Vote to approve minutes of Oct. 18 GM meeting.

Committee Reports:

Membership - Frank Black

280 General members...and 20 Corporate sponsors = 300 members. Frank announced a new Corporate Sponsor, Peterson Insurance Company.

Entertainment - Deborah Mehlberg

1. Christmas Combo - Cheeks is confirmed. When - December 13, 2007. Who - Steve “The Harp” Blues Band will play from 7 - 8 PM and then host an Open Blues Jam from 8-10 PM. Cost for the party is $2 or two can of food to be given to Clare House for their food bank. Post Cards have been created to invite the membership and Randy will take them to Pips to have them printed.

2. Shawn Kellerman Show Dec 6, 2007 at NV Ultra Lounge - BBS Sponsor - BBS will man the door. Cost is $5 but BBS members who show their membership card will pay $3. Frank will sell memberships.

Marketing - Rudy Ordonez

Randy received information that EC Scott is producing blue videos of current and legendary blues artists and is asking for funding to underwrite the production. There are various levels of giving, $50 per show or $500 for the entire series. The BOD thinks we should give $250 to the project, but encourage EC to consider advertising some local talent since the shows may be aired on our local public broadcasting channels. Randy stated that he could send an underwriting letter to the local TV stations (WTPV & WILL) asking them to consider airing the shows in an eight o'clock time period.

Education - Steve Mehlberg

1. Steve talked to Greg Koos, Head of McLean County Museum of History. He is willing to let us have a glass display cabinet. However, he wants it to look professional. He wants professional graphics. We need to contact Mississippi Valley Blues Club on who did theirs. Also, Greg advised our society to join the museum by purchasing a membership. Memberships range from $30 - $1,000. If we decide to purchase a museum membership, we think it would be good to join at the $100 level so our exhibit can be shared with local schools. Randy and Steve will visit the museum to get examples of the type of exhibits that they prefer.

2. Winter Wine & Blues Fest in Hannibal, MO - Harmonica Workshop for adults and children. Steve “the Harp” Blues Band, a local duet and possibly Springfield Shakey will perform at the festival. The BOD agreed to provide free harmonicas for the children.

3. Boys & Girls Club and YWCA Head Start would like to schedule Harmonica Workshops, but that is still in the works. BOD agreed to let Steve order more harmonicas if/when they are needed.

4. Steve suggested we ask Bill Porter to do a guitar workshop after one of the general meetings. He will speak with Bill and report back.

Newsletter - James Walker

At the October meeting, it was decided to mail postcards to announce the Christmas Combo meeting and cancel the late December arrival of a NOV-DEC newsletter. The next issue of Blues News is planned to arrive in the mail before January 15.

Treasurer's Report - Joanne Weigman

Our current balance is $8583.11, which includes $1708.40 in the education fund. Recent bills paid were $510.83 for newsletters and postage.

Webmaster - Ralph Weisheit

Deb is still waiting for the rest of the access code for domain name usage. Pete Moore will then be contacted to help with moving items from one website to another.

New Business

A discussion was had about receiving a price break for ordering large quantities of harmonicas. We are ordering a gross at a time (144) and think this is the way to purchase for now.

Nominations were taken for new officers and none were challenged...so the new officers of the Society are as follows:

PRESIDENT: Randy Hoffman

VICE PRESIDENT: Larry Du-chanois (Larry D)

TREASURER: Deb Mehlberg

PARLIMENTARIAN; Steve Mehlberg

BLUES FOUNDATION REPRESENTIVE: Randy Hoffman

EDUCATION CHAIR; Steve Mehlberg

ENTERTAINMENT CHAIR: Deb Mehlberg

NEWSLETTER EDITOR: James Walker

MARKETING CHAIR: Larry Du-Chanois (Larry D)

WEBMASTER: Ralph Weisheit

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR; Frank Black

There will be no election at the Christmas Combo on December 13th at Cheeks

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Vote to approve minutes of Sept. 20 GM meeting. Larry D. moved to accept the minutes and Gary G. seconded. The motion passed.

Committee Reports:

Membership - Frank Black

278 General Members and 19 corporate Sponsors…= 297 total.

Entertainment - Deborah Mehlberg

1. I would like to make a motion to nominate Frank Black for the “Keeping the Blues Alive Public Radio Award”. Julie made the motion and Deb seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

2. The Bryan Lee concert sponsored by the BBS, Eastland Suites and NV Ultra Lounge was a great success; we raised $700.00 for Bryan.

3. The Fall Ball was a success; The five Christmas Baskets I made to my surprise, were the most wanted items, the autographed posters were raffled as well.

