Attending: Harold, Bruce, Gordy, Wes, Bonnie, Candi, Ralph, Sharon, Michael L., Mike M., Trevor, Todd
Meeting called to order by President Candi Gerard at 6pm.
Secretaries Report: Nothing to report.
Treasurer’s Report: Good month for the club, our auction was successful, dues have been rolling in (37 new memberships and renewals so far since October.) Incoming – auction, dues, lap room, club sales, classes. We made a deposit from October. Well done everyone!
<Discussion> about purchasing a money market account, or CD vs. high-percentage savings account. The club has enough funds to make an investment.
Bonnie motioned, Wes seconded, and all unanimously voted to move forward at WECU. Motion passed.
Federation Report: nothing to report
Wagonmaster: N/A latest field trip to Swift Creek was a success.
Mineral Council: Field trip to Blanchard Mt. for Stilpnomelane Saturday, 11/16, More info HERE
Lapidary Room: Shelves cleaned up for auction, found blades for 12″ and 16″ saws. General cleaning has been performed.
Show 2025: Inquiry about raising cost of entry (currently $15/ft). In comparison to other clubs, we currently have the lowest cost of entry. <Discussion> The show was originally created to be self-sustaining, not meant to be a source of profit.
<Discussion> regarding vendors, table space, raffle prizes, budget for expenses, advertising, security, etc. Idea was brought up to have higher-end raffle prizes, each with its own ticket receptacle. This may increase ticket sales and encourage people to go for a prize they really want to win.
A local dairy recently went out of business; Mike can procure 4-gallon milk crates for $4/each. Candi made a motion, voted, and passed to purchase 50-60 crates.
ATM for the show – $50 fee for the weekend, $3.50/transaction fee for users. If things go well, the vendor may waive $50 delivery fee in the future. Board unanimously voted to book it for the show in March.
Vice President 2025: Harold is considering running. Do we have anyone to run against? Nominations can be made.
Todd: three things –
1. Scholarship info has been send to WWU admin, will remind in January/ New Years. Deadline to apply is 2/15/25. Discussed verbiage and ways to promote.
2. Website: links were getting hijacked and sending users to Japanese sales sites. 2 years of a SSL encryption service have been purchased, though WordPress is not immune to malware. Paid for a ticket to add a new SSL plugin for $8/month. May become a recurring expense.
3. Dues: we no longer send mail to people’s homes, is it necessary to collect people’s address?
@ Next meeting in November, we will be asking for a holiday chairperson to organize decorations and details for the December holiday meal / meeting. Fried chicken, ham will be procured by Mike, Ralph (thanks, guys!)
Brief discussion about stones on dop sticks. Consensus is to silently auction them at meetings.