Welcome to Challenge Chapter Trout Unlimited
Challenge Chapter Board Meeting – February 5, 2019
Meeting called to order 7:10 pm.
In attendance: Dan Cronin, Jim Zyla, Kelvin Connor, Dave Parker, Conrad Surdu, Judd Street
Treasurer Report: Current bank balance $12,849.82
We have no current requests for donations
We are on target for upcoming Fly Fishing Expo
Old Business:
Outings – Four options discussed regarding number of outings
- Should we drop 2 outings?
- Drop lodges requiring 10+ people
- Pick one: Wawasum or Fullers or Au Sable Valley View
- Add Woodland Springs as a September outing.
Consensus from discussion led to a motion to drop May – July outing and have two outings; August – Wa Wa Sum and September – Cast/Blast
New Business:
- Discussion of National TU recomendations/response to headwaters Chapter Treasurer Thefts. 30K was stolen; it has been paid back by the guilty party.
TU State Council discussed having 2 persons sign chapter checks.
State council made motion that chapter banks send statement to both treasurer and chapter president and report at chapter meeting.
- Last year requests were received from CRWC, Cedars of the AuSable, Coaster Brook Trout, Michigan TU, Junglecock Org.
- Clinton Valley Banquet Offer
4. Discussion revolving around Clinton Valley Chapter Banquet and should we support it. Is apparently a money maker thru bucket item & meal sales. Consensus was we would not do it but would pass out information about the banquet.
- Expo preparations & booth.
Discussion indicated we would have an “Expo” meeting in March, prior to the Exposition. We need to make sure the iPad is working.
- New Board Members:
The issue is the trouble of getting volunteers to serve on the board. Discussion included ways to do this; among them were “talking it up” at the membership meetings.
- Kids Fishing: We have a jumble of rods, reels, tackle that need to be “Cleaned Up”, hooks tied to lines, etc. These are used at Johnson's N.C. for kids fishing days.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm
Respectively submitted by Dave Parker
Challenge Chapter Board Meeting, March 5, 2019
In Attendance: Jim Zyla, Conrad Surdu, Gordon Baughman, Greg Baughman, Dan Cronin, Mollie Proctor.
Secretary Report:
Secretary forgot to bring the old meeting minutes, but they are posted on our website.
Treasurer’s Report:
$13,973.23 in our checking account.
2018 Budget Analysis was presented by Mollie Proctor. 2019 Budget needs final tweaking.
Only one current outstanding invoice and it’s not overdue.
Old Business:
OUTINGS:
May 31-June 2 – Fuller’s North Branch Outing Club
Aug 9-11 – Wa Wa Sum
Sept 27-29 – Woodland Springs Club, Cast and Blast Family Style
FUNDING REQUESTS:
Voted to approve funding monies for the following organizations:
Brotherhood of the Junglecock - $3,000.00
Anglers of the Au Sable - $1,000.00
Cedars of the Au Sable - $500.00
Kalamazoo Chapter Youth Fishing School - $700.00
Wa Wa Sum river access steps - $500.00
TU State Council - $1,000.00
New Business:
Location and promotion of our March 12th speaker (Dennis Potter) to be handled by Greg Baughman. Send notices to the presidents of the other SE Michigan chapters. Coordinate with Rachel and Theresa at Lockhart’s BBQ regarding the A/V equipment.
Expo preparation is in order. Expo dates are March 9-10 with setup on March 8th. Mollie handed out the seed money for the Saturday and Sunday cash boxes.
May Picnic preparations need to be formalized. Greg B. to organize.
New, younger Board members desired (new blood). Greg B. to send out notice.
Kid’s Fishing at EL Johnson Nature Center dates are coming from the director.
A set of our guide books and a Prosek print are being donated to the Clinton Valley chapter of TU to auction off at their Spring Fundraiser.
Proposed 2019-20 meeting topics/speakers:
Sept 2019= Fall reunion
Oct 2019 = need speaker
Nov 2019 = need speaker
Dec 2019 =Holiday Social
Jan 2020 = need speaker
Feb 2020 = need speaker
March 2020 = Dennis Potter (proposed)
April 2020 = Anne Miller (proposed
May 2020 = Chapter Picnic, Date to be determined. May 11th or 18th
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm
In Attendance: Jim Zyla, Kelvin Connor, Greg Baughman, Gordon Baughman, Mollie Proctor, Jud Street, Conrad Sordu, Dan Cronin
OLD BUSINESS:
Secretary’s Report:
· September minutes approved.
· We reaffirmed the donation amounts from last month.