4. Shawn Kellerman and James Armstrong were amazing; Shawn has called me a couple of times and has sent several e-mails in hopes of filling some dates.

5. Christmas Combo - Planning needs to start, where - I suggest Cheeks, When - I suggest Thursday December 20th. Becky made a motion to ask Rooster Alley to play for the event and Deb seconded. Randy amended the motion to include paying $50 per band member. The motion passed. The annual election of officers will be held and we will accept either two can of food for the food pantry or a $2.00 donation. The board decided to send out postcard to the membership and special Christmas cards to our corporate sponsors inviting them to the Combo and thanking them for their support of the society,

6. Kim Massey sent a self-produced R&B CD for us to enter into the Best Self-produced CD contest at the International Blues Challenge. Since the CD was not blues, the membership decided not to submit it.

Marketing - Rudy Ordonez

Not a good day at the Ball: We only sold one hat and a few bottle huggies because of the lower turnout.

Randy - Dave Long sent me two websites where we can buy blue magnetic ribbons, like you see on cars all over town. We can put any wording we want on them. - A discussion was held and because the magnetic ribbons take off car paint and also are over-used, we decided against purchasing these for marketing purposes.

Rudy said that we have enough of the new t-shirt designs to sell at the Christmas Combo, but we need to order more. Are there any ideas for a new design? Becky said to be sure to order long-sleeved tees this time and Julie asked if we could order a few women's tees also. Rudy will look into pricing for these. Deborah suggested that we might want to check out the prices of Select Screen.

Education - Steve Mehlberg

1. Steve held a Harmonica workshop at the Fall Ball he had approximately 25 students and sold $80.00 in BBS harmonicas. Many people brought their previously purchased BBS Harmonicas and sat in on the class. Steve shared that he has 52 harps left. He reminded us that we need to buy and sell the harmonicas out of the separate education fund we will set up.

2. Steve & Randy attended a free Blues-in-the-Schools workshop, "How to Get Involved in Blues in the Schools" led by internationally-renowned Blues Educator Hawkeye Herman, in Davenport, Iowa, Saturday, October 6th. The Education fund must be in a separate account to qualify for grants. Bob Keiser would like to contact Anne Ring who charges $30 per hour for grant writing. She writes grants for the quad city blues society.

3. Steve has spoken to two educators regarding Blues in the Schools Harmonica workshops, a Kindergarten class and a Head Start Program. The children's ages are between 4 - 6. Steve will not focus on the history of the blues - but on questions, fun and child involvement.

4. Randy and Steve shared their experience at the River Music Experience museum in Davenport, IA. This began a discussion on what we, as a society may be able to do locally for blues education. Suggestions were to speak with Chris Koos of the McLean County History Museum and The Children's Discovery Museum about making a display showing the history of the blues in our area and featuring blues greats such as B.B King. We will continue thinking about thi+s potential project for the future. Some things to consider: where do we want to go with this, how can we get there?

5. Randy - Report on Blues in the Schools seminar. The one thing that I wanted to start with is the fact that in order to qualify for grant money our education fund must be in a separate account. Steve and I picked up a lot of performance tips, but the grant writing is the key to making this a program rather than a hit or miss project. It will also allow us to properly compensate the instructors/artists.

Newsletter - James Walker

The SEP-OCT newsletter is ready to be mailed.

Treasurer's Report - Joanne Weigman

Our current bank balance is $87l9.08, which includes $1708.40 in our education fund. Our income from the Fall Ball was $1958.00 less expenses of $1251.62 leaving a profit of $706.38, unless there are any other outstanding expenses.

Webmaster - Ralph Weisheit

Randy - Regarding the status of website development, we are having difficulty with the administration access code. This needs to be corrected before Deborah can begin placing items on the new site.

New Business

Koko Taylor is playing at the Lafayette Club tomorrow night, Oct. 19. Tickets are $25 in advance and $27 at the door.

Steve's band will be playing at NV Ultra Lounge this Saturday night. He begins at 8:30 PM and the cover charge is $5.

Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello are in town to play this Saturday also. There are still tickets available if anyone is interested.

The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

Absent: James Walker, Ralph Weisheit.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 by Randy Hoffman, President.
Minutes of the Aug. 16 BOD meeting were approved. The Brian Lee concert replaced the General Meeting for this month.

Committee Reports:

Membership - Frank Black
266 General Members and 18 Corporate Sponsors: 284 total.

