Date 11/18/24 EC Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7:33
PM EST
Roll Call:
Norm Kern*
Lou Laguna*
Brad Bachelor*
Debbie Todt*
Dianne Park*
Rob Milton*
Jerry James*
Kelly Ernst*
Dennis Villarose*
STAR Business:
Dennis Villarose- An agreement from Genetti Hotel in Williamsport PA for Star 2025. Rates from Oct 2-8 are single and double $90.96 – Suites $100.96. Best Western Points will work. They also furnish a continental Breakfast and Wifi. MSTA has reserved 180 rooms. There will be one free room for every 30 rooms picked up for guest speakers etc. All Meeting rooms $1500 for the week. EC vote to approve the Genetti Hotel – Motion: Dianne Second:Debbie Vote: Unanimous
STAR 2026 discussions have started. Further discussions will take place in a future meeting.
Dennis will be stepping down as STAR coordinator after STAR 2025.
Recap STAR TX Hill Country: Texas Group pulled off a great STAR. Dennis is reevaluating registration closing and lunch ride ticket problems that seemed to be an inconvenience this year.
Kelly suggested a raffle coordinator for 2025 STAR to help promote the raffle.
Jerry delivered the raffle bike to the winner. Jerry also received the raffle lift.
Old Business:
Progress report on Paid Membership Pro- Lou Laguna – Patrick Elworth is possibly going to get involved in website changes for PMP. He would like to evaluate our site on what changes need to be made to our website, then give anestimate on the cost of the scope of work.
EC vote for Patrick Elworth to evaluate PMP program : Motion: DianneSecond: Lou Vote: Unanimous
Update on monthly email blast- Lou Laguna – Going well, Diane wanted to make sure people are thanked. Lou wants to allow EC to look over the email blast and add to it as needed.
Report on Facebook group MSTA Members-Volunteers- Norm Kern The group currently has 92 members.
Report on updating the State/Area directors email lists and addresses-
Rob Milton State/Area Directors Email List Updates- Current and verified as of 11/18. Pending Vote Status will be removed once the votes are complete on 11/18 EC call.
New Business:
Membership Info for August As of 11/01/2024, Total member count = 1011
Expired = 7. New = 20. Expiring soon = 107
Treasurers report- Kelly Ernst report
$1070 sent to the IRS for taxes on the raffle bike.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED VIA EMAIL TO EC:
I made an in-person visit to the First Bank in Knoxville, TN. I successfully changed address on all Certificates of Deposits. Early withdraw of the four certificate of deposits would have been well over $800. Wanting to be responsible with club funds I opted to leave funds on deposit at First Bank until their maturity dates which are October 25th & 26th. A week prior to these dates I will send a letter with notorized signature and a copy of my drivers license authorizing CD’s to be closed and maturity balances be sent via cashiers check to current address on account. Upon receipt of First Bank Certificate of Deposit balances I present options to the EC on how to re-invest these funds.
UPDATE:
Discovered that I was missed informed First Bank Certificates of Deposits maturity dates. The four MSTA CD’s do not mature until October 25th & 26th of 2026. As I now have all address information changed and I have access to these funds, they will remain on deposit at First Bank. This matter will be address again next October with the EC determining how to proceed. The 2021 & 2022 MSTA Form 990 Annual Tax Returns have been amended with the correct investment interest reported and the amended returns have been accepted by the IRS.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED VIA EMAIL TO EC:
In September I received an email request from Geoffrey Green this week requesting a check for Ride For Kids contributions for 2023 & 2024 prior to Fly By so these funds can be submitted to the charity before September 30, 2024. As Business Manager/Treasurer I will continue to track member donations and I will submit them to the Ride For Kids. I will attempt to continue to time donations with prize incentives, so prizes can be used for door prizes at STAR or other MSTA events.
National Officer changes
Chad Barker has agreed to step into the Georgia State Director role. Chad hasdone great things in reviving Georgia’s website as well as being an event coordinator for the North Georgia Classic.EC vote to confirm: Motion: Norm Second: Rob Vote: Unanimous
Tommy Victor of Georgia expressed the desire to be promoted to member. He has been a huge asset to the state and national club with his rides, leadership and overall great ambassador. He will continue to be all those, just not in an official role. EC vote to confirm: Motion: Brad Second: Debbie Vote: Unanimous
Bruce Schweikert, of Blue Ash, Ohio, has agreed to replace Doug McPeek as Ohio State director starting January 1. EC vote to confirm: Motion: Lou Second: Jerry Vote: Unanimous
Michael Dupuis volunteered to become South Carolina state director. He has been attending Lou Laguna’s local rides and activities in North Carolina and decided to see if he can get things going closer to home. Michael is not exactly new to volunteering- he was eastern Tennessee director before he moved to South Carolina and has been an MSTA member since 1992. EC vote to confirm: Motion: Lou Second: Rob
Vote: Unanimous
Blue Books
From Pat Mogavero: So far this year, through the end of October, we have had 343 people renew their membership. Only 22 people have requested a membership directory be printed and mailed to them. That is a 6.4% request rate. Almost exactly what we had last year and the year before.