Treasurer’s Report:
· Check book balance is $13,907.59.
· We have no outstanding receivables.
· The budget is being prepared.
· We have three PayPal sweeps showing as ‘pending’. Treasurer will investigate.
Tom Quail meeting reactions:
· Frustrations that he came away from our meeting thinking that as a chapter we were considering disbanding – nothing could be further from the truth. Jim Zyla to advise him of that fact so misinformation is not unintentionally spread.
· We are going to try and get the new MTU president (Greg Walz) to meet with us.
Email correspondence:
· Yahoo Groups will be dropped as our method of communication to the chapter.
NEW BUSINESS:
Book Inventory:
· The only book title inventory that is low is the Lower Au Sable, so we need to allow $2,500 in the budget for printing costs later this year.
Family oriented outing:
· Two Woodland Springs Club members have been approached with the idea of hosting a ‘family’ oriented outing in September. The intent is to include spouses and children. The response was favourable and it is a ‘go’ for the last weekend in September (Sept 27-29, 2019).
November meeting speaker:
· Joe Hemming of the Anglers of the Au Sable will be our speaker at Lockhart’s BBQ in Royal Oak on November 12th at 7:30pm. Jud Street will contact him for his bio and a summary of his talk regarding the Grayling Fish Farm so that we can properly promote the talk. All SE Michigan TU chapters will be invited. Mollie Proctor will prepare a flyer for distribution as soon as that info is collected. A $500 donation to ‘Anglers’ was approved.
· Send out MailChimp email (with flyer) to promote Joe Hemming’s talk and then follow up with phone calls to members. We need to secure the membership contact info and then divvy up the names/numbers to the board members.
· Decision made to not approach the other chapters for help with the costs associated with Dennis Potter and Ann Miller.
Membership outreach:
· Use Mailchimp only for all correspondence also – reaches complete TU National list
· Use Facebook more often to reach those who use it often. Any member can post.
· Assign a person to meet and introduce any new members to our meetings and to then stay in contact with them after the meeting. This is a shared duty among board members.
Board and General Meetings:
· Discussion on whether we need to continue a separate board meeting for the remainder of the year. We will try a combined meeting in November.
Pleissner framed print:
· Discussion on the best way to sell the print to raise funds for the chapter. It was decided to sell the framed print to Dan Cronin.
Outing attendance:
· We need to discuss with the chapter how many outings we should have going forward. Gordon is preparing a recommendation.
· Concurrent with that is the need for a policy regarding deposits to reserve a spot at the outings so that if something unavoidable comes up for a member, the chapter is not hurt too badly by having to cover the full cost of that person’s lodging.
Future meetings:
· Proposed meeting speakers/topics:
November - Joe Hemming (Anglers of the Au Sable president) to talk on the
the Grayling fish farm resolution.
December – Holiday Social with the four SE Michigan TU chapters.
January – Glen Blackwood – Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company
February – Brian Burroughs? With Greg Walz?
March – Dennis Potter
April – Ann Miller
May – Picnic at Meadowlake’s Anchor Island
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm
Date: Thursday | September 19, 2019
Time: 7:00 | EST
Location: E.L. Johnson Nature Center
I. Welcome & Call to Order
A TU Challenge Chapter board meeting was held September 19, 2019 at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center. It began at 7:00 pm and was presided over by Mollie Proctor, with Dave Lockwood acting as secretary.
II. Attendees
Members Present: Mollie Proctor, Jud Street, Ed Coe, Dave Parker, Kelvin Connor, Dan Cronin, Conrad Surdu, Jim Zyla, Dave Lockwood
Member Apologies: Dave Baumhart
III. Approval of Previous Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2019 meeting was made by Mollie Proctor and seconded by Jud Street.
IV. Agenda
Chapter Calendar:
Led by Mollie Proctor.
Key Activities:
· Cast-n-Blast Weekend is September 27-29
· Next chapter meeting Thursday, October 10 (Mike Sipkowski confirmed speaker - Boardman River transformation)
· Need to develop master list of presenters across MI TU chapters and fly fisher organizations
· Discussion of potential future speakers
· Agreement reached that Challenge Chapter meetings take place the first Thursday of the month (except in October and January, when they will be the second Thursday of the month)
Action Items Owner(s) Deadline Status
Forward C-N-B e-m to Dave L, Dave P and Ed and add names to Yahoo mailing list Mollie Sept 20 COMPLETE
Develop master speakers list Mollie Ongoing IN PROGRESS
Explore Nicole Watson’s availability to speak regarding reintroduction of Grayling Dan Oct. mtg COMPLETE
Reserve Lockhart’s BBQ for chapter meetings Jud Oct mtg COMPLETE
MITU Quarterly Meeting Recap
Presented by Jim Zyla
Key Elements:
· Priority in coming months will be to grow membership in MITU’s Aquifer Club
· Discussion of “potential major impacts” on cold water fisheries of EPA’s ending of Obama Administration program called “Waters of the U.S.”