Entertainment - Deborah Mehlberg
Deborah distributed posters for the Fall Ball, which will be held at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyards from noon until 8:00 on Sunday, Oct. 7. She has received several posters of Bryan Lee, 2 of which she plans on having mounted, autographed by Bryan Lee and laminated for auction at the Fall Ball. She also plans on getting 3 large Fall Ball posters mounted and laminated, in addition to the 2 Bryan Lee posters.

Becky Bell agreed to coordinate volunteers for the event. She can be reached at (309) 827-5965 or rcbell@ilstu.edu.

Marketing - Rudy Ordonez
No report

Education - Steve Mehlberg
Steve plans to attend a free Blues-in-the-Schools workshop, "How to Get Involved in Blues in the Schools" led by iInternationally-renowned Blues Educator Hawkeye Herman, in Davenport, Iowa, Saturday, October 6th. The Board voted to give him $20 for travelling expenses.
Newsletter - James Walker
The Sept-Oct Blues News will be published after the Fall Ball so as to include reports of the event.

Treasurer's Report - Joanne Weigman
Our current balance is $8245.90. (This includes $1002.02 in the "education fund"). Deborah Mehlberg presented a bill for $135 for posters for the Fall Ball.

Webmaster - Ralph Weisheit
No report

New Business

Committee Reports:

Membership – Frank Black
254 General Members and 16 corporate Sponsors…= 270 total. This is the largest membership to date.

Entertainment – Deborah Mehlberg
NBTB Festival – Volunteers we still need about 12 people. We still need four for the inside gate and 8 for parking. Please contact Richard Goff for volunteering. Deb told us that everyone should enter from Hamilton Rd. unless you are a volunteer. Volunteers will park in the Tri-Lakes parking lot and a list of their names will be at both gates. Tri Lakes' members also get to park in the regular parking lot.
Fall Ball – This is scheduled for October7 at the Mackinaw Valley Winery. Please be thinking of whom else we can have to perform besides Rooster Alley. Deborah will coordinate with Paul Hahn and we will have raffle prizes and give-aways.

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez

Education – Steve Mehlberg
Harmonica Workshop – NBTB everything is set and ready to go. Steve is also holding a harmonica workshop at the Spoon River Festival on July 28 just north of Canton, IL. Ticket stubs from the Nothing But the Blues Fest can be used for free entry into the Spoon River Fest.

Newsletter – James Walker
The July-August Blues News will be printed after the NBTB Festival to include reviews and comments. Send info to jawalker4@yahoo.com

Treasurer’s Report – Joanne Weigman
Our current balance is $7633.93, which includes $1604.37 in the education fund.
We will receive the $200 sponsorship money from Eastland Chiropractic. This will be used to send Barb Hamilton to the International Blues Festival in Memphis.

Randy H.: Randy shared with the membership that the BOD has decided not to continue with the Sales tax application. It would cost us more money than it would save us.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit

New Business
Randy led a discussion on the Paul Butterfield Fund and Society. Members agreed that this is a good cause and J Balmer moved that we sponsor the musicians with a $300 check. Richard Goff seconded the motion and it was passed.

We need more brochures printed. J Balmer moved that we spend $74.80 for new brochures. Deb Mehlberg seconded the motion and it carried.

Deb told the members that she has NBTB posters for people to take and pass around town(s).
Jim Buckley, a visitor from the River City Blues Society, stated that he has two extra tickets to the Eric Clapton Crossroads concert being held in Chicago on July 28. The tickets have a $200 value. He would like to sell 100 raffle tickets at the NBTB fess for $20 each. The proceeds will go to the Professional Bull Riders. The membership agreed to give him space at our merchandise tent. Jim also joined the society and said he will donate $100 of his proceeds to the society if enough money is made.

Dave Long told us that he has obtained one free golf cart for the fest. The cart will be used for VIPS and handicapped people. The members voted to give the donator a pair of tickets to thank him for the donation of the cart.

Steve Mehlberg asked if we are going to give Samuel Music a comp ticket this year and it was decided that we would.

Larry Duchanois asked if invitations would be sent to other societies for the NBTB festival. Randy told him that River City Blues Society will have a tent set-up there and Central Illinois Blues Club out of Springfield is aware of the festival. Information about the fest is also located on the Internet on Illinois Blues, STL, The Blues Foundation and Blues Festivals. COM. Larry said that the price for this festival is very fair and wondered if the price was posted also. The cost is posted on various websites and in The Pantagraph.

Frank announced that we have a new corporate sponsor – Steve “The Harp” Mehlberg. Jim Buckley also joined the society tonight.

