Phone: 856-234-8260; Email: ; www.moorestown.com.mba
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 12, 2008
Moorestown Community House
Call to Order: President Mark Morgan (Moorestown Theater Company) called the meeting to order in the Community House Garden Room at 7:40 AM. He thanked members who attended our first networking session before the meeting. He also thanked the Breakfast hosts Rose Giardiello (Cornerstone Bank) and Mary Lynn Finelli (Under the Sun) and apologized for the confusion.
Attendance (26): Mark Morgan (MTC), Brian Cooper (Vice President, Homecomings Financial), Kathy Logue (Liberty Bell Bank), Harry Koons (Treasurer, Moorestown Community House), John Ginley (Board Member, Wharton Mortgage Group), Jeanette Habina (Board Member, Susquehanna Bank), Mary Lynn Finelli (Board Member, Under the Sun), Jay Winkler (Board Member, Idea Lab), Harvey Howard (Board Member, Long & Foster), Holly Myers (Abundant Health), Bill Wares (Jersey Central Insurance), Cephas Green (C. Green Co), Geri Finio (Studio 187), Joe Horwitz (New York Life), Rose Giardiello (Cornerstone Bank), Stephanie Pilson (Brandywine at Moorestown Estates), Hala Al-Shawaf (SB), Tommy Arena (Longrun Press), Phyllis Tule (Christian Science Reading Room), Walt Tule (CSRR), Noam Yalon (Time Plus Payroll), Craig Ebner (PNC Bank) Kathy Masterson (Laurel Creek CC), Paula Anderson (Acu-Health Holistic Center), Kathleen McCabe (Moorestown VNA & Hospice)and Karen Koenig (Beneficial Bank).
Financial Report: Harry Koons, Treasurer reported we currently have $21,366 in accounts.
Minutes: Kathy Logue, Secretary reported the minutes for the January General Meeting were at members places to review. Mark Morgan noted the minutes had also been posted to the webpage for members to review prior to the meeting and will be posted monthly for review. The minutes were approved.
Guest Speaker: Mark Morgan introduced Phil Kirschner, President of the NJ Business & Industry Association and Moorestown resident. Mr. Kirschner noted the NJ Business & Industry Association has 23,000 members who work in partnership with their membership to promote business in NJ. They consist of both big and small companies, but most members average 7 employees. They offer discount workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance to member companies through NJ Manufacturers Insurance as well as personal auto, homeowners and umbrella coverage to employees of member companies. They are a strong advocate for their members in Trenton and provide information on key legislation. He noted the business climate in NJ is slow, but very competitive. 72,000 people have left NJ and job creation is ½ the national average. He discussed a Paid Family Leave Act that will force all business owners to pay up to six weeks of family leave time, even businesses under 50 employees. He also spoke about the Governor’s Asset Monetization program which will increase tolls 500% over 10 years and shift traffic to local and regional roads with no compensation to the local or regional governments for maintenance of the roads. These programs are controversial and will be changed; however, he suggested we contact our local and state legislators to voice our opinions. Harvey Howard asked if the employee must remain with the company for any amount of time after the Paid Leave time. Phil Kirschner noted there is no allowance for that, so an employee could take the paid leave and then never come back. He also noted this is in addition to maternity leave of 6 weeks. John Ginley asked with the business climate down, how did this paid leave idea get started. Phil responded it began with public employee unions. Mark Morgan asked if there was a timeline to this legislation. Phil noted it will be about five weeks before it is voted on, with it becoming effective in 2009. John Ginley asked if there was any positive news. Phil responded while the general economy is weak, business in NJ is so diverse we will weather it better. NJ has the location and demographics to be the best place to do business. Paul Anderson asked if there are any moves with his organization to offer Health Care for its members. Phil told her federal law does not allow them to do so, but federal legislation is pending which will change that law and they will offer it as soon as allowed. Mark Morgan thanked Phil for informing our members and encouraged members to contact him with any further questions.
