MGCC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING JANUARY 14, 2010

The Middle Georgia Camera Club Executive Board Meeting was held on January 14, 2010 at 6:30pm at the home of Binks Solomon with President Janice Thiese presiding.

Those attending included: Janice Thiese, Binks Solomon, Charles Martin, Christy Prosser, Judy Fouse, Sandra Brown, Rick Freeburg, Janet Goodman, and Diana Sullivan.
Those absent included: Edna Dean and William Haun.

The Board reviewed program suggestions. A budget for program presenters was discussed. Local speakers usually receive $25.00 and out of town/state speakers receive $75.00. Some presenters decline any payment. 1st VP Janet Goodman requested ideas for speakers and program topics. Suggestions received from the Club survey included: 24 shot competition, still life in a bag, programs with 2 -3 different short presentations, scavenger hunt, monthly themes, what’s in your camera bag?, 5 minute tips at each meeting for beginners and advanced members, a still life workshop, an in Club PJ competition, use PSA presentations, and have the Club participate in a Club project conducted by PSA.

Field trips were discussed. An overnight field trip was felt to be a good idea. Other ideas include action photography, a photo walk, outdoor shots of people, photos of birds and animals (Georgia Southern “Raptor” program or Dauset Trails), a secret garden, Jarell Plantation Historic Site (black and white photos), Heritage Trail. The ideas discussed will be forwarded to Edna Dean, Field Trip Coordinator. An overnight field trip will be discussed at a later date.

Our Macon Arts membership was discussed and tabled until a later date. The dues are $60.00 yearly. There was a question whether this is money well spent.

Website costs were discussed. This matter needs to be researched before reaching a decision.

Judy Fouse, Treasurer, reported a year end total of $2095. Our income from dues and the Georgia National Fair was $1670 in 2009. A tentative budget includes: guest speakers—

$300, Christmas Party—$100, UPS mailing costs for the Print Competition—$75, Church—250, web domain—65, Banquet—$400, Mailbox—$70, PSA—$45 for a total of $1305.

A dues increase for 2011 will be discussed at the next board meeting.

A By-Laws update to Article III, Duties of the Second Vice President shall be: (change to read) to serve as MGCC Volunteer Coordinator for the Georgia National Fair Photography Competition with the Georgia National Fair Photography Chairman.

A motion was made by Binks Solomon to approve the revision. Janet Goodman seconded the motion. The motion carried.

A By-Laws update to Article III, Duties of the Secretary shall be: (add) The Secretary shall also serve as Membership Chairman.

A motion was made by Binks Solomon to approve this addition. Rick Freeburg seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Constitution Updates Article V—omit Second VP Cherry Blossom Festival and Georgia State Fair.

A motion was made by Binks Solomon to approve this change. Rick Freeburg seconded the motion. The motion carried.

The proposed changes to the By-Laws and Constitution will be presented to the MGCC membership for their approval at a regular scheduled meeting.

A change to the MGCC procedures—For processing New Member Application Paragraph 5 and following (change to read)

The Membership Chairperson updates the Membership Roster and provides a copy to all members after verifying that the Treasurer has received the appropriate dues, provides a copy of the membership application to the First Vice President so that they may note the new member’s interest for program consideration.

A motion to approve this change was made by Christy Prosser and seconded by Binks Solomon. The motion was carried. Since this is a change in procedure, a vote by the MGCC membership is not necessary.

William Haun is working on a new website.

Rick Freeburg, Newsletter Editor, has requested the information for the newsletter be submitted by the 10th of the month.

Christy Prosser will serve as PSA Representative for the Prints Competition.

Binks Solomon has developed an information packet for new members.

Sandra Brown has updated the membership list. A disclaimer will be placed on the membership list.

A Club Calendar will be developed. The turn in dates for the three cyclic competitions (prints and digital images) will be changed. Turn in for the End of the Year Competitions will be the 2nd meeting in October. This will help the PSA Representatives secure judges (or one judge) for this final competition. The results of this competition are needed by the 3rd VP to prepare the awards presented at the annual Awards Banquet held in January. It is very difficult to secure judges during the holiday season.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Brown, Secretary