon Foerster, Mark Friedrich, Lamar
Harris, David Hohmann, Tadd Johnson, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Cathy
Thomatis, Todd Thousand represented By Gaetano Apa, Mitch Williams.
Absent:
Al ennett,
John Chaney, Melissa Comer, Kosta Demetreas, Marcel Isaak, Tim Jacobs,
Pauline Johnson, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Rich Ledbetter, Stan
Marshall, Hal McNeill, Mike Meronk, Mugdha Pattekar, Art Remsik, Kathy
Schaeffer, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Todd Thousand, Matt West, Kate
Wilson.
Guests:
1. Matthew
Burdess invited by Robert Burdess Jr. of Potter's Graphix
2. Misty
Swearingian, licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Real
Estate invited by Al Bennet
3. Karen
Lawson of Gutter Helmet/ Peoria Siding invited by Lamar Harris
4. Paul
Zocovic of Adams Outdoor Advertising invited by Randy Begole.
Meeting
Agenda:
Mark
Friedrich, President, called the meeting to order at 12:05 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 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 February 2008 Meeting Notes were accepted and approved
– Motion made by Brandon Bressner, seconded by Cathy Thomais
– approved and passed
Announcements:
1. Mitch
Williams announced and explained the Linkedin networking program. A
news brief announcement was sent to all the members through the Forum's
Potter's eMarketer email system announcing and explaining the Linkedin
program.
2. John
Abraham was asked mention the upcoming show again. He did. The Body
Building Show – NGA Heart of America is scheduled for May
3rd. It is a drug free event for body builders. You can get more
information at www.hoananaturalclassic.com. Booth sponsors and general
business sponsors are welcome. This is a John Abraham, Brad Schupp, and
Moses Praul production.
3. 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 members 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.
Treasurer’s
Report:
Jeff Davies
gave the Treasurer's report, reporting a balance of $1,877.97 in our
account. All submitted bills have been paid.
Committee
Reports:
Holiday
Committee: N/A
E-Board: N/A
Other: N/A
New
Business:
1.
Application and check submitted for approval by Paul Zacovic, Adams
Outdoor Advertising, 911 South West Adams Street, Peoria, IL 61602,
309-692-2482, cell – 309-868-3884, pzacovic@adamsoutdoor.com,
www.adamsoutdoor.com.
Applicant
and guests were asked to step outside while discussion and vote ensued.
Motion made by David Holman, seconded by Ryan Palm – motion
carried and vote was taken. Paul was voted in as our newest member
under the category of Billboard Advertising.
2. Tadd
Johnson asked if he could switch his membership from Midwestern
Entertainment to New Horizons, Computer Learning Centers of Central
Illinois., 1014 W Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615, 309-692-1400 fax:
309-692-4200, www.nh-central.com. A small discussion ensued. A vote was
taken. Tadd was approved to switch his membership from Midwestern
Entertainment to New Horizons of Central Illinois.
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. Mark won the drawing. There was a total of $22 in the basket
of which mark won $11 and the remaining $11 will be deposited into the
Forum bank account. To date there is a total of $18 in the account from
the drawing.
Member
Spotlight:
Member:
Robert Burdess with Potter's Garphix was spotlighted. His contact
information is Potter's Graphix, P.O. Box 248, Groveland, IL 61535.
888-602-7772. Potter?s Graphix is a full service graphics and marketing
design company, offering professional graphics design. Bob said no job
or company is too small or too large for Potter's Graphix.
Meeting
Adjourned:
Motion of
adjournment of the business meeting was made by Mark; seconded by Jeff
Davies at 12:50 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Gaetano
Apa, Secretary
Present:
John Abraham, Troy Alexander, Gaetano Apa, Al Bennett, Brandon Bressner, Jeff Davies, Mark Friedrich, David Hohmann, Marcelo Isaak, Stan Marshall, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Cathy Thomatis, Todd Thousand, Mitch Williams,
Absent:
Randy Begole, Robert Burdess, Jr., Steven Buttice, John Chaney, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerster, Lamar Harris, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Tadd Johnson, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Rich Ledbetter, Mike Meronk, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Art Remsik, Kathy Schaeffer
Guests:
Michael
Hintz, Owner - Absolute Fitness invited by Troy Alexander
Misty
Swearingian, Licensed agent with Keller Williams real Estate invited by
Al Bennett
Sandy Forney – Owner of ART-4-EYEZ
invited by Mitch Williams
Moses Praul of Fort Toyota invited
by John Abraham
Meeting Agenda:
Mark Friedrich, President, called the meeting to order at 12:05 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 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.
