NEAOBA Minutes of the Meeting
September 24, 2002
Malory Building Big-E Fair Grounds
Springfield MA

Officers Present: Jim Mullen, President
Joan McCurry, Vice President
Laura Busky, Treasurer
Cindy St.George, Secretary

  1. Call to order 5:40
  2. Secretary's Report/Minutes A MOTION was made to accept the minutes of the July 14, 2002 meeting held at Tufts University in N. Grafton, MA. The motion was seconded and APPROVED.
  3. Treasurer's Report: NEAOBA Membership now at 158 members. Summary of financial Activities of NEAOBA was reviewed including the report on NE Coastal Classic. Copies were provided to officers and upon request to members.
  4. N.E. Costal Classic (NECC): Walter Van Buskirk announced the show was SOLD OUT. He reviewed the speaker list and the topics they would discuss. He also reminded members that the Souvenir Book would be available for purchase.
  5. Marketing Committee Report: Dave Sanderson made a proposal to membership that we hire a marketing consultant, the same one used for 2 years by Open Farm Days of Maine and also hired by NECC. He had met with Jean Tholen of THOLEN Assoc to review her proposal. Media Kit was presented to us that, if hired, THOLEN would use to promote NEAOBA. They will market to local papers of members and also to Northeast publications. Each farm will complete a Bio with THOLEN'S assistance, if necessary. The idea is to gain free editorial instead of paying for expensive ad space, thus a more cost effective use of NEAOBA's funds, and the best publicity for member farms. Dave explained cost to advertise NEAF last year approximately $12,000 in just a few small ads in major regional papers. THOLEN contract for one year would be approximately $11,000. BOD will meet w/THOLEN at NECC to review and sign 6 month contract. Much discussion with membership ensued and Motion was made to have Marketing Committee to proceed with contract set up and BOD move forward after contract review. Motion was seconded and carried w/no opposition. Dave will need active volunteers to move forward with the Marketing Committee and would like those interested to email him.
  6. NEAF 2003 at Three County Fair Grounds May 4th and 5th. Chair Erika Dwyer was unable to attend. All members were reminded to start talking now about NEAF to new and prospective clients.
  7. Medical Research Report: Morelia Candia, John MacEachran and Ian Lutz on committee. There is $1,060 in available funds. Proposal was made to donate all to NE Animal Research. Information will be posted on NEOBA website and a vote will be taken at next scheduled meeting of membership.
  8. By Law Update: The Current and Proposed By-Laws will be published in upcoming Newsletter. A vote will be taken at the January meeting of the membership. There will also be some form of vote request in the newsletter.
  9. Affiliate Report: No one present.
  10. Other Business: Decision was made to accept credit card payment for the NE Coastal Classic and discussion to accept for dues payment. General consensus was this is a good idea. BOD will make decision. Have use now until Jan 03.
  11. Motion accepted to Adjourn at 6:20