FLORIDA GOURD SOCIETY, INC.

February 23, 2008

Business Meeting

Tonia Owen, President, opened the meeting at 5:07 p.m.  Tonia thanked everyone for attending the meeting and introduced all officers and patch leaders.

 Minutes:

The minutes of the November 10, 2007 business meeting were made available to all members for review on the Florida Gourd Society website.  A motion was made and carried to approve as written.

 Committee Reports:

 Treasurer’s Report – Ann Reich:

FGS is now required to report information on a calendar year basis and must file reports with the federal government.  At the beginning of 2007 the budget balance was $15,471.08.   Income total for the year was $36,352.83.  Expenses were $19,951.61, leaving an ending balance of $16,401.22.

 Membership – Veda Krust:

As of February 22, 2008, FGS has 225 active members.  Several others joined at the show on February 23 but the totals were not yet known.

 Website – Bob Hunter

Bob Hunter is no longer able to be the FGS webmaster.  Selma Carrow volunteered to be the webmaster.  Patch leaders should contact Selma with updates.  Members in attendance thanked Bob for his hard work in maintaining the website.

 2007 Florida Show Update – Selma Carrow:

The show is doing well at the Palatka location.  She will proceed with securing a two year contract for the site to ensure no price increase.  There will be a lighted sign at the road next year.  As was evidence, many areas are under construction as upgrades to the site are being made.  There is not date for completion yet.  Some of the changes include enclosing the vendor building, adding a cement floor and making it climate-controlled.  The areas are also being made more handicapped accessible. 

 Selma and Tonia reminded members that volunteers to work the show are always needed.  Members present thanked Selma for her hard work on a successful show.

 Nominating Committee – Laraine Short:

Laraine Short reminded members that we will need a new president and secretary next year.  Nominations should be forwarded to her.

 Gourdvine Newsletter – Tonia Owen for Bethany Matzke:

A volunteer is needed to take over as editor for Bethany.  Elizabeth from the Manasota Patch expressed interested and will contact Tonia Owen for details.  Any others interested should also contact Tonia.

 A motion was made and carried to approve all reports.

 New Business:

 Selma Carrow indicated that some of the monies made by FGS will be used to fund a retreat scheduled for September 18-21, 2008 in Paisley, Florida – near Deland.  Information about the site can be found at www.deerhaven.cc.  Information should be on the FGS website by April 1, 2008.  Bonnie Gibson will teach classes on Friday and Saturday.

 Tonia asked members to continue to send her email regarding their thoughts about moving back to Market of Marion.  She is also keeping a purple book for written comments, which is available at the show.

 The Seminole Patch asked that another patch volunteer to provide storage for the FGS show supplies.  Extra supplies from the shows are available.  Patch leaders should see her for free boxes of supplies for their own patch.

 Several inquires have been made about starting new patches, one in the Chiefland area.  It was noted that historically FGS has provided $50 seed money for advertising, etc.  A “How To” guide for starting a new patch is available on the American Gourd Society website.

 Connie asked that anyone who has created FGS documents in the last ten years provide her with a CD of that information for the records.

 Tom Keller, one of the gourd growers, recounted his conversations with other growers this year.  There needs to be a cap on the numbers of grower vendors as many are not making expenses.  In the past there was a cap of 10.  A cap will be considered and vendors will be selected on a first to pay, first confirmed basis.

 Selma asked that all patch leaders try to get information about the show into local newspapers.  She also thanked the youth volunteers working the show this year.

 There being no further business, a motion was made and carried to adjourn at 5:35 p.m.

 Respectfully Submitted:  Katherine Townsend