A motion was made to accept the Meeting Minutes of the January 3, 2008 by Brad Schupp, seconded by Marcelo Isaak. Meeting Minutes were accepted and approved.
Announcements:
Treasurer’s Report:
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $2,136.66 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid.
Committee Reports:
Holiday Committee: The Holiday Party went well with over 30 people attending. Everyone had a great time. A suggestion was made that next year everyone be issued name tags.
E-Board: N/A
Other: N/A
Old Business:
1. Dynamic Technology Consulting, Inc was not accepted into the Forum membership at this time due to a perceived conflict of competition from one of the current members
New Business:
50/50 Drawing:
The 50/50 drawing was held. Jeff Davies won the split pot.
As a reminder the 50/50 drawing was voted in and is held every month in order to offset some monthly recurring minor expenses for the group.
The cost is $1 per business card and $2 for 3 business cards. A business card is picked from the basket by a member and the pot is split 50/50 from the total amount of money taken in that day.
Member Spotlight:
Member: Todd Thousand spotlighted Potter’s eSolutions and specifically the eMarketer email service for general email marketing and email communications system. For more information visit www.pottersemarketer.com.
Meeting Adjourned:
Next meeting is March 6, 2008 at the Lariat Club in Peoria.
Motion of adjournment of the business meeting was made by Mark Friedrich; seconded by Marcelo Isaak at 12:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gaetano Apa, Secretary
Present: John Abraham, Gaetano Apa, Randy Begole, Brandon Bressner, Robert Burdess, Steven Buttice, John Chaney, Jeff Davies, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerster, Mark Friedrich, David Hohmann, Marcel Isaak, Pauline Johnson, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Stan Marshall, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Mugdha Pattekar, Art Remsik, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Cathy Thomatis, Todd Thousand, Mitch Williams.
Absent: Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, Melissa Comer, Lamar Harris, Tim Jacobs, Tadd Johnson, Rich Ledbetter, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Mike Meronk, Kathy Schaeffer, Matt West, Kate Wilson.
Guests: Glenn Berkshier – Dynamic Technology, Inc (Apa); Moses Praul - Fort Toyota (Abraham); Jim Rankin - Oberlander Alarms (Shadley); Kevin Bradship - ? (?); Cory Koch – Designer Concepts Landscape Architecture, Inc (Ryan Palm)
Mark Friedrich, President, called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests. Mark tried something new allowing each of us to interview another member with these we three questions – 1) what is your occupation; 2) who was your best referral received from within the group, 3) what is the type referral needed today. All members and guests were introduced by another member giving a short account of their business. Mark also reminded members of the “member take a member to lunch” to have a better understanding of one another’s business.
Mark reiterated our 50/50/50 rules: $50.00 membership fee, 50% attendance is required, 50% vote is needed to change by-laws.
A motion was made by Randy Begole, seconded by Gaetano Apa, to approve the Meeting Minutes of the December 6, 2007 Meeting; accepted and approved.
The following prospective new member was introduced but was asked to hold until next month to be voted in: Glenn Berkshier with Dynamic Technologies, Inc. He was asked to wait because we ran out of time.
Business cards were passed out and a few new business card holders were passed out those who did not have one.
Announcements:
John Abraham introduced and promoted the NGA Heart of America Bodybuilding Championships being help in Peoria on May 3rd, 2008 more info at www.hoanaturalclassic.com. John handed out a flyer with information about event.
Treasurer’s Report:
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $2,655.66 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid. No other bills are pending. A few membership dues are still due in from members. A plea was made to get these dues in.
