General Membership Meeting Minutes May 2, 2020 (Virtual Meeting)

[Jerry Galland]

Meeting held online with video conferencing, called to order at 10:03am with board members Ron Kearns, Russell Albright ll, Dennis Gorley, Dennis Simpson, Mark DeMonbrun, Ernie Walker and Jerry Galland in attendance.
A total of 25 people attending

Ended at about 12:00

Agenda:

• Discussion on the October workshop
  

Santa Ron opened with discussion about the convention at GWL.
Fairfield Inn and suites available at about $103 per night
Minimum number of rooms need to be reserved at GWL to secure rates
Jerry Galland talked briefly about John Chilson.

Russell Albright II presented a survey asking for feedback from participants about conference. Some questions included activities for Thursday evening, activities we have had in the past and possible new activities for this year. As well as how many anticipated going to the conference.

Treasurers report:

January 1st balance	$10,069.23
Revenue	$2,010.85
Expense	$1,386.58
Petty Cash	$50.00
April 23rd balance	$10,743.50

2020 Membership Report
Current Roster stands at 43 members. 7 Members paid their 2020 dues in 2019. 23 members from 2019 have yet to renew for 2020. 25 Members have secured Background checks through NORPAC in 2020. 3 Paid for 2020 BGC in 2019.

General discussion
Several spoke about the effect of Covid19 on their upcoming season, expressing concerns about how we will be in October and requesting that the decision to hold the conference be made sooner than later.
Having and learning about virtual visits was a topic that interested many members. Including how to set up the home studio, what equipment is needed and how much it would typically cost.
Santa Russell Albright gave an overview of the new website, including going through and submitting a Request A Santa/Mrs Claus request.
Meeting adjourned at 12:05pm

Meeting Polls:

Poll: Conference Questions:

1. Do you still plan to come to the conference/workshop this fall:
   1. Absolutely: (3) 16%
   2. Currently planning on it: (4) 21%
   3. Not sure right now: (10) 53%
   4. Depends: (1) 5%
   5. No: (1) 5%
2. Would having a big activity/entertainment on Thursday night help bring you a day early to the conference?
   1. Depends (who are you bringing): (5) 26%
   2. Sure, sounds fun!: (8) 42%
   3. Work prevents me from coming sooner: (3) 16%
   4. Finances are going to be tight, and I cannot afford a room for the extra night: (3) 16%
   5. Not interested in participating: (0) 0%
3. Would you like to see the bucket drop come back?
   1. Absolutely!: (6) 32%
   2. Sure, why not: (5) 26%
   3. Took too much time, I will pass: (4) 21%
   4. No: (4) 21%
4. Would you be interested in having Dori from Lakewood Costumes present at the convention?
   1. Yes: (13) 68%
   2. No (6) 32%
5. Would you be interested in doing a flash mob bowling on Friday night?
   1. Yes: (11) 58%
   2. I don’t bowl, but I would love to support: (1) 5%
   3. Not my thing, would like to hang out at the convention center: (3) 16%
   4. No: (4) 21%
6. Would you like to do a flash mob dinner style event at the Burger Claim next door to GWL on Friday for dinner?
   1. Yes: (13) 68%
   2. No: (6) 32%
7. For those wanting options, for the conference, where are you planning on staying?
   1. At Great Wolf Lodge: (14) 74%
   2. At another hotel: (5) 26%
   3. Bringing an RV: (0) 0%
   4. Driving in each day: (0) 0%
8. Are you interested in a session at the conference/workshop about doing virtual santa visits?
   1. Yes: (15) 79%
   2. No: (4) 21%
9. Would you like to have a virtual Santa Session at a time prior to the workshop in October?
   1. Yes: (16) 84%
   2. No: (3) 16%

 

Poll: Website Questions:

1. Have you seen the new website?
   1. Yes: (19) 78%
   2. No: (5) 22%
2. Any questions on its use?
   1. Yes: (3) 13%
   2. No: (20) 87%

 

Transcript of chat:

From Chuck Parrish to Everyone: 10:03 AM

• looks like Jerry Nebel has the OBS software.
  

From Jerry Nebel to Everyone: 10:09 AM

• No I don’t have OBS software
  

From Jerry Galland to Everyone: 10:13 AM

• Yes, I will plan on being there
  

From Jerry Galland to Everyone: 10:31 AM

• https://the-santa-claus-conservatory.com/santa-video-set-setup/?fbclid=IwAR2LnPPKv8ET5dzscTov6He6vk3T-7eBzy4BGU2cTmepS0XGC6J6w_n4YnQ
  Santa Ed Taylor has a great page for video setup.
  

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 10:32 AM

• Yes He does!
  

From Jerry Nebel to Everyone: 10:32 AM

• Google YouTube “How to use a Green Screen”
  

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 10:37 AM

• So thankful for our group of Santas and our convention!!
  

From Jim Beidle to Everyone: 10:46 AM

• https://northpole.marketing/school-details
  

From Jerry Galland to Everyone: 10:47 AM

• https://societyofsanta.org/john-chilson

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 10:47 AM

• Can we get an idea of what our Santas have spent on the equipment to go virtual? Do they know if it is comparable to what Santa Ed Taylor is suggesting?

From Jim Beidle to Everyone: 10:49 AM

• I’ve spent a bit less than $200 over a 2-1/2 year period.

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 10:50 AM

• Thanks Jim I would love to know more

From Jim Beidle to Everyone: 10:51 AM

• I’ll put a list together. 🙂

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 10:52 AM

• Thanks Jim

From Jerry Galland to Everyone: 10:56 AM

• So far, only bought the camera, about 40 on eBay. using the included virtual background in Zoom. You can add a variety of pictures or video.

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 11:03 AM

• Couldn’t we set the conferance up in zoom if needed?

From Marshall Dunston to Everyone: 11:06 AM

• As for Zoom backgrounds, the one I am using right now was a personal photo I took at Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska! So a Zoom personal background is easy!

From Chuck Parrish to Everyone: 11:15 AM

• I enjoy video chats so please set up a time with me if you want. Stay at home order is now thru the end of May.

From Marshall Dunston to Everyone: 11:21 AM

• Yes, a modest fee for virtual training is reasonable!

From Dick to Everyone: 11:25 AM

• how is Vinnie doing?

From Jim Beidle to Everyone: 11:25 AM

• Thanks, Everyone!

From Jerry Nebel to Everyone: 11:27 AM

• Good meeting. As I mentioned anyone would like to discuss/ask questions. Please let me know. C U latter

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 11:31 AM

• WOW!! Thank you so much!!

From markdemonbrun to Everyone: 11:33 AM

• Thank you for the work on the website

From Dan & Marla Burke to Everyone: 11:40 AM

• Got It

From Jerry Galland to Everyone: 11:40 AM

• Check your email. If you did not get the email, let Russell know.

From DanB to Everyone: 11:47 AM

• Thanks for all your hard work

From Tami McKinley to Everyone: 11:48 AM

• The new updates on the website are great! Thank you so much!!

From Richard to Everyone: 11:50 AM

• When submitting a photo along with a bio, are there certain criteria I need to follow, ie: size, dimensions, mega-pixels, etc. Or is this something you can tweak on your end to make the image do what you require Thanks

From Dan & Marla Burke to Everyone: 11:53 AM

• My Wife is always laughing at me

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