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

Barry acknowledged and thanked I Do, I Do Weddings, Lillie’s Flowers, Total Entertainment, Feel The Beat, and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for sponsoring the July meeting.

Barry then thanked and introduced Chef Bob with The Mall Café for hosting the August meeting. He also thanked JAMM Entertainment for providing the audio equipment.

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.

Membership certificates have been given out the last couple of meetings and if you haven’t received one, please let us know.

Directories and postcards are also available and please let us know if you need any.

New Business

The AWEP booth at the Perfect Wedding Guide was a big success. Thanks to all those that talked with brides on behalf of the membership. The directories were well received and our percentage of traffic to our website went up 16%. Thank you to Stephanie Whitaker from Perfect Wedding Guide for allowing AWEP the opportunity to be included in the show!

We had a new member application up for vote. Laura Eason of Laura Eason Artistry (makeup artist) was unanimously approved. Congratulations Laura!

Barry then explained the policy for new member applications and the reason behind the decision to pull the other new member application from Rush Videos. He also informed the membership that if anyone would like a copy of the AWEP Bylaws that they were available at tonight’s meeting and would eventually be available on the member page of the AWEP website.

Barry discussed the importance of linking to other AWEP members on our individual websites. He explained the more direct links you have to one another and to AWEP, will increase your search engine optimization ranking as well as AWEP’s.

Barry then brought up the topic of the membership managing an AWEP blog. Each member would be given a specified week to come up with a relevant topic to write an informational piece about. It would be uploaded to a blog that is associated with AWEP’s website and constantly providing new and important information to brides. Andy Tolar, Carol Harris Riley and Butch Oglesby all volunteered to help steer this effort. There will be much more to come on this subject. This discussion really seemed to spark some very creative ideas from members. Several presented ideas to a couple of the board members after the meeting and those ideas will be shared with the membership for discussion and direction very soon.

Danny Brewer with Feel The Beat then asked if he may have the floor to discuss a topic of concern. He discussed the magazine “The Knot” and his concerns over the lack of representation of Alabama vendors for the Southeastern region (the issue you will find on the shelf in our area). Danny asked for the members support in urging the AWEP board to send a letter to the The Knot expressing our concerns.

Barry’s Deep Thought – “The System Works”

Whether we’re talking about public debate or AWEP bylaws, the system can and does work.

Closing

The September meeting will be hosted by Catering by LaNetta, the October meeting will be hosted by The Club, and the November meeting will be hosted by Birmingham Marriott (officer elections). There is no December meeting.

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