Committee Reports:
Pauline reiterated the Holiday party information from the Holiday Committee (passing out a flyer with information: The Holiday Party will be held at The River Station on January 26th with Ken Klotz, Bradley Small Business Segment, speaking and Mitch Williams entertaining. Coco Loco will be performing next door at Martini’s. Email any questions for the speaker to Pauline.
New Business:
Member of the Year ballots were distributed to the membership at the November meeting. Jon Foerster collected the results and the winner is Jeff Davies. Congratulations, Jeff !
The perks of being named MOYA are:
Gaetano Apa was allowed to make an announcement and an offering to the membership regarding the proposed 2 page spread ad to go into the Potter’s Vessel Peoria 08 Metro edition. After some discussion a motion was made to vote on the proposal. Mark indicated that at least 20 was needed for a majority vote. Gaetano indicated he needed at least 20 to make it work. The vote was taken. The proposal passed with a majority vote. A second vote was taken to accept the cost to the Forum of $220 for the header of the ad and the $15 monthly fee for the eMarketer part of the proposal. The vote passed. A motion was made to accept the proposal by Mark Friedrich, seconded by Jon Foerster. Motion passed. Proposal was accepted. Gaetano Apa will follow up to the membership for logos and invoicing.
Mark Friedrich brought forth for discussion a choice of listing the membership on the web site. Mitch Williams suggested he could do either PDF or Excel Spreadsheet style. Mark asked for a vote. A discussion ensued. A decision was made that both were probably needed. Gaetano volunteered to update the spreadsheet portion then submit it to Mitch for uploading. A vote was taken to have both. Majority voted to have both.
Mitch Williams graciously agreed to upload both. Gaetano agreed to update the excel spreadsheet.
Jon Foerster asked to discuss voting on allowing Steve Kelley to have dual memberships for his business Corner to Corner - one for commercial application and one for residential application. A discussion concluded that he did not need to have dual membership since there is currently no other commercial cleaning business as a member and that Corner to Corner is both a residential and commercial cleaning company. It was also mentioned that in the future should another cleaning company come up for membership that Steve would be asked for a vote of first refusal to allow or not allow the company to be voted in. A vote was taken and passed by majority vote. A motion was made to accept the vote by Mark Friedrich and seconded by Gaetano Apa. Motion was passed and accepted.
Old Business:
Nothing to report.
Motion of adjournment of the business meeting was made by Mark Friedrich; seconded by Randy Begole at 1:20 p.m.
Steve Kelley, Corner to Corner Cleaning, LLC was the member to be spotlighted at this meeting. Because the meeting ran out of time Steve was asked to wait until the Feb meeting to spotlight his business. He agreed.
Next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at The Lariat.
Respectfully submitted,
Gaetano Apa
THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 6, 2007
12:00 Noon
THE LARIAT CLUB
Present: Gaetano Apa, Randy Begole, Steve Buttice, Melissa Comer, Jeff Davies, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerster, Mark Friedrich, David Hohmann, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Tadd Johnson, Steve Kelly, Stan Marshall, Mike Meronk, Mike Nordwall, Art Remsik, Kathy Schaeffer, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Cathy Thomatis, Mitch Williams, Kate Wilson
Absent: John Abraham, Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, John Chaney, Lamar Harris, Marcel Isaak, Dan Joseph, Rich Ledbetter, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Ryan Palm, Mugdha Pattekar, Matt West
Guests: Brandon Bressner, Legal Record Corporation (Apa); Chuck Brown, Blue Chip Seminars (Davies); Robert Burdess, Potter’s E Marketer (Apa); Moses Praul, Fort Toyota (Abraham); Paul Zacovic, Adams Outdoor (Begole)
Randy Begole, President, called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests. All members and guests introduced themselves and gave a short account of their business. Randy also reminded members of the “member take a member to lunch” to have a better understanding of one another’s business.
Randy once again reiterated our 50/50/50 rules: $50.00 membership fee, 50% attendance is required, 50% vote is needed to change by-laws.
A motion was made by Jon Foerster, seconded by Cathy Thomatis, to approve the Meeting Minutes of the November 2007 Meeting; accepted and approved.
