October 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 Catering by LaNetta for hosting the September meeting.

Barry then thanked The Club for hosting the October meeting and asked Allison Cambre to say a few words about The Club. Allison welcomed all members and talked about the upcoming bridal show there at The Club on January 24, 2010. She also went onto say the patio is now available for parties and events.

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.

Thank you to Martie Duncan for providing an outstanding presentation on viral marketing at our September meeting.

The AWEP forum is up and running. Please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.alawep.com/forum" www.alawep.com/forum and register to access and join in on the fun. We also need members to join the committee to help maintain and monitor the forums. If you are interested, please let one of the officers know.

New Business

2009 Charitable Giving - in November, members will be asked to vote on 2 charities for our annual holiday giving.

AWEP is starting a new committee to handle a wedding giveaway to an active military couple or couple in need. If you would like to be a part of the 2010 committee, please let an officer know.

Elections are in November. Nominations for AWEP officers/board members will be accepted until Monday, November 9th and then voted on at the November 17th meeting. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for a position, please let Barry know.

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

Erin Hunter – Impress the Guests (planner) – guest of Marsha Perry Photography

Scott Couron – IT Computer Guy – guest of Frank Carnaggio

Keith Pugh – Birmingham Christian Family - guest of Blue Moon Photography

Barry also made an announcement for Stephanie from the Perfect Wedding Guide. The Bridal Market bridal show will be at The Wynfrey Hotel on February 28, 2010 and booth space is available for both PWG advertisers and non-advertisers.

Holiday party - Alene Gamel (I Do, I Do) is organizing an AWEP Holiday Party and details will be coming soon. As of right now, the two dates being targeted are December 8th or December 15th and will be held at The Tutwiler Hotel.

Barry’s Deep Thought – “Take Some Time Out And Play”

Everyone needs to take time out for themselves. In our busy days of planning, creating and executing beautiful wedding day memories for our clients, it is important to do things for ourselves. Taking these breaks allows for the creative juices to keep on flowing.

Closing

The November meeting is hosted by the Birmingham Marriott (officer elections). There is no December meeting but look for information coming about the Holiday Party. 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.