Executive Board Meeting Minutes January 31, 2015

[Russell Albright]

The Executive Committee of NORPAC met at Round Table Pizza (4002 A St. SE, Auburn, WA 98002) at noon. Those attending included Jerry & Tracy Galland, Dennis Gorley, Ron Kearns, Gene Sanders, Dale Scott, Dennis Simpson, & Trever Waltos.

Membership Dennis S. shared that he’s been contacted by Al Krush and by Mike Reardon (Mike has moved from the area) to say that they are not renewing their NORPAC memberships. Dennis G. will call Al and to try to determine why he is not continuing.

Branson Dennis S. asked who might be planning to attend the IBRBS convention in Branson (summer, 2016). He’ll ask the same question at our next general NORPAC meeting with hopes that those going to Branson might pursue hotel accommodations near one another.

Hitch Covers Dennis S. hopes to be able to bring a sample of the hitch covers with the NORPAC logo to next Saturday’s meeting. Several members have ordered these and they are being made.

Santa Ernie Walker and Irene Long (Santa Russ Long’s wife) are both recovering, Ernie from back surgery and Irene from injury sustained in a fall from their roof. Dale will pick up “Get Well” cards for the group to sign next week.

Regional Info. On Web Site Tony Sinclair has expressed interest in somehow modifying NORPAC’s website to more easily identify regional or geographic information (which Santas are in which areas) when clients are seeking to engage a Santa. We discussed this at some length and agreed that most of the “gigs” are concentrated in the Seattle/Tacoma area with fewer available to the north. Dennis G. shared that he’s talked with Tony about trying to get more Santas from north of Seattle to join NORPAC so that word of mouth referrals may increase the hiring possibilities for that region.

Background Checks and Dues We reviewed the status of NORPAC’s decision (approved last year) to require background checks of all members starting in 2015. Dennis S. will send out an e-mail to all members reminding them that a background check is a requirement as a condition of membership and of being listed on NORPAC’s website. Dale will check with Hillard Viydo to see if NORPAC members who are also Arthur & Associates employees can obtain copies of their Arthur & Associates BGC to submit to NORPAC. Note: Dennis sent an e-mail to all members on 2/1/15 reminding them of the general meeting on 2/7/15 and also reminding them that March 1, 2015 has been set as the deadline for the background check. Members who haven’t submitted the BGC by that date will be removed from NORPAC’s website.

NORPAC Annual Conference We had a discussion by way of reviewing our most recent conference (Nov. 6-7, 2014) at the Great Wolf Lodge. We’ve been notified by GWL that the discounted room rates will not be available if we return for that same weekend next November. Dennis S. agreed to check into prices at a few Seattle hotels; Ron will talk with the general manager at Great Wolf to see if the discounted prices might be reinstated if we return there. We also talked a little about the possibility of not holding a conference this year. That will be presented to the general membership as another possible option when we meet next on Feb. 7th.

Annual Budget Dennis G. spoke briefly about the proposed 2015 NORPAC budget. Gene moved and Jerry seconded the acceptance of the budget as presented. Approved unanimously.

South Sound Parent to Parent A thank you note has been received from Exec. Director Kim Smith thanking NORPAC for its contribution to this association. Kim also invited NORPAC members to attend their fund raiser on Feb. 21st. Dennis G. has tickets.

Salary Survey Brief discussion occurred around the topic of doing a salary survey of NORPAC Santas to help determine the fees charged by our members for various types of Santa events. We felt this information could be especially useful to some of our newer Santas. Dennis G. mentioned that he’s had experience helping design salary surveys in other contexts and he agreed to work on a draft of such a document. He’ll share that with the Exec. Committee for additional input.

Light Weight Santa Chair Jerry brought and shared a Santa chair that he’s designed. Unlike the Santa chairs built from Santa Tim Connaghan’s plans, Jerry’s chair is made from a single piece of plywood and is much lighter and easier to move around. It will also fit easily into the backseat of a car rather than requiring a pickup truck to transport.

Locations for NORPAC meetings in 2015 were discussed. We agreed on a tentative schedule of:
April’s meeting @ Billy McHale’s (Federal Way)
June’s meeting @ Panorama City (Lacey)
August’s meeting @ Ernie & Ginny Walker’s home in Lakewood

Tacoma Rainier’s Baseball Game We’re waiting to hear from the Rainiers to confirm a date but the 3 possibilities are July 26th, Aug. 9th, or July 19th. We hope to combine this with a possible charity event such as collecting for Toys for Tots or something similar. Dale mentioned that he’s recently met Jeff Brennan, Public Relations & Procurement Officer for Pierce County Toys for Tots. Jeff could be a great contact for helping us with if we decide to proceed with a toy drive.

Meeting adjourned at 2:40 PM.

Next meeting: NORPAC’s general membership will meet at noon on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at Round Table Pizza, 4002 A St. SE, Auburn, WA 98002

Respectfully submitted,
Dale Scott, Secretary

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