GULF WINDS TRACK CLUB Minutes

Board/GWTC Members present: Beth Alexander, Peg and Gary Griffin, David and Mary Jean Yon, Gene Opheim, Charlie Yates, Joe and Nadine Dexter, Bill Lott, Keith Rowe, Lisa Unger, Mae Cleveland, Tom Perkins and Fred and Margarete Deckert.

Mary Jean Yon called the meeting to order at 7:38 PM and quorum was established. The August minutes were reviewed. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the minutes as corrected.

REPORTS:

Race Director Coordinator – Charlie Yates reported that he, Bill Lott and Fred Deckert are working more closely together than ever to maintain an accurate schedule of races. September 29 offers 4 different races including the Prefontaine 5K. Also, for the first update in 3 years, Bill Lott and Jeanne O’Kon are updating the Race Director’s Handbook. There is no Pine Run this year since International Paper is attempting to sell the property. David Yon said he is looking into setting up an alternative event for this year to celebrate previous Pine Runs. More information will follow.

Race Director – Lisa Unger commented that people are confused about the $2 discount on pre-registration prices for Club members that run Club races. She will refund Women’s Distance Festival money in race packets to those who did not take advantage of the savings. Lisa suggested that future race applications include the information on the flyer. Gene commented that race directors do not have to police the discount since some may not choose the savings. Tom Perkins presented a final budget for Miccosukee Madness. It showed a net loss of $200.35. 191 paid runners participated; 209 kids ran for free. This race does not need to raise money, since it is beneficial to the young runners. All Club races should present a budget for Board approval prior to the race being run. David Yon submitted a preliminary budget for Turkey Trot. The budget included the $10,000 contribution from Capital Health Plan, the primary sponsor for the race. He is contemplating not paying to insert this year’s Turkey Trot tabloid into the Tallahassee Democrat this year because of the high cost. He considers the Newspaper in Education contest the best value in advertising: kids write an essay explaining how to incorporate physical fitness on Thanksgiving Day.

Social Committee Report – Mary Jean Yon for Kathy Lindsay reported that there is an opportunity to have the Capital City Cyclists join in our Holiday Party. Discussion included the possibility of a live band, the cost split between both clubs. Kathy will work on the details. A motion was presented to authorize Kathy Lindsay to pursue a joint party and present a budget if large changes occur. This motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report – Gene Opheim reported that the Club has $54,593, which is $4852 less than last month; the Chenoweth Fund has $16,887, which is an increase of $777. Breakfast on the Track raised $164.75; 50% of the profit was donated to the Maclay Boosters. The food expenses came out of the Social Budget. This month’s random drawing winner is Jimmy Ledford. He received a thank you note from Mary Lou Manasa. Gene asked that we question a few Club members to determine how they like this program. Peg suggested using businesses that offer GWTC members discounts.

Membership – Peg Griffin reported we have 842 members and 475 households, an increase of 15 from last month.

Racing Report – Lisa for Tim Unger reported that Tim would work on assembling a team for the Fort Rucker 5K in Alabama.

Awards/Grand Prix Committee – Lisa Unger presented the preliminary schedule for Grand Prix next year. For adults in 2008, only 1 distance at each race will be considered. The kids’ races still offer the choice of the 1 mile or the 5k, where possible. Many Club races were included this year. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the Grand Prix schedule for 2008 as presented.

Website Committee Report – Peg Griffin announced the choices of automating membership renewal. Our website could offer a form which would be filled out and then sent to Peg or PayPal. This would be quite a bit of work. Or Active.com offers a contract for 3 years to process membership forms that meet our needs at no cost to the Club. A $3 processing fee is passed onto the member. They do have a secure server.

Lecture Series – Fred Deckert reported that Dr. Thompson would present the next lecture sometime in October. Fred pointed out that the Triathletes have him booked for a Monday night. He will work to see if both meetings could be combined.

Triathlete Report – Mary Jean Yon for Sara Cleveland reported that about 50 typically people attend the meetings. Mary Jean Yon and Peg are invited to speak in October.

Chenoweth Fund – David Yon reported 2 requests for funds. 1) Paul Hoover, the track coach at Wakulla High School, asked for $1000 for uniforms which is similar to the previous request by Leon High School. Uniforms are part of the experience of team running, promote team unity, and allow the athletes to feel they are on par with other sports. 2) The Aucilla coach requested $500 for a Saturday invitational meet that costs more than the typical fees. Both requests were approved unanimously after a motion was made and seconded.

Clothing Coordinator – Margarete Deckert sold 2 additional items. Newsletter – Fred Deckert no report.

Training Report – Keith Rowe reported the Monday half marathon training class attracts 23 to 27 people. The Wednesday 15K training class is running a 5 mile loop. Nadine announced she had 59 people for her first week of Beginning Runner’s class and added 5 more the second week despite the heavy rain. She has 10 trainers helping with the various levels of running.

Equipment – Joe Dexter turned in a few checks. He tabulated $1500 in rental fees has been collected thus far this year.

OLD BUSINESS: Mary Jean Yon reported that Cornerstone Learning Community is interested in our offer to start a running program in area schools. Judie Kean has expressed interest in helping out with this.

There was a motion to adjourn at 9:09 PM, which was seconded and passed by unanimous vote. The next board meeting will be held on October 10, 2007 hosted by Keith and Michele Rowe. These minutes have been reviewed and accepted by the Board. Beth Alexander, Secretary.