The following new members were accepted into Consultants Forum: Brandon Bressner (Legal Record); Robert Burdess (Potter’s Graphix) and Todd Thousand (Potter’s eSolutions).
Announcements:
Dave Hohmann has been promoted to Assistant Vice President at Merrill Lynch.
Randy Begole is looking for full-time office personnel; he would like names submitted to him by January 1, 2008 and will be filling the position by February 1, 2008.
Several member success stories were shared, representing the power of networking and referrals.
Treasurer’s Report:
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $1,973.20 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid. No other bills are pending.
Committee Reports:
Holiday Committee: The Holiday Party will be held at The River Station on January 26th with Ken Klotz, Bradley Small Business Segment, speaking and Mitch Williams entertaining. Coco Loco will be performing next door at Martini’s. Email any questions for the speaker to Pauline.
New Business:
Member of the Year ballots were distributed to the membership. Jon Foerster collected the results and the winner will be announced at the January 2008 meeting. The perks of being named MOYA are: Monthly lunches paid for by the organization and the member’s guest will be paid for at the Holiday Party.
Old Business:
Nothing to report.
Motion of adjournment of the business meeting was made by Kathy Schaeffer; seconded by Melissa Comer at 1:00 p.m.
Mike Meronk, Central Illinois Glass & Mirror, was the member spotlighted at this meeting.
Next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at The Lariat.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Schaeffer
Present: John Abraham, Gaetano Apa, Randy Begole, John Chaney, Melissa Comer, Jeff Davies, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerster, Mark Friedrich, Lamar Harris, David Hohmann, Marcel Isaak, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Tadd Johnson, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Art Remsik, Kathy Schaeffer, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Mitch Williams
Absent: Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, Melissa Comer, Kosta Demetreas, David Hohmann, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Rich Ledbetter, Stan Marshall, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Mike Meronk, Ryan Palm, Mugdha Pattekar, Brad Schupp, Cathy Thomatis, Matt West, Kate Wilson
Guests: Brandon Bressner, Legal Record Corporation (Apa); Glen Berkshier, Potter’s E Marketer (Apa); Robert Burdess, Potter’s E Marketer (Apa); Todd Thousand, Dynamic Technology Consultanting, Inc. (Apa)
Randy Begole, President, called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests. All members and guests introduced themselves and gave a short account of their business. Randy also reminded members of the “member take a member to lunch” to have a better understanding of one another’s business.
Randy 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 October 2007 Meeting were accepted and approved.
Announcements:
Mitch Williams will be performing Wednesday evenings at Tyroni’s in Bartonville and Thursday evenings at Patty O’Flaherty’s in Morton.
Lamar Harris will be performing at Bogie’s on Sterling on November 7th.
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $1,973.20 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid. No other bills are pending.
Committee Reports:
Holiday Committee: The Holiday Party will be held at The River Station on January 25th with Ken Klotz, Bradley Small Business Segment, speaking and Mitch Williams entertaining. Coco Loco will be performing next door at Martini’s. Email any questions for the speaker to Pauline.
New Business:
The supply of business cardholders has been exhausted. A vote was taken to order fifty (50) more with the Forum’s treasury covering the cost.
Gaetano Apa has proposed an opportunity for advertising, at a very reduced rate, in The Potter’s Vessel to all members. He will be emailing everyone with the specifics.
After a secret ballot voting, the following were named officers for the coming year:
President:
Mark Friedrich
Vice President: Kim Shadley
Secretary:
Gaetano Apa
Treasurer: Jeff Davies
Old Business:
If there is any other member interested in being a part of the Consultant’s Forum Map, please contact Randy Begole.
Motion of adjournment of the business meeting was made by Kathy Schaeffer; seconded by Art Remsik at 1:04 p.m.
