The club Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, December 9, at JD's Sports Bar in Rockledge, and was well-attended (25-30 players). Here are the highlights.
Everyone was in favor of doing another FRU-wide training camp at Cocoa Expo with the Select Side coaches running practice. (Note: I've got an e-mail in to the FRU proposing Jan. 10th.)
Practices will remain at Rockledge Park from 7:00-9:00PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The club voted to enter the Ft. Lauderdale Tournament instead of the Savannah tournament for higher level competition. (Note: Match Secretary needs to follow up with this.)
The majority of those in attendance also voiced their support of a tour in 2004 such as returning to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, or the Cayman Islands (Note: earlier e-mails on both of the latter have been circulated).
We successfully raised money in 2003 with 2 golf tournaments ($5000) and the raffle ($2000) but we could have used more help. With the fund-raisers we would like to one day own a field and clubhouse but some of the money always ends up going toward budget shortfalls. We need to make a concerted effort in 2004 to achieve 501(c)3 status and secure sponsorship. The Fund Development Committee (Ben Buchanan) needs to meet prior to Jan. 1 to get this going. Schenck and Carroll Distributors will be approached for sponsorship.
We need to recruit - starting now. Joey Tropea volunteered to handle BCC. We need someone to recruit at FIT. Monk and Trooper volunteered to handle Patrick. AFB. When I mentioned that flyers are on the website for printing that started another discussion. The majority of those with an opinion preferred the look of old website but would like them updated more often (Action: Scott Bissett). Did anyone volunteer to handle the hotline?
We also need to send out more press releases. Marty Ryan volunteered to handle the area newspapers and Bubba Zrimsek volunteered to handle PSA's (Public Service Announcements) with the radio stations.
A 2004 budget of $4439.68 was passed, resulting in player dues of $100/year (based on 45 players). Payment is due in full on January 1, but is payable in installments. This does not include any CIPP fees.
As you can see, this is not a bare bones budget. It includes tournament fees and coaching clinic costs - both of which are needed for the club to grow and get better.
Elections resulted in only one new position (coach). All others were unchallenged.
Officers for 2004
President - Corkey Newman
VP-Administration - Scott McLachlan
VP-Competition - Ray Campion
Match Secretary - Steve Williams
Social Director - Tom Buist
Coach - Pedro Uriarte
Pedro's goal for the spring is to build a stand-alone second side - playing it's own matches when a second match cannot be guaranteed after the A sides match. (Note: I sent a proposal to the FRU to mandate second side matches in Division III). In order to achieve this - we need everyone at practice and matches.
Let me know if I left anything out.
Corkey Newman
Posted by Pedro at December 16, 2003 06:48 AM