February 2009 General Meeting Minutes

AWEP Meeting
February 17, 2009
The Tutwiler Hotel – ICON Restaurant

The meeting was called to order by President Barry Altmark as he welcomed both members and guests.

Barry introduced the board (Vice President - Vann Cook - CAM Video Productions, Treasurer - Natalie Pilato Andrews – Kathy G, and Secretary - Rachael Grammer – Two Hearts Weddings and Events and himself).

Barry thanked Joannetta with Catering by LaNetta for hosting our January meeting.

Barry thanked Trisha Conrad of The Tutwiler for the warm welcome and hosting our event. Trisha thanked her wonderful staff and then gave a brief rundown on the updated facilities at The Tutwiler and some information on the outstanding giveaways they had planned for the evening. Trisha then introduced Eric Essix, the musical group that provided music for the evening. For more information on Eric Essix, please visit www.ericessix.com or call (205) 821-9965.

Barry then asked any members who had invited guests to attend the meeting to come up and introduce them and tell us all a little more information about them.

Gus Pappas of Norton’s Events brought red roses to give away to the member who brought the most guests to the meeting. Tellis Shoemaker of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market brought the most guests and took home the lovely flowers.

Old Business
Congratulations were extended to our newest members voted in at the January meeting:

SunDolphin Productions and Gretchen B Photography

New Business
Barry explained that Sean with Solvent Solutions (the AWEP webmaster) will be sending a video out soon that will instruct all members on the process to activate their listing on the AWEP website. So look for that information in your inbox.

The locations for the upcoming meetings were announced. The March meeting will be held at the Hilton 280, the April meeting will be held at Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market, and the May meeting will be held at The Wynfrey.

Barry’s deep thought for the evening was “The Economy Sucks” and he presented ideas to help members work smartly through these rough times.
Get more serious about your marketing ( use more efficient means)
Get serious about your networking (it’s important to know who’s sitting next to you)
Make a concertive effort to really get to know all AWEP members
Work to generate better leads
Barry told the membership to make sure they come to the March meeting. Our guest speaker is a financial advisor and will be traveling all the way from Tampa, Florida to talk with our members.

Barry thanked everyone for coming again and asked everyone to stay and network more after Trisha announced the winners for The Tutwiler giveaways.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Cathy Kelly – The White Room: 1 night stay at The Tutwiler for two
Debbie Perkins – Travel Planners: 1 night stay at The Tutwiler for two
Deb Warnat – Deb Warnat Designs: Dinner for two at ICON Restaurant
Butch Oglesby – Blue Moon Studios: Dinner for two at ICON Restaurant
Guest of Tellis Shoemaker