Marcel Isaak, Mr. Handyman of Greater Peoria, LLC was the member spotlighted at this meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Schaeffer
Present: Gaetano Apa, Randy Begole, Melissa Comer, Jeff Davies, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerster, Lamar Harris, David Hohmann, Tim Jacobs, Tadd Johnson, Rich Ledbetter, Mike Meronk, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Mugdha Pattekar, Kathy Schaeffer, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley, Cathy Thomatis, Matt West, Mitch Williams, Kate Wilson
Absent: John Abraham, Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, Mark Friedrich, Marcelo Isaak, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Stan Marshall, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Mugdha Pattekar, Art Remsik
Guests: Aaron Guariglia, Merrill Lynch (Hohmann)
Randy Begole, President, called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests. All members and guests introduced themselves and gave a short account of their business.
A vote was taken to accept two (2) new members into our group: Marcelo Isaak, Mr. Handyman of Greater Peoria and Gaetano Apa of The Potters Vessel.
Randy once again reiterated our 50/50/50 rules: $50.00 membership fee, 50% attendance is required, 50% vote is needed to change by-laws.
A motion was made to accept the August minutes by Brad Schupp; seconded by Mitch Williams.
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $1,884.31 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid. No other bills are pending.
Committee Reports:
Holiday Committee: In Pauline’s absence, Tadd shared with the group that Pauline would be suggesting going to Martini’s after the dinner for anyone wishing to do so. Mitch Williams volunteered to once again be on the committee.
Randy also asked for volunteers interested in serving on the 2008 Election Committee. Tadd Johnson and Gaetano Apa both volunteered.
Three options were presented for the maps that came out of the meeting held on September 27th. A brief discussion was held with the following costs being stated: For a quantity of 5,000 . . . $.80 for two-color, $1.20 for full-color. More discussion will take place at the next meeting. Randy will e-mail further information to those who expressed interest: Ryan Palm, Jon Foerster, Al Bennett, Mike Meronk, Tim Jacobs, Hal McNeill, Stan Marshall, Cathy Thomatis, Lamar Harris, Steve Buttice, Steve Kelly and Kate Wilson.
Motion of adjournment of the business meeting was made by Cathy Thomatis; seconded by David Hohmann at 12:50 p.m.
Lamar Harris, Express Home Inspections, LLC was the member spotlight this meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Schaeffer
Present: John Abraham, Randy Begole, Steve Buttice, Jeff Davies, Jon Foerster, Lamar Harris, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Tadd Johnson, Mike Meronk, Ryan Palm, Mugdha Pattekar, Kim Shadley, Cathy Thomatis, Matt West, Mitch Williams
Absent: Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, Melissa Comer, Kosta Demetreas, Mark Friedrich, David Hohmann, Dan Joseph, Steve Kelly, Stan Marshall, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Mike Nordwall, Art Remsik, Kathy Schaeffer, Brad Schupp, Kate Wilson
Guests: Gaetano Apa, The Potter’s Vessel (guest of Tadd Johnson); John Chaney, AT&T; Bo Ledbetter and Rich Ledbetter, Extreme Ridez, Inc. (guests of Matt West); Marcelo Isaak, Mr. Handyman (guest of Jon Foerster); Diane Mitzelfelt, Numero Publishing (guest of Tadd Johnson)
Randy Begole, President, called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests. All members and guests introduced themselves and gave a short account of their business.
Randy once again reiterated our 50/50/50 rules: $50.00 membership fee, 50% attendance is required, 50% vote is needed to change by-laws.
A correction was made to the August meeting minutes. Mike Meronk was the guest of Al Bennett at the August meeting. A motion was made to accept the August minutes as corrected.
A vote was taken to accept two (2) new members into our group: John Chaney, AT&T, and Rich Ledbetter, Extreme Ridez. The group welcomed them as new members.
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $1,793.89 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid. No other bills are pending.
Committee Reports:
Holiday Committee: Pauline reported that she had spoken with someone at the River Station. Their cost for three (3) different entrees would be $26.00 per person. The entrée choices are prime rib, top sirloin, pesto chicken and pasta primo vera, which will also include a baked potato, salad and rolls. Pauline also spoke with Ken Klotz, Director of Small Business, Bradley University, who agreed to be a speaker. Randy asked that we wait until next month to approve this choice and asked anyone who has any suggestions for topics for his speech to contact Pauline at her e-mail address (paulinejohnson276@sbcglobal.net).
