September 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 (absent), and Secretary - Rachael Grammer – Two Hearts Weddings and Events, and himself).

Barry acknowledged and thanked Chef Bob for sponsoring the August meeting. He also went on to tell the membership that Chef Bob is no longer out at the Mall Café at the Trussville Antique Mall. You can keep up with Chef Bob at HYPERLINK "http://www.chefbob.com" www.chefbob.com

Barry also thanked JAMM Entertainment for providing the audio equipment for both the August and September meetings.

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.

Directories, postcards and copies of the AWEP by-laws are all available. Please let us know if you need any.

New Business

Barry introduced the speaker for the meeting, Martie Duncan of Martie Knows Parties. Martie gave a presentation on Social Media and the importance of these outlets to our industry. She discussed several methods and their differences. Martie explained that while you may have implemented these communications tools, you must consistently be updating them with current and relevant content. A strong point Martie made is if a bride cannot find what she is looking for on your website or blog in less than 30 seconds, she will move on to her next search.

Next, Andy Tolar of Design Productions was asked to update the membership on a new venture for the AWEP website. It is the Forum. Andy explained the forum can currently be found my entering the following URL address… HYPERLINK "http://www.alawep.com/forum" www.alawep.com/forum and for members to go there and register. The forum will go live in a month or so but was already available for our members to get use to accessing and using on a regular basis.

Barry discussed again 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. A few members have already done this exercise but it was clear that most of our membership has not taken the time to do so. Barry strongly encouraged all to work on linking to other members.

Next on the agenda was the topic of a new meeting payment policy for 2010. Barry asked for the group’s feedback on having two payment options for meeting fees beginning in January. Members agreed they were in favor of the two options. Option 1 is to pay up front $110 for the whole year of meetings along with the annual dues or Option 2 to pay the fees at each meeting. If Option 1 is chosen, members will need to remember it’s a “use it or lose it” policy.

Elections are coming up in November. Nominations for AWEP officers/board members will be taken at the October meeting and then voted on at the November meeting. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for a position, please let Barry know.

Bad Checks – there has been a rash of bad checks being given for meeting fees lately and Barry explained this has caused some accounting issues. Up until this point the bank charges for the insufficient checks have not been tacked onto the fees a member owes but we have incurred so many that we will begin doing so for future problematic transactions. So please keep that in mind.

New Committees – the board has been receiving excellent ideas from many members on growing our membership as well as increasing the benefits and interactions a member gets through their AWEP membership. For this reason, the board will be establishing several new committees that members will have the opportunity to get involved with. These committees will be announced in the coming months and you are encouraged to “get involved”.

Barry then asked members who brought guests for the evening to stand and introduce their guests. The following guests were in attendance:

Etricia Williams – owner, 122 Tree Lane (Creole restaurant in Helena) – guest of Gretchen Birdwell

Dana & Jackie – Dana’s Floral Designs & Weddings – guest of Andy Tolar

Neely Kirk Butler – Redmont Hotel and also owner of Gather (event planner) – guest of Martie Duncan

Arden Ward (photographer) – guest of Martie Duncan – nice to see Arden again.

Barry’s Deep Thought – “Discounting Your Services”

Potential clients and current clients will always try to talk you down on your services and product costs. Afterall, the economy troubles of today add validity to their cause. However, it’s very important to stand firm with your fees. You know how much time and effort it takes to accomplish a bride’s wedding needs and it only hurts you and other vendors in the end. An example of what we are all experiencing these days is in the video link below. Stay true to your standards and yourself and you’ll be better off in the long run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

Closing

The October meeting is sponsored by The Club, the November meeting is sponsored by Birmingham Marriott (officer elections). There is no December meeting. The January meeting is sponsored by Total Entertainment with location to be announced soon. Barry also informed the membership we are taking meeting sponsors for next year and anyone that would like to sponsor a meeting, to please see him or any of the officers.