BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

MINUTES: AUGUST 9, 2009

Board Members Present:

Joan Blankenship                                President

Sid Ryan                               Vice-President     

Pam Bryant                          Secretary/Treasurer

Steve Woodroof                  Region 2 Director

Bo Copley                             Region 3 Director

Bill Winemiller                      Region 4 Director

Mike Bryant                         Region 5 Director

Chris Merritt                         Region 6 Director

Rick Wisswell                       Region 7 Director

                                                Region 10 Director

Jeff Franklin                         Tournament Director

Paul Thomson                      Youth Director

Joan Blankenship, President, called the meeting to order at Clarksville, VA, at 9:10AM. 

Minutes from the last meeting were approved as read; motion by Mike Bryant and second by Jeff Franklin.

The BFN VA presented Jelani Hennessey a plaque and $500 scholarship for youth leadership given by Laurel Park Community Association of Martinsville, VA.

Treasurer’s Report approved; Motion to approve by Chris Merritt and second by Steve Woodroof.. 

Discussed the possibly of getting the state team an additional shirt; Motion by Jeff Franklin second by Bill Winemiller.  All in favor unanimous.

Old Business:

• Youth Report: Paul Thomson spoke about Nicholas Bodsford and Cody Pike for the JSC.  Region 2 had new youth club this year.  They hosted a JSQ at Leesville Lake.  Then within one month they also hosted the JSC on SML with Larry Witt, Steve West and Steve Woodroof organizing the event.  Steve Woodroof now has a second school interested in a new club.  Joseph Thomson Tournament on Lake Anna junior six man.  Each club will be required to have their own boat captains.  We give away one trophy.  All youth advisors have been so supportive with boat captains.  Our youth have to help w/adult tournaments in 2010.  We need to consider at the November board meeting to vote to amend the by-laws to require the youth to work the state tournaments. 

• Paul Thomson presented a $2,500 check to the BFN for a youth scholarship fund and we are to present a $250 award for outstanding leadership each June.  We are trying to raise and match in order to increase the amount to $250 per year. 

• 2009 Calendar –  CMN – We need auction items. Also, Fall Classic.

• Fundraiser in Clarksville – Fall Classic in October w/$1,000 to give away. 

• Tournament issues were discussed -  Mr. BASS, Team Championship and Fall Classic.  Vote tabled to change tournament structure.  We will allow more time between each flight at weigh-in.  Motion by board for each region to send 2 people to work Saturday and Sunday for Fall Classic and six man.  Motion to do odd and even regions for Mr. BASS; motion by Bo Copley and second by Mike Bryant.  Odd for Mr. BASS and even for Fall Classic and add 2 per region if it gets larger.  Adjust flight times accordingly.  Vote to change tournament rules and by-laws; all in favor, unanimous.

• State Team – The youth weight is now included w/state team.  We cannot pay all expenses for the state team at this time.  We need creative ideas to raise funds for the state team.  Try to get sponsors for water, food and gas. 

• Hook Set – Deadline July 15^th.          Need Hook Set Editor!!!  Next issue due 9/30/09.

• Alliance Program – Triton is coming out with new 2010 boat in August for dealers.  Promote our sponsors.    We need to increase sponsors for 2010.

• Need conservation director!!!  There are grants we could get.  Go Green is big right now.    Fishing line recycling. 

• There was discussion about making a proposal that we run the tournaments for Fish VA first by Region 10.  Entry fee $100 per tournament and $10 for documentation.  We do not have enough expense and help to run more tournaments.  Too much for us at this time.  Get more info.

New  Business:

•  State Trailer.  Joan proposes we restrict to federation state use only due to safe travel.  Different regions have used the trailer for region events.  We will require the trailer be repacked according to diagram in order to be safe to travel.  We are going to store the trailer under a shed to help with wear and tear.    Motion by Mike Bryant to let the regions use the trailer for large events and second by Chris Merritt.  All in favor:  unanimous.  The region will be responsible for getting and bringing back.  Let the regions also help w/maintenance of the trailer.  

•  Regions are responsible to help with yearly budget.  Hold state fundraisers.  Sell ads for a book and guarantee $ set amount for first place.  Maybe schedule in spring around April.     Hold tournament at Buggs Island.  Get the ads and money due by end of February.  Think about this and bring back to next meeting.  Chris Merritt liked the idea.  Rick Wisswell and Sid Ryan suggested we do in the Fall.  Oct. 10^th at Buggs Island.  Check on ramps.

• Board meeting attendance.  Do not put any events on board meetings and if you are not here send someone in your place.

• Budget session:  November board meeting for new budget.  We need all board members to get involved with financial situations. 

Region Reports:

• Reg. 7 –Try to use Americamps for Mr. BASS. 

• Reg. 6 – Tournament schedule set for next year.  Gaston Bassmasters came to Potomac for the first time and they really liked it.  Good participation.  Go to the next exit past usual for boat friendly motels on the Potomac.

• Reg. 5 – Going good.  New club this year The Reel BM.  Youth day went very well.  Still growing.

• Reg. 4 – Just finished for the year.  Jeff Freeman and partner came in first.  Will be setting schedule. 

• Reg. 3 – Doing well.  Last tournament for season is today.  The open went very well.  Some members want to leave TBF and come back to BASS.

• Reg. 2 – Great tournament for the youth.  Getting another club from another school system.  Thank everybody for the help for food and boat captains at the state youth events. 

• Tournament Director – Think about ideas to help our tournaments.    

• Vice President – Elections for VP in November.  Will help as much as possible. 

Motion to adjourn meeting by Steve Woodroof and second by Mike Bryant at 1:15PM. 

The next board meeting will be November 2009, at the Lamplighter Restaurant in Clarksville, VA.  We will finalize our 2010 calendar permitting ramp approval.

ALL BOARD MEMEBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.

Minutes by:

Pam Bryant