SponsorsTEDC Board Meeting Minutes
December 6, 2004 - Conference Call
Members present by phone: Kim Denton, Kyle Spurgeon, Mark Herbison, Randy Brewer, Doug Lawyer, Bob Grimes, Walt Wood, Allen Hester
Others present by phone: Suzie Lusk
Kim Denton called the meeting to order.
The Board discussed the finances and Ms. Lusk told the group we were on track compared to last year. She said that we had about 40 more people and a speaker attend the spring conference than the fall which made drove up the cost of the spring meeting.
Approval of Financials: Motion by Mr. Herbison, second by Mr. Lawyer appropriately approved and passed showing an account balance of $109,202.52.
New Members approved at the December 6th meeting: Motion by Herbison, second by wood appropriately approved and passed.
Brent Blalock, Rentenbach
Raymond Walker, Rhea County
James Chavez, CLarksville
Ms. Denton discussed a suggestion by Mr. Grimes that the board consider implementing an Honor Roll program similar to the one used by SEDC. Ms. Lusk stated that Deb Wooley with the Tennessee Chamber thought it was a bad idea and the consensus was not to do it. There was a fear that a program like this might alienate certain members of the legislature.
Mr. Brewer discussed the fact that the TEDC President was being stretched thin by serving in so many capacities and that it would be more appropriate for the Past President to be the TEDC representative on the Tennessee Chamber Board.
Legislative Reception/TEDC Day on the Hill – February 16, 2005 – The consensus was to do the lunch with Commission Kisber and Deb Wooley again. We would again get a legislative update at lunch and send the membership out to meet with their State Representatives and Senators. The board will work to get our legislative priorities determined before the event. Ms. Lusk will send a save the date and Ms. Denton will check to see if ECD is still cosponsoring the event. TCCE will again cosponsor. Some of the legislative items discussed included: Staying informed on the streamline sales tax initiative, support of the Fast Track program, support of the comparative incentive analysis and working toward resolving air quality issues.
The board discussed the fall conference and the fact that it had been changed to accommodate the state but that participation had not increased. The board voted to change the Destin meeting back to the spring during our fall meeting in 2004 in Destin. Ms. Lusk confirmed that Mr. Spurgeon and set the date for the spring Destin meeting as May 4-6. Mr. Spurgeon also stated that he had secured Mike Keith, voice of the Titans, to speak at the event.
Sponsors: New sponsorship forms outlining the new structure will be sent to all members. We will continue with the Red, White & Blue level of sponsorships.
Our awards programs were discussed and the consensus was that we should continue with the Volunteer of the Year award. The board agreed that we need to do a better job of promoting this award. Bob Grimes moved that we offer a $1,000 cash award to the organization that nominated the recipient of this award. Second by Mr. Herbison. The board approved unanimously.
The board discussed making some website enhancements. It was suggested that we possibly do a password system for members to look at the minutes and financials.
The TEDC Scholarshiop program was discussed. This would cover tuition and possible travel based on their economic development budget. A committee would be needed for this program.
The volunteer of the year award may be open to chambers of commerce to submit nominations. $1,000 will be awarded to the nominating organization. Board members will not be eligible to nominate.
Professional of the Year nominations need to be mailed to membership.
Jack Hammontree was submitted for an Honorary Lifetime Member. Motion by Lawyer and second by Spurgeon.
Fall Conference for the Fall of 2005 was discussed. Dickson County in Middle Tennessee expressed interest in holding this conference at Montgomery Bell State Park.