Committee Reports:
Board – Mark Morgan (MTC) reminded the members the Board meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 and committees are up and running.
Budget – Harry Koons (MCH) reported a draft budget had been prepared and will be reviewed with the committee after the general meeting today.
By-Laws – John Ginley (WMG) reported they have had three (3) meetings and the review is coming along.
Community Affairs – Harry Koons (MCH) reported the committee will attend town meetings to keep us informed.
Events – Mark Morgan (MTC) noted in keeping with By-Laws revisions, the President will no longer Chair a committee, so Brian Cooper is now the Chair of this committee which will oversee all events.
Ethics – John Ginley (WMG) reported the committee had had two meetings to resolve issues and grievances which will allow the group to move forward.
Marketing – Jay Winkler (IL) reported the committee, which has combined with the Directory committee, had met and set schedules and duties for the five events. The deadline for membership to be in the directory was extended to 2-22 with the directory printed in March.
Membership – Brian Cooper (HF) reported we have 116 paid members. Membership applications were at the tables and can also be done by mail, on line or dropped off in Harry’s box at the Community House. Extra directories were available at the meeting. Jay Winkler added an ad was placed in the NewsWeekly this week promoting membership.
Moorestown Money – Mary Lynn Finelli (UTS) will meet with the committee to get this program in place before the holidays.
Nominating – Harvey Howard (L&F) reported the committee will meet after the By-Laws are revised.
Policies – Harry Koons (MCH) reported his committee will be meeting to set new policies.
Scholarship – Kathy Logue (LBB) advised a meeting will be scheduled soon to set a process for a scholarship program.
Social – Mary Lynn Finelli (UTS) reported they will meet to set up networking events.
Sponsorship – Kathy Logue (LBB) advised we have $18,875 in sponsorships ($3,000 more than last year).
Event Sub-Committees:
Easter Egg Hunt (3-15-08) – Kathy Logue (LBB) reported the event is confirmed at the Greenleaf and the committee will be meeting soon.
Moorestown Day (6-7-08) – Harry Koons (MCH) reported the committee will be meeting to expand the event.
Moorestown Phillies Night (5-31-08) – Mark Morgan announced the Board had decided this will not be an MBA event.
Autumn in Moorestown (10-11-08) – Jeanette Habina (SB) will be working with Gina Zegel and the committee to plan this event.
Halloween Parade (10-25 or 10-26-08) – Brian Cooper (HF) will be meeting with committee to select the date and plan more activities for this event.
Candlelight Night (11-7-08) – Mary Lynn Finelli (UTS) reported the committee will be having monthly meeting to plan this event.
Old Business:
COY – Mark Morgan advised Gina Zegel was honored at the Citizen of the Year dinner on 2-6-08. Several members attended. The MBA thanks her for her service to us over the years, especially for Moorestown Day and Autumn in Moorestown.
Kindness Week – Mark Morgan distributed wrist bands which the MBA sponsored and advised members additional wrist bands are available for member distribution at Beneficial Bank. Karen Koenig (BB) noted she also had a basket of wrist bands with her at the meeting.
New Business: Harvey Howard reminded members all are welcome to attend Board meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 AM. Also, for General Meetings, the room will be open at 7:00 for set up, with networking from 7:15 to 7:30.
Around the Table: Members were asked to give updates on their businesses and were reminded all 2008 general meetings will begin at 7:30 with networking from 7:15 to 7:30.
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Cephas Green (CGC) and seconded by Harry Koons (MCH). It was approved by the membership and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 AM.
Next Meetings:
Board of Directors:
Wednesday March 5, 2008 – 7:30 AM; Moorestown Community House
General Membership:
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 – 7:30 AM; Networking 7:15-7:30; Moorestown Community House
Breakfast Host: Bill Wares (JCI)
Submitted by: Kathy Logue, Secretary
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