The general meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Committee Reports:

Membership – Frank Black
251 General Members and 16 corporate Sponsors…= 267 total.
Joanne W: Frank sent out 55 renewal membership notices a few weeks ago, and to date we have only received 13 back.
It was agreed that James Walker and Randy Hoffman will emcee at the Nothing’ But the Blues Fest and push for new members.

Entertainment – Deborah Mehlberg
Deborah would like to repeat her thanks to the volunteers who made the CIBC a success, as expressed in her email message to the BOD on June 6, 2007. There is also a “thank you” in the new newsletter.

Randy H: Call for BBS volunteers for the NBTB. There are two ways you can volunteer. NBTB Fest volunteers need to contact Richard Goff and BBtS volunteers should contact Rudy Ordonez.

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez
Another successful day at the Blues Challenge making $290 for the society:
• 11 hats sold; seems to be a popular item
• 4 shirts sold; sold out of 2XL
• 2 harmonicas and 4 coolies also sold
Good quantity of shirts left for NBTB fest and 39 hats.
Education – Randy Hoffman
Randy moved to make Steve the Education Chair and Frank seconded it. The motion was passed unanimously.

Newsletter – James Walker
The files were delivered to PIP Printing June 12, and the plan is to pick the newsletters up Thursday, June 21, before the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report – Joanne Weigman
Bills paid this month were as follows: Harlan Vance (hats) $572.80, Van Gundy Ins. $400, J. Walker (misc) $31.71, D. Mehlberg (Blues Challenge exp. $309.05, cash for Blues Challenge $650.00. Our current balance is $4875.20, which includes $1112.37 in the education fund.

Randy said that Paul Hahn is giving him the $3000 check for our society this Saturday. Ronda Glenn donated $500 to the society for the Blues Challenge. Deb H. donated $200 and that along with Ronda’s donation ($700) will pay for Barb Hamilton to represent us in the solo/dup category in Memphis.

Randy H.: Discussion on sales tax exemption requirements. Joanne and Randy will work on the Tax Exempt form together to save the society some money. Record change of Registered Agent to list Randy as President of our society. Joanne agreed to take the form to Recorder of Deeds office.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit
Ralph’s pictures from the Central Illinois Blues Challenge are now on the society website. Pictures of the Challenge can also be seen at www.stl.net and www.ilblues.com

New Business
Randy H. received notice that we need to renew our Blues Foundation membership. The BOD voted to pay our society dues.

An announcement was made that the NBTB Fest will be held at Tri-Lakes this year due to construction around the Sale Barn. It is intended to be held at the Sale Barn again in 2008.

Deb Mehlberg was asked to create a ¼ page ad for the society to appear in the NBTB program. She brought her draft with her and the board wants to include information on our monthly meetings, our website and the benefits of joining the society. Debbie will add these to the ad and if there is enough room, add our membership form.

Frank proposed that BBtS members who are visibly inebriated should be removed from BBtS events. An amendment proposal will be written and voted on at a future meeting. In the meantime, the BOD voted to make Steve Mehlberg our interim Sergeant of Arms and to ask inebriated members to leave events.

Deb Mehlberg explained that the VIP area at the NBTB Fest will be secured for performers and those with VIP passes. She is in charge of the VIP area. She also explained that children 12 and under will be admitted for free. A harmonica workshop with Steve “the Harp” Mehlberg, will be given at 2:30 PM. Free harps donated by our society will be given to attendees under the age of 18 and we will sell harmonicas for $5 to adults.

Deb M. is the new webmaster for the NBTB website. Larry Duchanois stated that the links on the website were “dead” and led nowhere. Deb will look into it and encouraged anyone who finds problems or difficulties with the site to notify her.

Larry D, also pointed out that the BBtS website lists our meeting site (VFW) as being located on Lincoln. It was decided to put the actual address of the VFW on our website and also list that it is located on the corner of Lincoln and Morrissey, Hopefully this will make our meeting place easier to find.

Steve M. will be giving a harmonica workshop at the Spoon River Fest on July 28. The society agreed to give free CDs to anyone who joins our society at the festival.

Steve Mehlberg ended the meeting by telling the members how pleased he is with the success we’ve had during the last year. Good things are happening and he will do as much as he can to promote the society. Everyone raised their glasses and “toasted’ the society.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Vote to approve minutes of April 19 General meeting.

Committee Reports:

Membership – Frank Black

229 General Members and 15 corporate Sponsors…+ 244 total

Entertainment – Deborah Mehlberg

Entertainment - CIBC:

1) Posters – How many, what size. We want 4 large posters laminated for signing and (50) 81/2X11’s. We also will get 4 large posters that have the schedule to use at the Challenge.