Randy also asked that anyone interested in serving on the 2008 Election Committee e-mail him.
Randy Begole asked the membership if there is any interest in sponsoring a map of Peoria to give out to new residents. We briefly discussed a map and several options. We will discuss this further at the next meeting. Randy will e-mail further information to those who expressed interest: Ryan Palm, Jon Foerster, Al Bennett, Mike Meronk, Tim Jacobs, Hal McNeill, Stan Marshall, Cathy Thomatis, Lamar Harris, Steve Buttice, Steve Kelly and Kate Wilson. Art Remsik is interested in a directory only. They will meet two weeks from today, 9/20/07, for lunch to discuss.
Because of the length of the meeting, Lamar’s presentation was rescheduled for October’s meeting.
Ryan Palm made a motion to adjourn and Pauline Johnson seconded.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Thomatis
Present: John Abraham, Randy Begole, Melissa Comer, Jeff Davies, David Hohmann, Pauline Johnson, Dan Joseph, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Ryan Palm, Mugdha Pattekar, Art Remsik, Cathy Thomatis, Matt West, Mitch Williams
Absent: Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, Kosta Demetrius; Jon Foerster, Mark Friedrich, David Hohmann, Tim Jacobs, Tadd Johnson, Mike Nordwall, Kathy Schaeffer, Brad Schupp, Kim Shadley
Guests: Steven Buttice, Medical Reimbursement & Management Services (guest of Randy Begole); Lynn Cisco, Home Inventory Incorporated (guest of Mark Friedrich); Lamar Harris, Express Home Inspections, LLC (guest of John Abraham); Steve Kelly, Corner to Corner Cleaning (guest of Jon Foerster); Rich Ledbetter, Extreme Ridez, Inc. (guest of Matt West); Mike Meronk, Central Illinois Glass & Mirror, Inc. (guest of Jon Foerster); Moses Praul (former member and guest of John Abraham); Kate Wilson, Henricksen (former member); Stan Marshall (former member)
Randy Begole, President, called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. and welcomed all members and guests. All members and guests introduced themselves and gave a short account of their business.
Moses Praul is no longer with Verizon and is looking for a position in sales. Please keep him in mind for any positions you may be aware of.
Randy once again reiterated our 50/50/50 rules: $50.00 membership fee, 50% attendance is required, 50% vote is needed to change by-laws.
A vote was taken to accept five (5) new members into our group: Mike Meronk, Central Illinois Glass & Mirror, Inc.; William (Lamar) Harris, Express Home Inspections, LLC; Steve Kelly, Corner to Corner Cleaning; Kate Wilson, Henricksen; and Steven Buttice, Medical Reimbursement & Management Services. Randy also received an application from Kim Shadley, who has changed jobs. He is now with Heart Technology. Stan Marshall has also applied for membership again.
Ryan Palm made a motion to approve the June meeting meetings as posted on the website. Jeff Davies seconded the motion.
Mitch Williams read a letter of apology he received from a student, who had done a paper on magic and plagiarized a portion of Mitch’s information from his website. The student’s professor also went on Mitch’s website and realized the student had plagiarized his paper, leading to a lesson in ethics.
Jeff Davies gave the Treasurer’s report, reporting a balance of $1,578.47 in our account. All submitted bills have been paid.
Committee Reports:
Holiday Committee: Pauline reported that she had spoken with someone at the River Station. Their cost for three (3) different entrees would be $26.00 per person. Pauline asked if we could increase the amount budgeted per person from $25.00 to $26.00 should we decide to hold our annual holiday party at the River Station. They do have the date of 1/26/08 available. She also spoke with someone at the Waterhouse and they would have to have a minimum of $500.00 to provide the “Dueling Pianos” as entertainment. Pauline also spoke with Ken Klotz, Director of Small Business, Bradley University, who agreed to be a speaker. Randy asked that we wait until next month to approve this choice and Pauline will get a biography of Mr. Klotz to have at that meeting. Lamar Harris offered to donate his services for entertainment at no cost. Mitch Williams is also available for entertainment on that date.