Personally, I have to question if doing printed bluebooks is even necessary anymore?
Should the option be removed from the printed and online renewal forms?
Tabled EC vote to Table: Motion: Brad Second: Rob Vote: Unanimous
Question to Don Moe from member Steve Cook:
Round the table Discussion-
Jerry- Should EC members be allowed to win the raffles?
Norm stated that not allowing EC members or other volunteers to win would disincentivize the officers roles in the MSTA. The rules state active members can buy tickets and MSTA officers and directors are active members.
Wrap-up
Schedule next EC call 16 Dec 7:30 EST
EC Call adjourn: 9:01
Motion: Debbie Second: Brad Vote: Unanimous
Date: 09/24/2024 EC Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7:32 EDT
Roll Call:
Norm Kern*
Lou Laguna*
Brad Bachelor*
Debbie Todt*
Dianne Park*
Rob Milton*
Jerry James*
Kelly Ernst*
STAR Business:
STAR 24 Kerrville TX-
There are147 registrants so far
Norm has completed all routes and descriptions and uploaded to the
website. Kudos to Todd Nunnally and Mike Gilliland for their good
work.
In lieu of a keynote speaker, Norm will give an address on
volunteering.
Diane said the Tee Shirts have been ordered. Other star items are
Massage therapists should be available andLaw enforcement has
been asked about signage around the event.
There has been some difficulty getting plastic bags for Star
packages. Kelly will reach out to progressive insurance for plastic
bags and have them shipped to Y.O. Ranch.
Klim will not be available as a vendor for the event. There should be
an email soon that will offer discounts to participants through Klim.
Helene Villemure will offer training.
Tuesday will have a movie offering.
Old Business:
Progress report on Paid Membership Pro
◦Lou- found it PMP a bit complicated, and will have another training session with Jeff Dolence
◦Jeff Dolence is trying to get the contractor to expedite changes to complete the PMP app. He would like to be able to offer a cash incentive to the contractor if needed. EC discuss whether to authorize Jeff and amount. Kelly explained it further in the following email:
EC Members,
As we voted to allow Jeff Dolence to offer a cash incentive to the contractor (The Express Tech) I wanted to advise everyone of the agreement:
10% incentive = $300
15% incentive = $450
20% incentive = $600
25% incentive = $750
30% incentive = $1,000
Note: Per the January 22, 2024 EC meeting minutes “Old Business” – Progress Report on Paid Membership Pro … Jeff Dolence estimates that we are getting $15K worth of development work for $3K.
$1500.00 – 50% Deposit to initiate project (Paid by MSTA VISA)
$ 750.00 – 25% Payment: Upon completion of 50% of the work (the MSTA has not paid)
$ 750.00 – 25% Payment: Upon completion of the project and successful deployment
$3,000.00 Total Project Cost
I am sharing this information so that a fair a reasonable amount of incentive can be offered if Jeff Dolence deems necessary. I’m also questioning the current completion percentage. If we have reached and verified 50% completion, then according to the agreement the $750 should be paid. However, I have not received any communication that second payment is due. (Possibly this is why we are delayed on this project.)
EC Motion: Debbie Second: Jerry Vote: Seven in favor / one opposed
Update on monthly email blast- Lou Laguna
◦ Due to a motorcycle rally (which I guess is an ok excuse…..) the October email blast will be sent on September 30th. Anyone with
anything to put in the blast should send it to Lou Laguna at lagunapsych@gmail.com.
◦ Jerry requested that Scott Snedden track the email blast through Mailchimp’s analytics to determine how much contact engagement is being done by MSTA membership. Lou said he’d talk to Scott about that.
Report on Facebook group MSTA Members-Volunteers- Norm Kern
◦ The group currently has 90 members.
Report on updating the State/Area directors email lists and addresses- Rob Milton
◦ The State/ Area directors email lists and addresses arre all up to date. The newsletter websites are as up to date as possible under the currentsystem of publishing them.
