Minutes of NEAOBA Meeting
Saturday, September 29,2001
W. Springfield, Mass.
Meeting called to order at 5:14 p.m.

Item 1. MOTION to approve Minutes of July 8,2001 Meeting was APPROVED.

Item 2. Treasurer’s Report was distributed to members present. On the new report, the figures for NEAF have been separated out from the general budget items.

Item 3. Old Business - none

Item 4. NEAF 2002 Committee Orientation postponed to a future date. NEAF will be held May 3-5, 2002 at the Three County Fairgrounds Northampton, MA

Item 5. Marketing Committee Policy The draft policy was read by Ian Lutz, Chairman of the NEAOBA Marketing Committee:

"Due to the exciting growth of the alpaca industry in New England, the NEAOBA Marketing Committee and Board of Directors supports the concept of moving to multiple sponsored events during the calendar year held within the six New England states. The one event we have sponsored to date each year has served us well, yet we recognize both the growth and the regional nature of the New England market. To that end it is proposed that NEAOBA set aside $5000 to be used as seed money to help with the upfront costs of such events. The detailed criteria to qualify for such funding will be developed in the future, but the event must be at least (1)be held at a non-farm location within the six states, and (2) be subscribed to by a significant percentage (Judgment of the BOD) of the then current NEAOBA membership. The event must be planned and managed on a cash flow basis with the intent of returning the $5000 to the seed money account. To the extent funds remain after the event in excess of the $5000, they will be retained in an account to be used to support the next event held in that section of New England. In addition, NEAOBA will give non-financial support as well by allowing the use of its infrastructure, i.e., legal, administrative, banking, non-profit status, for the event(s) in question."
Discussion followed. Jim Mullen pointed out that once the seed money was replenished to NEAOBA, it will go to another event. There was a MOTION to approve the policy which was seconded.

Question: Will money over the $5,000 be kept in that locale to keep show going?
Answer: Once the seed money is repaid to NEAOBA it can go to another show. Profits will stay at the original show location if approved.

1.Friendly amendment to motion: a change of wording to first sentence of paragraph 3: "The next NEAOBA approved event."

Question: How would this affect the New York members?

2. Friendly amendment to motion: a change of wording to first sentence, paragraph 3: "Six New England States plus New York." MOTION was APPROVED with the two friendly amendments.

Jim then asked for a MOTION to make an Amendment to the Agenda to include a vote for the only show which was presented for NEAOBA sponsorship: New England Coastal Classic to be held in Portland Maine. A show proposal was distributed to members by Walter Van Buskirk. (See attached copy)

There was a MOTION to approve the proposal for the Portland Show as presented to receive the $5000 seed money. The motion was seconded and APPROVED.

Members who volunteered to work on the Portland show committee:
Wendy Turner
Paula Ickeringill
John MacEachran
Mike Tierney
Lorrie O’Connor
Peter Buckingham
Tim Lavan
Walter Van Buskirk

MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 p.m. was seconded an approved.
Name of Proposed Show: New England Coastal Classic:
Show Date: September 27-28, 2002
Proposed Location: Portland Civic Center, Portland, Maine

Portland Civic Center: A new, enclosed facility with over 20,000 square feet on main floor plus additional space for vendors/trades people as well as classroom space. There is attached garage for automobiles and the facility will provide parking for the trailers. The cost is $3500 for weekend to rent the Civic Center, which is half price. The following additional services are included in the above price:24 hour security; clean up included, two additional rooms well suited for lectures. Hotel: Holiday Inn across the street from the Civic Center Judge: Dr. Anthony Stachowski
A judge will be obtained for fleece.

Show Superintendent The position has yet to be formally filled. There are several people under consideration.
Vendors: We propose to have vendors. Especially want to focus on end products and fiber arts (weavers, knitters etc)-The Maine Fiber Arts Organization has been contacted and they are willing to assist in providing demonstrations and vendors in the crafts.
Budget: The budget is being developed. Educational event: There will be educational events both for the Alpaca farmer and the public.
Panels: Panels will be provided.
Marketing: Plans are being developed for marketing. The Civic Center wishes to assist us and they are well connected in the Portland area.