Old Business:
Randy Begole asked the membership if there is any interest in sponsoring a map of Peoria to give out to new residents. We briefly discussed a map and several options. We will discuss this further at the May meeting. Randy will e-mail further information to those who expressed interest: Ryan Palm, Jon Foerster, Al Bennett, Mike Meronk, Tim Jacobs, Hal McNeill, Stan Marshall, Cathy Thomatis, Lamar Harris, Steve Buttice, Steve Kelly and Kate Wilson. Art Remsik is interested in a directory only.
Mitch Williams motioned to adjourn the meeting at 1:00 pm and Lamar Harris seconded the motion.
Mugdha Pattekar, Cartridge World, gave a presentation of her business.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Thomatis
Present:
Randy Begole, Jeff Davies, Jon Foerester, Mark Friedrich, David
Hohmann, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Dan Joseph, Judy Kauffman, Beth
Kolowski, Hal McNeill, Mike Nordwall, Jeff McSweeney, Ryan Palm, Art
Remsik, Kathy Schaeffer, Kim Shadley, Brad Schupp, Cathy Thomatis,
Debbie Walmsley, Mitch Williams, Kate Wilson
Absent:
John Abraham, Troy Alexander, Al Bennett, Melissa Comer, Kosta
Demetreas, Tadd Johnson
Guests:
Joy Duling, A 25-Hour Day (Guest of Begole)
President
Remsik called the meeting to order at 12:00 Noon and welcomed all
members and guests. He asked each person present to introduce
themselves and give a brief overview of their business.
After
discussions, the Forum members decided to do another BINGO card later
in the Fall. Jon Foerster suggested the group have a social
to do this.
The
group discussed attendance policy, dues policy, and reviewed procedures
followed if members are dropped due to those policies. The
consensus of the group is that present policy is fair, and that the
need for regular member participation justifies the attendance
requirement.
No
corrections were voiced with the Minutes of the September 7, 2006
meeting. Minutes stand approved as posted on the website.
There
is a balance of $1,316.35 in the Treasury as reported by Jeff Davies,
Treasurer.
Mitch
Williams reported that the Holiday Party will be a social
gathering. Plans are not finalized as yet.
One
prospective member has applied for membership: Matthew West,
of Central Illinois Drug Screening. Applicant was approved
unanimously for membership.
A
motion to adjourn at 12:40 p.m. was made by Pauline Johnson and
seconded by Beth Kolowski. The remainder of time was turned
over to Mark Friedrich for a presentation on Kuhl & Company.
Respectfully
submitted,
Kathy
Schaeffer
Secretary,
2006
Present: Randy
Begole, Al Bennett, Jeff Davies, Mark Friedrich, Pauline Johnson, Tadd
Johnson, Dan Joseph, Stan Marshall, Hal McNeill, Jeff McSweeney, Kathy
Schaeffer, Cathy Thomatis, Mitch Williams, Kate Wilson
Absent: John
Abraham, Troy Alexander, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerester, Tim Jacobs,
Judy Kauffman, Mike Nordwall, Ryan Palm, Moses Praul, Art Remsik, Brad
Schupp, Debbie Walmsley
Guests: Matt West,
Central Illinois Drug Screening (Guest of Begole)
In
the absence of President Remsik, Vice President Begole called the
meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. and welcomed all members and
guests. He asked each person present to introduce themselves
and give a brief overview of their business.
One
correction was made to the Minutes of the August 3, 2006 meeting prior
to posting on the website. Mitch Williams noticed his company
did not contain the proper information and made the appropriate
correction. Minutes stand approved as corrected.
Brian
Morse is no longer a member of the organization because of attendance.
Four
people in the group have had perfect attendance so far this year: Randy
Begole, Cathy Thomatis, Mitch Williams, and Kate Wilson.
Jeff
Davies gave the Treasurer’s report. There is a balance of
$1,216.35 in our account.
Stan
Marshall reported on behalf of the Holiday Committee. It has
not been decided as yet if the party is to be a
“fun” or “business”
gathering. The proposed speaker, Larry Mersereau, has the
second and last Saturdays of January 2007 open. Larry works
with companies that want to help their resellers bring in more business
with marketing that works at their level and with business owners and
marketers who want to bring in more business so they can take home more
money. His fee is such that we would have to sell tickets to
the public to cover the cost. Further updates will be given
next month.