2) Volunteers – All volunteers will be required to enter through the East gate in order to get in the Challenge.

We will be required to have volunteer’s stationed at the following locations: Two hour shifts – 4 volunteers per location

a. Main gate – Julie stated that Cindy Hahn said BBtS people will not be helping at the Front Gate

b. East gate – Julie, Becky and Dave Long have volunteered

c. Backstage – Deb M., Randy H., Steve M., J Balmer and Dave Long

d. Competition timing – Randy H.

e. Membership – Frank B.

f. Merchandise – Rudy O.

g. Silent auction - Mike S. Items include4d in the silent auction are lithograph blues cartoon and signed even posters. J said that he and Marcia would both donate a basket to be auctioned. We hope to get them filled with goodies from The Mackinaw Valley Winery

Our Corporate Sponsor, Eastland Chiropractic has donated $200 to help defray expenses to send a solo/duo act to Memphis from our society. Barb Hamilton will represent our society in the solo/duo competition next year.

3) Steve will be conducting a Free Harmonica Class at the Blues Challenge.

Randy H.: The judges are set, and Deborah has everything else under control. Steve M., Deb M. and Randy H. will be the “statisticians” for the Challenge, tallying the votes by computer.

The winner of the CIBC will be offered an opportunity to play at the Nothin’ But The Blues Fest on Saturday, July 21 at 2:30 PM.

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez

· 50 BBtS embroidered hats have been ordered in white and khaki

· 15 voice ads for the Challenge will run on GLT Memorial Day weekend and weekend of event costing $225. (Ads will run on Frank Black’s weekend blues shows and also on the Arts Calendar at WGLT)

· Challenge ads have been submitted to Pantagraph GO! section and online calendar.

· Julie submitted a Challenge ad to the WHHP radio station for their Public Service Announcements.

Randy H.: I have not been able to get out to Mackinaw to pick up their posters. I think we need to make sure all of the Corporate Sponsors have either our posters or MVV's posters.

Education – Randy Hoffman

Towanda Elementary School asked that we have the harmonica event every-other year so this is the 'other' year. We have received the harmonicas we ordered and they won't go to waste.

Newsletter – James Walker

The May-June newsletter is in the very early stages of formulation if anyone wants to submit an article. It will arrive in June with the results of the CIBC and a preview of NBTB Festival.

Treasurer’s Report – Joanne Weigman

Last month we paid $450.34 for harmonicas. The current bank balance is $4714.96, which includes $1162.37 earmarked for education. Anticipated expenses coming up are: insurance $425 and hats $600.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit

New Business

Joanne told us that there's a new restaurant/bar coming soon to this area and will be featuring live music in their lounge. They are requesting bands to contact them at livemusic@DESTIHL.com. This new venue will be located behind Hobby Lobby.

J stated that Harry Fuller is interested in having events that will promote and benefit our society. This would occur in and outside of the NV Ultra Lounge. A proposed name for these events would be “Back in the Alley”. Outside events would actually be held in the side alley. Our name would appear in ads and we can sell memberships and merchandise.

Deb said that there is going to be a Spoon River Festival in Canton on July 28. She asked if Steve could use some of our old harmonicas for his workshop. It was agreed that any harmonica sales to adults would be given to our treasury, and if enough sales are made, we’ll give some of the proceeds back to Steve. Deb agreed to keep stats for the number of harmonicas used and sold.

Julie was approached by Rick Holt of Slick Ricks and asked if she would be willing to coordinate an event in July with The Slink Rand Band. He would like society sponsorship. It was decided that we would post his event on our website.

Randy provided an update on the Nothin' But the Blues festival. We will receive a 20 X 20 foot tent for us to use for merchandise and artist sales/signings. Another tent will be provided for the harmonica workshop. Instead of $14 and $17 entrance fees, the correct amounts are $12 and $15.The festival begins at 6:00 PM on July 20. Friday will focus on women of the blues including Deborah Coleman, Sue Foley and Roxanne Potvin. Some of the bands also playing are Tab Benoit, Cleveland Fats and The Robert Lockwood Jr. Band.

Absent: Julie Swanberg, Ralph Weisheit.

The GM meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm by Randy Hoffman, President.
Minutes of the Mar. BOD and General Meeting minutes were approved with two corrections: The BOD voted to approve the harmonica workshop at the upcoming NBTB Festival to be presented by Steve Mehlberg instead of David Bernston, and the Newsletter will be published six times a year.

Committee Reports:

Membership – Frank Black
229 general members and 15 corporate sponsors, for a total of 244 members.

