May 2009 General Meeting Minutes

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 (absent), Treasurer - Natalie Pilato Andrews – Kathy G, and Secretary - Rachael Grammer – Two Hearts Weddings and Events, and himself).

Barry acknowledged and thanked Dorothy McDaniel's Flower Market for sponsoring the April meeting. He also thanked Geoff Carlisle of JAMM Entertainment for providing the sound system for the meeting.

Barry then thanked Bill Dowling and Cathy Sherbet from The Wynfrey for sponsoring the May meeting.

Old Business

Minutes - Barry asked if any one needed to hear the minutes from last month’s meeting and reminded everyone they are posted on the AWEP blog.

Website – Barry talked about visiting the AWEP website recently and noticed that several members have not taken the time to complete their listing on the site. So, please make sure you update your listing.

New Business

Membership certificates are being prepared for the 2009 AWEP members. They will be available at the June meeting.

Barry introduced our speaker, Sam Friedman, from Sirote Permute. Sam spoke to the members about "Protecting Yourself: Developing a Strategy for You and Your Business". The presentation defined sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and limited liabilities. Sam went onto explain many of the benefits and drawbacks of forming a corporation or LLC. He also covered other areas of protection: liability insurance, having a good accountant, and employment and identity theft procedures. If you would like more information or need assistance with forming a corporation or llc, contact Samuel D. Friedman at (205) 930-5140 or sfriedman@sirote.com

Two New Members to be voted on -
Frank Carnaggio Photography (Frank Carnaggio)
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - Oxmoor Valley (Allison Nichols)

Marketing – Barry reminded members that AWEP is signed up for a booth at the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show on August 2, 2009. Each member will have a space on the booth table available to them but all materials must be turned in by the July 21st meeting. Members will be advised soon of opportunities to help managed the AWEP booth.

New RSVP policy - The cost for those who do not RSVP by noon the Friday prior to the meeting but show to the actual meeting will be $15.00. Those who RSVP, but do not attend the meeting, will still be responsible to pay the $10.00 to cover AWEP catering expenses.

AWEP postcards are here, make sure you pick up some and hand out to clients.

Announcements:

Danny Brewer with Feel The Beat talked about some new services they have available. Alabama Budget DJs (DJs in training - professionally trained but needing experience starting from $500), Photobooths (coolshotsphotobooth.com), Game Show Mania, and New Lighting Designs. Danny also talked a little about joining the DJ tour "Mobile Beat" and asked members to make sure they picked up their new brochure.

Debbie Perkins with Travel Planners thanked all AWEP members who helped in so many ways to make "Style in the Sky" such a success. She also thanked all the members who exhibited during the bridal show. Debbie said the success of the event really reminded her of "what it means to be a member of AWEP".

Russell Perry of Marsha Perry Photography introduced Mona and John Bargerhuff of Chateau Toots, a bed and breakfast and event venue on Lay Lake.

Bill Wilson of SunDolphin Productions introduced Matt Hampton and Ashley Thompson of Dig-It-All Productions.

Candy Burnaine of Travel Planners introduced Jackie Rowell of Rowell Events.

Carlos Otalora of Total Entertainment introduced Stacy Lancaster of Reception Decor.

Barry’s Deep Thought - Doing the Right Thing

Barry talked about during these tough economic times, the first thing that gets cut is charitable giving. He spoke about giving being down as much as 40%. Barry encouraged members to try to keep giving even if it's not monetarily. Giving your time and/or services is just as valuable.

The June meeting will be hosted by Kathy G at Park Lane. The July meeting will be hosted by I Do, I Do! Weddings and Lillie's Flowers at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

The ballots for the new members to be voted on were tallied. The announcement was made that Frank Carnaggio Photography and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail are now new members. Congratulations Frank and Allison!

Barry thanked everyone for coming again and asked all to stay and network more.