Three
prospective members have applied for membership:
David
Hohmann, Merrill Lynch; Dan Joseph, Joseph & Hishon
Chiropractic and Kim Shadley, Oberlander Communications
Systems. All applicants were approved unanimously for
membership.
A
letter was received from the Illinois Small Business Development Center
at Bradley University stating they are looking for companies interested
in participating in its “Senior Consultant Project
Program” during the Fall 2006 semester. This
program is free. If you are interested, you can call 677.2992
or email tce@bradley.edu
A
motion to adjourn at 12:35 p.m. was made by Kathy Schaeffer and
seconded by Stan Marshall. The remainder of time was turned
over to Pauline Johnson for a presentation on Impact Incentives.
Respectfully
submitted,
Kathy
Schaeffer
Secretary,
2006
Present: John
Abraham, Randy Begole, Jeff Davies, Kosta Demetreas, Jon Foerster, Mark
Friedrich, Tim Jacobs, Pauline Johnson, Judy Kauffman, Hal McNeill,
Jeff McSweeney, Ryan Palm, Art Remsik, Brad Schupp, Kathy Schaeffer,
Cathy Thomatis, Mitch Williams, Debbie Walmsley, Kate Wilson
Absent: Troy
Alexander, Al Bennett, Tadd Johnson, Bryan Joseph, Beth Kolowski, Brian
Morse, Mike Nordwall, Moses Praul
Guests: David
Hohmann, Merrill Lynch (Guest of Begole); Dan Joseph, Joseph &
Hishon Chiropractic; Stan Marshall, Grand Bear Lodge (Guest of
Schaeffer); Chauntel Seiler, Bead Social (Guest of Remsik) Doris
Symonds, T.A.L.K. Inc. (Guest of Walmsley); Cory Winstead, Edward Jones
(Guest of Jacobs).
President
Art Remsik called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. and welcomed all
members and guests. He asked each person present to introduce
themselves and give a brief overview of their business.
There
were no additions or corrections to the Minutes of the July 6, 2006
meeting. Minutes stand approved as written.
Phil
Sego has resigned from the group citing job responsibilities and health
issues.
Bryan
Joseph is resigning from the group due to a career opportunity in St.
Louis. Bryan and his wife, Olivia, proud new parents of a
daughter, Carmen Olivia, will be moving at the end of the
month. Bryan has encouraged his brother and business
associate, Dan Joseph, to apply for membership into the Forum.
Brian
Morse has not attended any meetings so far this year. The
E-Board sent him correspondence and should know his status at the next
meeting.
Five
people in the group have had perfect attendance so far this year: Randy
Begole, Jon Foerster, Cathy Thomatis, Mitch Williams, and Kate Wilson.
Jeff
Davies gave the Treasurer’s report. There is a balance of
$1,152.03 in our account.
Kathy
Schaeffer applied to transfer her membership from the printing services
category to the technology category. She will now represent
Stellar Systems, Inc. Kathy will be selling high-end Website
Development, Networking, MAS90 Accounting Software, Software
Development and Scanning and Archiving to medium and large-size
businesses. President Remsik noted that the Executive Board
did not see a conflict of interest. A vote was taken and the
group unanimously agreed to allow this change in membership.
Two
new membership applications were voted on . . . Melissa Comer, WHOI-TV
and Stan Marshall, Grand Bear Lodge. Both were voted in by a
unanimous vote of the membership.
For
planning purposes, everyone should be thinking about entertainment for
the 2007 Holiday party. A new committee will be formed in
another month or so. If anyone is interested in serving on
this committee, please email Jeff Davies, who will serve as a focal for
gathering the volunteer names.
A
motion to adjourn at 12:30 p.m. was made by Ryan Palm and seconded by
Stan Marshall. The remainder of time was turned over to Mitch
Williams for a presentation on Mitch Williams Magic Productions.
Respectfully
submitted,
Kathy
Schaeffer
Secretary,
2006