Entertainment – Deborah Mehlberg
Central Illinois Blues Challenge:
1) Randy has confirmed with Paul Hahn owner of the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, that the Society will hold our event during the Central Illinois Wine & Rhythm and Blues Festival. It will be a 2-day event with participation of 8 vineyards, an artisan guild displaying and selling hand-crafted artwork, several food vendors, and a display of Grimm’s Classic Cars. Hip Pocket will perform on Saturday evening, and our Blues Challenge will be held on Sunday afternoon and evening.
2) Randy is securing the judges, who will remain anonymous, for the competition. He has arranged for Jeff Turley and Glenn Beccue to run the sound, with a U-Haul to be rented for their equipment, and will handle stage coordination.
3) The number of bands in this year’s competition is limited to 8. The BOD listened to the demos submitted by applicants and voted to approve the final 8 of the 10 applications. The bands who will be competing are The Kim Massie Band, Knights of Crisis, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band, Rooster Alley, Southside Cindy & the Sliptones, The Low Down Blues Band, Trouble No More, and Double Down.
4) The only solo/duo act who met the application criteria was Barb Hamilton. The BOD voted to table a discussion as to whether we will support her appearance at the IBC only by providing a key for her entrance to the event, or will provide monetary support as well. A decision will be made after we hear from our sponsors.
5) We will be recruiting volunteers to be stationed at the following locations.
a) Main gate
b) East gate (musicians’ entrance)
c) Backstage
and for the following activities:
d) Competition timing
e) Membership signup
f) Merchandise sales
g) Raffle ticket sales
Tickets will be sold for two Buddy and Hopkins comic-strip panels (lithographs), and an event poster signed by participating bands.
Gates will open at 10:00. Volunteer shifts (2 hours each) will begin at noon with 4 volunteers per location/activity. All volunteers will be required to pay admission at the main gate. Admission will be $12. Paul Hahn will have one person working at the main gate throughout the event, and will provide a crew to assist with parking. Musicians will not be required to pay admission, and will be allowed to admit one guest (each) at no charge. Bands will be asked to arrive one hour before their scheduled performance time.

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez
We have committed to Mackinaw Valley Vineyard to provide $250 in paid advertisement with GLT and the Performing Arts Calendar, to include both the whole event and the CIBC.

[The $250 expenditure for advertising, $550 for the sound company, and $100 for their U-Haul was approved by the General Membership.]

The BOD voted to order 50 white baseball-style caps with the BBS logo embroidered on the front.

Education – Randy Hoffman
Blues in the Schools – Steve “the Harp” will again venture to the Towanda Elementary School on their last day of school, June 4th. We expect to give about 150 kids a brand new harmonica and Steve will give them nearly an hour of harmonica instruction. He was a big hit with the kids last year and it will surely be a great time again this year.

NBTB Festival Harmonica Workshop – Steve “the Harp” will conduct the workshop this year. He has invited Brian Stearn, of the River City Blues Society, to assist him. We will need to provide the tent, which Eric Tapley will arrange. It should cost approximately $230.

The BOD, by email vote, has approved the purchase of another 12 dozen harmonicas. This year they will have ‘Blues Blowtorch Society’ imprinted on them.

[The General Membership approved the expenditures of $450.84 for the harmonicas and $230 for the NBTB tent, and payment of $300 to Steve M. for presenting 2 workshops during the NBTB Festival and $100 for the Blues-in–the-Schools presentation at Towanda--all from the education fund.]

Newsletter – James Walker
The March-April 2007 issue is done and has arrived or will arrive in the mail. The BOD voted to dispense with mailing postcard reminders about the CIBC, as there will be sufficient general advertising of the event.

Treasurer – Joanne Weigman
Pip Printing for paid $230 for printing the newsletter and postage amounted to $100.80. We paid $69.98 for ink cartridges. Our current balance is $5100.80, which includes $1612.71 in the education fund.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit

New Business

Discussion items
1. How can we get new members, and how can we get members to attend meetings and be more involved in events?
2. How can we become involved with the efforts to increase awareness of the importance of Rt. 66 in the history of Illinois, especially in regard to the history of Blues in Illinois?

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00.
Submitted by Becky Bell, Acting Secretary.
 

Committee Reports:

Membership – Frank Black
229 general members and 15 corporate sponsors… 244 total members.

Entertainment – Deborah Mehlberg
Entertainment - CIBC:
1) The Central Illinois Blues Challenge will be held on Sunday, June 3 from noon until dark.
2) Randy, Steve, Deb and Julie are members of the CIBC committee.
3) Deb showed us a preliminary poster for the event that we all liked.
4) Deb and Steve ask that all band information and questions be sent to them.
5) Band submissions are due by April 19th.

