June 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 The Wynfrey Hotel for sponsoring the May meeting.

Barry then thanked Kathy G & Co. for hosting the June meeting. Barry also thanked Geoff Carlisle of JAMM for providing the audio and video equipment for tonight's 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.

RSVP Policy – Barry reminded members about the new RSVP policy for AWEP. The cost for those who do not RSVP by the Friday (noon) prior to the meeting but show to the actual meeting will be $15.00. Those who RSVP, but do not attend the meeting, will be responsible to pay $10.00 to cover AWEP catering expenses.

New Business

Membership certificates have been prepared for the 2009 AWEP members. They will be available at the conclusion of tonight's meeting.

Barry introduced our speaker, Dallas Teague Snider, with Make Your Best Impression. Dallas gave a presentation to the members on the importance of good email etiquette and the ways this very important tool of communication can positively or negatively affect your business. She explained many businesses loose business simply from miscommunications through emails. Just a few email tips Dallas shared are as follows:
Include a subject line
Make it easy to read
Use bold formatting
Do not rely on spell check
Avoid the fluff (i.e. smiley faces)
Use a salutation
Use signatures and closing phrases (if you have one)
Forget the "Unsend" button or "Recall" (this really doesn't work - think before
hitting send)
Reply to all - make sure you are aware of all those addressed in a reply all
Use the Out of Office feature if you will be away from email for extended time
Don't shout by using all caps

For more information or business-related etiquette questions, please visit www.makeyourbestimpression.com.

Our New Member to be voted on - Vintage Auto (Ron Marko) - Ron asked to be removed from the ballot at this time.

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.

Announcements:

Butch Oglesby of Blue Moon Photography introduced Kerensa Perkins of Possibilites, event planner.

Anita Kanellis of Anita Kanellis Wedding Planning introduced Laura Eason, makeup artist, and Gary Rush of Rush Videos.

Barry’s Deep Thought - The Clock

Barry asked the members if any of them have worked an event where it is evident the party is coming to an end shortly only to see support staff starting to break it down or an important vendor leaving and missing a key part of the party. He explained that he wasn't implying that vendors should necessarily give their "time" away but sometimes an extra 15 minutes here and there to complete a project can pay off big dividends for future events.

The July meeting will be hosted by I Do, I Do! Weddings and Lillie's Flowers at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail - Oxmoor Valley.

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