Open national officer positions (to be filled when possible)
◦ Event Photographer-
◦ Raffle Coordinator-
◦ State News Editor for STAReview- possible candidate
◦ Replacement for Membership communications-
Need to review all National position job descriptions and update them- Tabled until the end of riding season
Pat Mogavero FB discussion on 08/08 Re What is the purpose of MSTA? – Tabled until the end of riding season
New Business:
Membership Info for August As of 9/1/2024, Total member count = 980.
Expired = 15. New = 11. Expiring soon = 88.
Treasurers report- Kelly Ernst
Overall cash balance increased by $6,429. Year-to-date net income as of August 31, 2024 = $25,762. However, this figured is secured due to STAR2024 revenue recorded and STAR2024 expenses have not been recorded.
As of meeting date we have 147 members registered for STAR2024, 4 of which registered today 9/24/2024. This number is still lower than typical STAR attendance of 200 to 250. However, members continue to register on-line & can register in-person at event. As we normally have 20 to 25 inperson registrants I estimate 10 in-person registrants, this amount combined with preregistered would equal 160 total registrants.
This past week I made an in-person visit to the First Bank in Knoxville, TN. I successfully changed address on all Certificates of Deposits. Early withdraw of the four certificate of deposits would have been well over $800. Wanting to be responsible with club funds I opted to leave funds on deposit at First Bank until their maturity dates which are October 25th & 26th. A week prior to these dates I will send a letter with notorized signature and a copy of my drivers license authorizing CD’s to be closed and maturity balances be sent via cashiers check to current address on account. Upon receipt of First Bank Certificate of Deposit balances I present options to the EC on how to re-invest these funds.
I received an email request from Geoffrey Green this week requesting a check for Ride For Kids contributions for 2023 & 2024 prior to Fly By so these funds can be submitted to the charity before September 30, 2024. As Business Manager/Treasurer I will continue to track member donations and I will submit them to the Ride For Kids. I will attempt to continue to time donations with prize incentives, so prizes can be used for door prizes as STAR or ther MSTA events.
National Officer changes
◦ Arkansas State Directors- Bill & Gayla O’Brien have stepped down frombeing the Arkansas State directors. The EC thanks them for their long service to the club. Jerry and Jamie James have agreed to take the position. Jerry says, “I feel that Jamie and I have a great relationship with most of the MSTA members from Arkansas and also see a lot of potential for growth going forward.”
EC vote to confirm: Motion: Brad Second: Rob Vote:Unanimous
Colorado/Wyoming State director- Randy Frank (Loveland, CO) has agreed to join Doug Logston as co-Colorado/Wyoming State Director,
effective October 1, 2024
EC vote to confirm: Motion: Jerry Second: Lou Vote:Unanimous
Illinois State Director-John Panek- has agreed to take the Position of illinois state director immediately.
EC vote to confirm: Motion: Dianne Second: Lou Vote:Unanimous
Making MSTA Banners Available for Sale to Members-
◦ Doug Logston wrote: “A few of the attendees at Durango Daze (Double D), earlier this month, really like the MSTA banner you sent to me. Can such a banner be purchased by a club member (and displayed as garage wall art)?”
◦ Norm’s thoughts:
1. Cost of you or me shipping a banner is about $20 so it makes sense to ship them once, directly to the ultimate purchaser.
2. For someone to order one on their own, it’s a PIA- they have to get a copy of the image file and navigate all the options and questions.
3. It’s easy to order a banner for someone who has done it before and know the process. Therefore, just have the member send a check or paypal the money to someone who orders the banner and has it drop-shipped directly to the member. Work out the procedure and find a volunteer to do it. Brad and Rob discussed that the resolution of the MSTA artwork was a problem for people did one on their own. It was suggested that Chris Parker, editor of the STAReview, may have the high resolution artwork. Rob suggested adding it to the MSTA storefront to sell the merchandise as well as other items. Jerry is sending info to Rob on the storefront he uses, and Rob is going to look into the sale of the banners.
Round the table Discussion-
Wrap-up
◦ Brad appreciated Rob Milton’s effort on State Director’s meeting stating it was good to get feedback from other state directors about what works and what doesn’t.
Schedule
Next EC meeting at STAR on Sunday October 20th at 6:00pm
EC vote to confirm: Motion: Jerry
EC Call adjourn 7:26EDT
Second: Debbie Vote:Unanimous
Date: 08/26/2024 August 2024 Meeting
EC Meeting minutes
Meeting called to order at 7:31ET
Roll Call Present:
Norm Kern*
Lou Laguna*
Brad Bachelor*
Debbie Todt*
Dianne Park*
Rob Milton*
Jerry James*
Kelly Ernst*
Not present:
Dennis Villarose
STAR Business:
STAR 2025- Nothing to report
STAR 24 Kerrville TX- Norm Kern has received routes and descriptions from Mike Gilliland and will work on them later this week.