Entertainment - NBTB:
1) The Nothing but the Blues Fest will be held at the Sale Barn on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21.
2) Richard Goff has agreed to continue as Volunteer Coordinator.

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez
1) We should have enough t-shirts to sell at the CIBC. If we find we need to order more, we will do this in time for the NBTB fest.
2) Rudy will check to see how much ball caps with our logos would cost.
3) The BOD decided not to special order any society jackets, as we could not sell the minimum order number.

Education – Randy Hoffman

1) Russell & Aaron Miller finished another session with the same music professor at ISU as last year. They now have an arrangement to do it every semester. Great introduction to the Blues for the college age kids. The University decided to compensate them, instead of us…good deal!

Newsletter – James Walker
1) The March-April newsletter is in the early stages of preparation. Looking for delivery early April.
2) The society decided to send out a “Save the Date” postcard in May to promote the Challenge and ask for Blues Fest volunteers.
3) St. Louis Blues would like to run an ad in our newsletter. We voted to run their ad as long as they pay the $100 Corporate Sponsor membership
4) We discussed how often we should put out the newsletter and decided to keep it at 5 per year – or every two months.

Treasurer – Joanne Weigman
Our current balance is $5726.06.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit
New photographs of the Christmas Combo and Mardi gras are now on our website.

New Business

We had two visiting guests from the Champaign-Urbana area interested in how to organize a blues society. We spent time sharing our own experiences and explaining how we formed. Good luck Richard Cibelli and Bob Paleczny! We hope to hear more about the new society soon!

GLT Fund Drive coming up soon. Society members would like to volunteer during Frank’s time slots over the weekend of April 13 and 14. Any one who would like to volunteer for the Spring Find Drive should call Pat Peterson at 309-438-8910.

Deb shared that the ASCAP songwriting contest deadline is May 31. James will put a notice in the newsletter letting our members know.

Randy told us about a fundraising opportunity. The Legendary Blues Cruise has 4,130 dual cabin raffle tickets that they would like us to raffle for $20 each. To break even we would have to sell 220 tickets. The members voted not to invest our budget into this now.

Todd Phillips, WGLT Photographer passed away. He was only 56 years old. We voted to send his family a sympathy card.

Frank reminded us that he is NOT the Delta Doctor, as he has never lived in Mississippi, so how can he be a "Delta Doctor". Please address him as Delta Frank the Blues Doctor.
 

Committee Reports:
Membership – Frank Black.
235 Paid Members....14 Corporate sponsors.

Total Membership 249

Entertainment – Debbie Mehlberg
MARDI GRAS
Volunteer status – Volunteers should report to work at 6:00 PM on the day of Mardi Gras. Frank will send out another request for additional volunteers for the event. There is still a need for stage hands, 50/50 seller, bead sales - Julie, door worker(s) - Becky, Frank on Membership, merchandise table. There was a discussion as to whether the BBtS would sell merchandise for Nick Moss. BOD members agreed not to do this as we don’t have enough volunteers of our own. Deb M. will talk to Kate Moss about this item.

Deb M. said we have three large posters of the event which will be 1) given to a new member, 2) auctioned as part of Raffle, and 3) one autographed by all of the performers for Auction.

James W. has 4 comic drawings to distribute at the event. The two colored drawings will be framed and given to the King and Queen of Mardi Gras. The two black and white drawings will be given for the Raffle prizes. It was decided that if you sell the raffle tickets, you cannot win the raffle.

Steve M. will ask people who arrive early to donate money in order to stay. Julie will travel with him and give away beads. Anyone who wants more than one string of beads, must pay $1 for each additional.

Mike S. will bring a stamp and pad that will be used for people who leave the event and want to return. Mike also volunteered to bring a couple of card tables to use. Steve will ask Mike Hill about tables too, if needed. The BOD decided to sell new BBtS t-shirts and harmonicas at the Merchandise table.

James & Susan Walker, along with Becky Bell, will be the judges for the King and Queen contest.

Joanne offered to give extra Mardi Gras flyers to our corporate sponsors.

Cash box set up and bank

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez
• Ads running on WGLT during the weekend blues programming
• Ads running on the Pantagraph, Wednesdays on Community News, Thursdays on GO! Section
• T-shirt Inventoried only New design:

Med. 5
Lrg. 15
Xlg. 22
2xl. 3

Education – Randy Hoffman
Filing with the state – Joanne gave a $5 check in order to do this.

Newsletter – James Walker
Newsletters have been sent. Good job, James and Brian! James will bring extra copies of the newsletter for the Membership table at the Mardi Gras event.