· Annual budget and goals were reviewed (MITU year-end appeal must raise $161,000)
· Riverboat donation and raffle generated approximately $14,000 in net revenue
· Brian Burroughs recommended using videos produced by state council, available at www.ForestsForFish.com, for fund raising at local chapter meetings
· Discussion of sunsetting of 2019 UP brook trout bag limit regulation
· Kalamazoo Chapter kids camp was success in 2019; group is seeking $700 in Challenge Chapter support next year and assistance recruiting campers and counselors
· Discussion regarding possibility of Mio Dam removal on Au Sable
· Jim’s full notes are available here: MITU state council meeting 9-14-19.pdf
Action Items:
None
Treasurer’s Report:
Presented by Mollie Proctor.
Key Elements:
· Currently approximately $16,000 in Challenge Chapter account
· Mollie created spreadsheet to track dealer financial invoices and augment existing book sales tracking system
· Chapter has a new mailing address (PO Box 7665, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302) that needs to be updated on website and among donors
Action Items Owner(s) Deadline Status
Update address on chapter website Kelvin Oct mtg COMPLETE
Integrate sales tracking system Mollie Oct mtg IN PROGRESS
Dealer Sales
Presented by Jim Zyla.
Key Points:
· Jim presented analysis of book sales (by river/channel/dealer, over time) – need to sell 238 books by year end to match 2018 sales/revenue
· Group discussion of sales growth ideas/opportunities and past success
· Key success steps: develop holiday e-mail campaign, update/integrate e-mail lists of potential book buyers, compile lists other MI chapter leadership/flyfishing groups/fly shop owners for outreach
· Look for new uses for Prosek print (possibly as incentive for multi-book sales)
· Need to reactivate update of Manistee River book in order to have inventory to sell at next spring’s Expo
Action Items Owner(s) Deadline Status
Retrieve Prosek prints Jim Oct mtg COMPLETE
Create board sub-group focused on marketing TBD Nov mtg IN PROGRESS
Compile a list of TU chapter leaders and addresses Mollie Oct mtg COMPLETE
Clean/merge e-mail CC member lists Kelvin Oct mtg IN PROGRESS
Update list of target fly shops/dealers Dave P Oct mtg COMPLETE
Create sub-group focused on Manistee update Jud Oct mtg IN PROGRESS
Reach out to Graphics East re: printing schedule Dave P Oct mtg IN PROGRESS
Get Prosek print framed/placed at Gates Jud Oct mtg IN PROGRESS
Other Business
The following resolution was adopted: Dave Lockwood volunteered to serve as Board Secretary
Action Items Owner(s) Deadline Status
Dave to share draft of meeting minutes with board members for accuracy Dave Next week COMPLETE
V. Announcements and Reminders
Continue to think about possible future chapter speakers and ways to stimulate book sales/revenue
VI. Next Scheduled Meetings
Chapter Meeting Thursday, October 10 Lockhart’s BBQ, Royal Oak
Board Meeting Tuesday, October 29 Rusty Bucket, Bloomfield Hills
VII. Adjournment
Mollie Proctor moved that the meeting be adjourned, and this was agreed upon at 8:30.
Minutes Prepared By Dave Lockwood
Secretary
Date: Tuesday | October 29, 2019
Time: 7:00 | EST
Location: Rusty Bucket Bloomfield Hills
I. Welcome & Call to Order
A TU Challenge Chapter board meeting was held October 29, 2019 at the Rusty Bucket in Bloomfield Hills. It began at 7:17 pm and was presided over by Mollie Proctor, Chapter President, with minutes recorded by Dave Lockwood, Chapter Secretary.
II. Attendees
Members Present: Mollie Proctor, Jud Street, Ed Coe, Dave Baumhart, Dave Parker, Dan Cronin, Jim Zyla, Dave Lockwood
Member Apologies: Kelvin Conner, Conrad Surdu
III. Approval of Previous Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2019 meeting was made by Mollie, seconded by Dan, and approved by the board.
IV. Agenda
Board members and other responsible individuals give a small report of what occurred since the last board meeting was held. The agenda for the current meeting is reviewed, corrections are made, and last minute items are added.