Diane Park- There will be a STAR call at 4:00 on August 28.
Old Business:
Progress report on Paid Membership Pro- Norm has been busy with FlyBy Week. Lou Laguna and Jerry James met with Jeff Dolence at
FlyBy Week to talk about PMP testing so I ask them to report this time- Lou worked with Jeff on WordPress and PMP. Went through membership process as a test, and everything went well. Jerry also tested the software and said it worked well……
Update on monthly email blast- Lou Laguna said the next email blast is coming soon. It will contain remaining rally and star information,. Also, Doug Mcpeek will be leaving after 16 years as Ohio State Director.
Report on Facebook group MSTA Members-Volunteers- Norm Kern
The group currently has 87 members.
Report on updating the State/Area directors email lists and addresses- Rob Milton
The email and newsletter list is up to date. There will be a State Directors Zoom meeting on August 29th at 6:30PM.
There was some discussion about unifying state news letters on the ridemsta.com web page.
Open national officer positions
John Panek was unanimously accepted for Illinois State Director. Debbie Todt brought up the motion, and Rob Milton seconded.
Event Photographer- Lots of attendees took pictures at FlyBy Week. Norm collected some of them and it looks like a pretty good collection. With all the people with excellent smartphone cameras taking pictures, perhaps we don’t need an official event photographer as much today. Just need to get someone to take a few official group pictures. Jerry James and Norm are updating the flyby week. It was suggested to possibly ask people to use a hashtag for pictures at future events.
Raffle Coordinator- Tabled until the end of riding season
State News Editor for STAReview- Tabled until the end of riding season
Replacement for Membership communications- Tabled until the end of riding season
New Business:
Membership Info for June As of 8/1/2024, Total member count = 981. Expired = 23. New = 11. Expiring soon =84.
Treasurers report- Kelly Ernst was pleased with how the flash sale for the STAR raffle tickets went. During the flash sale the club sold $2300 from 39 members. So far $7810 has been raised for the raffle bike ($400 short of the cost), and $2327 for the No-Mar lift. There are Currently 131 registrants for STAR
Lou Laguna was added to the MSTA financial account(s)
Glen Maxwell now heading up the Rides for Kids effort
Norm said that at Flyby week, people really liked the MSTA hats. Norm was thinking we can sell the hats at STAR and other rallies. Debbie brought up a motion to order 50 black hats. Lou seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Need to review all National position job descriptions and update them- Tabled until the end of riding season
Cost Proposal for Promotional Materials for MSTA-Oklahoma The purpose of this document is to try to secure funds to buy MSTA-Oklahoma
stickers to promote increased club membership.
Cost- 6” x 3.25” Die Cut Stickers (Qty 100) – $133.00
Stamps, envelopes, printer ink (Qty 20)- $20.00
Total- $153.00
Norm brought up the motion to provide the needed funds, and Diane seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Pat Mogavero FB discussion on 08/08 Re What is the purpose of MSTA? – For the sake of time, this subject will be tabled until a future meeting
Round the table Discussion-
Brad brought up that he thought the website is confusing and may not be iOS compatible. He also felt our membership registration site should be easier to find on the ridemsta.com page
Rob was wondering how RideMSTA banners are shipped to event planner.
Norm suggested he contact Don Payne MSTA National Event Coordinator.
Norm reported that the Flyby week autographed helmet raffle brought in $700 for the Dan Clark Fund. A big Tip of the Helmet goes out to Jeremy Riffle, who was responsible for the entire effort
Wrap-up
Next EC call is on 9/24 7:30PM EDT
EC Call adjourned 8:46PM EDT
MSTA EC Meeting Summary- July 2024
STAR Business:
STAR 24 Kerrville TX-
• An ice cream social has been added to the event
• Helene Villemure will be doing an accident seminar.
• Routes will be posted a month before star
• 104 members registered for star at this time
Progress report on Paid Membership Pro- Norm Kern
The next step for PMP software is final testing on the ridemsta.com server. Since this is an active system that hosts the club’s internet presence, we have to be very careful that the PMP software does not interfere with existing functions.
Report on Facebook group MSTA Members-Volunteers-
Norm Kern
● The group currently has 86 members. Additional members-volunteers are being invited in the coming months
Open officer positions
National Recruiting Director
• Dennis Lyon accepted the position. An Executive committee vote was needed to confirm. The executive committee voted unanimously to have him fill this position
Membership Info for June
As of 7/1/2024, Total member count= 989. Expired = 11. New = 14. Expiring soon = 107
The next meeting will be Monday, august 26, at 7:30 PM