Treasurer – Joanne Weigman
Expenses paid in January: Nick Moss (deposit) $180.00, Deb Seitz $1200 for Memphis trip, Mardi Gras Outlet $43.46 for beads, $15.60 for postage, $110.00 posters for Mardi Gras, Party City $11.85 for hats, etc. Our current balance is $6571.35 which INCLUDES $1612.71 designated for "education" fund.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit

New Business:
It was decided that Becky will create the meeting agendas in the future. She requests that everyone send her at least something – if only to say “nothing to report.”

Committee Reports:

Membership – Frank Black.
250 members--of that 15 are Corporate Sponsors

Entertainment – Deborah Mehlberg
MARDI GRAS
Entertainment Budget $2000
Nick Moss & the Flip Tops $1020.00
Meal Allowance $100.00 ($20.00 x 5)
Deposit /Agent Fee $180.00 Mailed 11-06-07
Steve “The Harp”, Rob Williams & SSBB $250.00
P.A. $200.00
Entertainment Costs $1750.00
Balance $300 – Transferred to Marketing

Randy proposed that we approve $500 to Marketing for the Mardi Gras event. The members passed this proposal unanimously.

Deborah has been in contact with Dan Craft of the Pantagraph; she sent him a press release (included at the end of this agenda) & Nick Moss’ phone number so he could conduct an interview, no guarantee because of John Mayer. She also contacted The Daily Vidette. They are interested, but she still needs a contact name for Kate Moss. Kate Moss also stated that she would be in contact with Jon Norton to complete the radio promo.

We will need 2 –4 volunteers for the Mardi Gras stage crew. Please e-mail Stevetheharp@aol.com if interested. Volunteers will begin at 6:30 PM.

Mackinaw Valley Vineyards have confirmed dates of Sunday, June 3rd for the CIBC and October 7th for the Fall Ball.

Marketing – Rudy Ordonez
MARDI GRAS
Marketing Budget $500
Entertainment Carryover $250
Printing $160
Pantagraph $390
Beads $43
Balance $157

• WGLT radio spots - 20-second voice ads, $15 each. GLT will do 13 voice ads beginning 2/9/07.
• Pantagraph ads - Two ads every Thursday (one in the GO! section the other in Community News) for four weeks is $390. That's a total of 8 ads in one month.
• Frank said he’ll “talk up” the Mardi Gras event on his radio shows beginning in February.
We will get the Mardi Gras posters signed by the bands and auction them off from stage at the event.
Education – Randy Hoffman
Steve M. suggested that we recruit volunteers among local musicians and historians for Blues in the Schools and similar presentations. Frank Black and Bill Porter have been involved presentations in the past and would like to continue their involvement. Steve would like to have more volunteers who could help out, possibly with different instruments and at times when Frank B. and Bill P. have scheduling problems. Randy volunteered to write a message for Frank B. to email to members/musicians. The request will also appear in the next newsletter.

Newsletter – James Walker
Jan-Feb newsletter is approximately 85% complete. Goal is to have them in the mail well ahead of Mardi Gras party.

Treasurer – Joanne Weigman
A deposit of $180 was sent to Nick Moss to reserve the band for Mardi Gras. A check for $1200 was also sent to Deb Seitz for our sponsorship commitment for the IBC. The beads for the Mardi Gras party have been purchased. The current balance in the bank account is at $6708.80 which includes $1612.71 earmarked for our "education fund". Copies of the 2006 profit and loss statements are available if anyone is interested. Our net income, after expenses last year was $8132.26. Anticipated expenses coming up will be $2500 for the Mardi Gras party and related advertising.

Webmaster – Ralph Weisheit
BOD members signed a thank-you card to Pete Moore for his enormous contributions to sustaining, upgrading, and general maintenance of our webpage during 2006.

New Business:
• Rooster Alley has offered to do a free event for us. They also want to compete in the Central IL Blue Challenge this summer.
• Steve Mehlberg has offered to give free harmonica lessons to members after every General Meeting
• Randy told the members that we received a “Thank You” letter from Clare House for our money and food contributions collected at the Christmas Party.
• Brian Stear offered his talent to Blues in the Schools. He can play guitar, mandolin and harmonica. He also available during the day, which is ideal for school presentations.
• James Walker would like the members’ help at the next General Meeting with a fun lyrics project. It will be similar to Dave Letterman’s Top Ten List.
• Joanne W., James W. and Becky B. will be judges for the King and Queen of Mardi Gras 2007.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM
Submitted by Julie Swanberg

Minutes for 2002