Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi

Board of Directors Meeting

August 21, 2014

The meeting was called to order by President Renee Flynt.

Members and Staff in Attendance: Carol McCrackin, Lyle Wynn, Bill Pevey, Robin Dietrich, Betsy Liles, Barbara Dearman, Kathy Perito, Sharon Williams, Chris Savell, Tomeka Hall Cheatham, Sheri Cox, Ken McLemore, Renee Flynt, Nancy Perkins, and Louise Ridgeway

Absent: Ann Baker, Pat Flynn, Holly Lange, Peyton Irby, Hope Bynum, Elizabeth Robinson, and Harold Miller

Secretary’s Report:

Minutes of the May 15, 2014 meeting were silently read. The motion to approve was carried unanimously.

President’s Report:

Renee Flynt announced that Susan Ford Robertson and Fletcher & Carol Cox met the criteria to receive the Lifetime Achievement Awards at Chimneyville, for their contributions to their crafts since 1974.

Ken made a motion to honor the Lifetime awards at Chimneyville. Betsy Liles seconded the motion.

Board replacements and elections will take place at the General Election. Ballots will be provided along with the reading of the bylaws for the election of new members. A committee will be established to compile the election information.

Vice President’s Report:

Due to time, it is impossible for us to meet the October 31st deadline of the MAC grant, for the Studio. We are looking into developing some of the areas we already have available. Also, the Natchez trip has been postponed. A reception in Natchez for perspective members will possibly be in October.

Financial Reports:

Chris Savell presented draft copies of financial statements and supplementary information as of June 30, 3013. He stated the cash flow is tight, good return on investments with friends’ contributions, and that the board needs to take a close look and some losses, which were noted in the draft.

Tomeka Hall Cheatham presented a copy of the Financial and Membership Reports (five year financials). She gave a detailed report of Profit and Loss for all departments which include all satellite facilities.

Executive Director’s Report:

Nancy Perkins presented a copy of her report, which highlighted the completion of the Natchez Trace environmental assessment, bond money projects, landscaping design proposal, studio status, and education class offerings. She also, gave a detailed fundraising report of grants, friends, corporate sponsorships, and events. The Pearl marketing initiative includes posters, rack cards, and wall banners.

Committee Reports:

·  Nancy Perkins (Standards) reported for Ann Baker we have 7 new members from the August standards review.

·  Tomeka Cheatham (Membership) reported a decline in membership. She also will offer reduced rates for booth space for Chimneyville to get more craftsmen to participate.

·  Sheri Cox (Retail, Rental, Education) reported that Jen’s sister, Rachel will replace Morgan, advertising is down, took some new work to the gallery on the coast, rental is up a little this year, camps are slow, and field trips were up this year.

Important Dates:

New Member Orientation: October 12, Witch Crafted 2014: October 25-31, Chimneyville: December 5-7

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn

Carol McCrackin, Secretary