Oxford Suites, Spokane Valley

Oxford Suites, Spokane Valley

INBTA
General Membership Meeting Minutes

November 8, 2016

Oxford Suites, Spokane Valley

Welcome and Call to Order: President Gerri Vance welcomed everyone and members introduced themselves. Gerri introduced and thanked today’s American Express sponsors, Jeff Kaminsky and Donna Palmer. Donna shared some of American Express highlights in the area of technology, customer service, global scale, and travel assistance. Laurie Stewart welcomed everyone to the hotel and offered a brief tour after the meeting for those interested.

New Member: Gerri welcomed new member Sarah Beal replacing Alex Parriman at Northern Quest Resort.

Bylaws Committee Chair: Gerri noted Joy Jelsing has replaced Jean Berg on the Bylaws Committee. She will also be assisting with the upcoming Board election process.

Board Elections: Gerri opened nominations from the floor for the position of President. None were noted. She opened nominations for the position of Secretary. Bethany Anderson was nominated; JJ Giachetti has also been nominated. There will be another opportunity at the December meeting after which the membership will vote.

Bank Balance: Sandy Hoveskeland reported the current bank balance of approximately $54,000, indicating the check has not been written to Fantasy Flight yet. It was also noted the 2017 dues notice will go out next month.

Auction: Gerri noted it was a record year for the auction this year, with approximately 275 attendees and over $26,000 was raised. A significant sum will be going to Fantasy Flight, including over $10,000 in “Raise the Paddle” alone. The check will be presented to them next month.

CPC Meeting: Gerri noted that INBTA will be hosting the CPC meeting in Spokane in May 2017. Visit Spokane is helping with the meeting and hotel rooms. If you are interested in helping on the CPC meeting committee, let Gerri know.

Trade Show: Save the date for April 11 for the 2017 Trade Show to be held at the Spokane Convention Center.

June 2017 Membership Meeting/Social: If you have ideas for a venue for the June membership social, please see Jean Berg.

Program: Gerri introduced today’s speaker, Kim Halsey, who shared on the topic of, “Home for the Holidays: How to stay Safe & Sane with Visiting Family.” She noted that more Americans travel for Thanksgiving than for any other holiday. Choosing to be in a dysfunctional relationship is one thing; being born into it is something else. Whether anticipating the holidays or just trying to ‘get through them,’ Kim offered a few practical tips for making this year the best ever! See attached presentation for key points.

Door Prize Drawings: Names were drawn for door prizes.

Next Membership Meeting: The next meeting will be on December 13 at the Hampton Inn at the Airport. The topic will be on travel apps and will include Toys for Tots and a presentation of the check to Fantasy Flight. Gerri reminded members to bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots

Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

______

Susan Barnes

Secretary