Treasurer’s Report
Led by Mollie Proctor and Ed Coe.
Key Elements:
• Currently there is approximately $16,500 in Challenge Chapter account
• Given the widespread presence of online scams/fraud attempts, a reminder was shared to never communicate sensitive chapter information via e-mail
• CC annual budget needs to be drafted
• For tax purposes, MI and National TU must include a record of hours spent by Chapter Board members on meetings/travel. Forms/link for recording hours will be distributed once located.
Action Items: Owner(s) Deadline Status
Draft preliminary Chapter budget Mollie and Ed Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
Send out time recording forms Mollie and Board Next Board meeting ONGOING
Chapter Calendar
Led by Mollie Proctor.
Key Activities:
• Discussion regarding October 10 chapter meeting and presenter Mike Sipkowski (past president of Adams TU Chapter).
• Agreement to cancel November chapter meeting, given timing of deer season and Thanksgiving holiday this year.
• Agreement to participate in multi-chapter holiday party hosted by Clinton Valley TU on December 10 at Camp Ticonderoga in Troy.
• Nicole Watson (MSU doctoral candidate involved with Grayling reintroduction efforts) confirmed as speaker for January 9 chapter meeting at Lockhart’s in Royal Oak. Similar to October presenter, board will determine possible donation after gaining deeper understanding of initiative’s goals and needs. Request was made to emphasize convenient parking deck located near Lockhart’s in meeting announcement communications.
• Discussion of potential speakers for February, March and April chapter meetings.
Action Items: Owner(s) Deadline Status
Send out CCTU meeting announcements Jud Nov 6 COMPLETE
and reserve Lockhart’s for January
Identify potential speakers for future meetings All board members Next board meeting IN PROGRESS
Dealer Sales/Guidebooks
Led by Mollie Proctor.
Key Points:
• Discussion regarding the need for a strategy and concerted effort to expand distribution and sales of our Guidebooks.
• Dave P provided a list of fly shops in Michigan’s lower peninsula that currently do not sell them.
• Maureen Shoup volunteered at Oct chapter meeting to help with outreach to potential sellers.
• Discussion of board/chapter members visiting key sellers on opening day to promote book sales/deals
• Painted Trout in Dexter has placed a book order and will begin selling.
• Discussion regarding update of Manistee River book in order to have inventory to sell at next spring’s Expo. Committee consisting of Dave P, Jud, and Rich will lead the update.
• Discussion of how to optimize the use of Prosek coaster trout prints (1-24 out of 100)
Action Items: Owner(s) Deadline Status
+ Dave P and Maureen Shoup to coordinate development of Dave P/Maureen S Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
introduction letter to prospects and testimonials from current sellers
+ Manistee Update Committee (Dave P, Jud, Richard Bruder, others) Dave P TBD ONGOING
to meet in late Nov/early Dec to initiate updates
+ Marketing Committee (Dave B, Dave L, Greg B, Jud, others) to TBD Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
meet to coordinate holiday book sales promotion (website, Facebook)
+ Call Graphics East re: printing schedule Dave P Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
+ Get Prosek print framed/placed at Gates Lodge Jud Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
New Business
Led by Mollie Proctor.
Key Points:
• Discussion regarding Adams Chapter TU grant request and possible donation levels.
• Discussion regarding design of CCTU member shirts/merchandise.
• Member name tags are available for $10 through Dan (5 requests are needed to place order)
• Discussion regarding the need for greater CCTU involvement with family/youth fishing days the chapter will be sponsoring next year (shirt/signage visibility, fly casting demonstration/participation, etc.)
• Kelvin indicated the CCTU fly tying class is a go for January!
Action Items Owner(s) Deadline Status
+ Attending board members voted unanimously to grant $1000 Mollie/Ed Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
to Adams TU Chapter for continued work on Boardman River initiative
+ CCTU chapter shirts need to be designed – members encouraged Mollie/Dan Next Board meeting IN PROGRESS
to contribute ideas and provide feedback
+ Sign up for fly tying class through Birmingham adult ed. Kelvin TBD IN PROGRESS
V. Announcements and Reminders
Continue to think about possible future chapter speakers and ways to stimulate book sales/revenue
VI. Next Scheduled Meetings
Chapter Meeting Thursday, January 9th Lockhart’s BBQ, Royal Oak
Board Meeting Date TBD Rusty Bucket, Bloomfield Hills
VII. Adjournment
Mollie Proctor moved that the meeting be adjourned, and this was agreed upon at 8:54.
Minutes Prepared by Dave Lockwood
Secretary Approval
