March 2007 Minutes

Discussed use of online communication by Board. Reminder that wording may not always be interpreted as intended.

Thanks to Sean Pecor, Webmaster, for joining us to update/explain potential use of website.

Has found and will proceed with purchase of the SWVADA donated trophy for the State 4H Show.

VOTED to accept February Minutes.

Explanation/Review of Revised 2007 Budget. Discussed use of budget as a guideline for financial decisions for the year.

VOTED to accept 2007 Budget Proposal (Prepared by Ginger Edwards and Blanche Mahoney)

Forms for sponsorships, ads, donations are posted on the website under LICENSED SHOW. A form for volunteers is also posted. Volunteers needed!

Ribbons have been ordered; name of show changed to SWVADA Spring Show.

Discussed donations and purchase costs and suggestions for prizes.

Jeanette Shires will contact companies to solicit donations.

Discussed the requirements re: rating of the TD if there is a pony FEI entry, as measuring is mandatory. (Not all TD's are licensed to measure.)

Tests have been downloaded and request for cost of printing made.

Bob will get test copies to Annette for the April Fix-A-Test.

Debbie Bowman will be an instructor for camp. Second instructor not confirmed yet.

Costs will probably be around $600.

Susan stated that use of VADA grant funds must be auditor oriented.

Decided that a proposed clinic to follow the July Schooling Show would not be feasible.

No reply yet from Salem Civic Center re: fees for use of room for a New Tests Seminar. Will investigate other possible locations.

Discussed other possible clinics. Laura will investigate having a clinic on Sunday following the October Schooling Show.

Susan will check on order of rosettes for use at Fix-A-Test.

Reviewed the new aspects of the website. Explained interesting possibilities of use, such as submitting material directly to the website, member chat room, announcements of local events, etc.

Questions and discussion focused on the possible need for moderators, a disclaimer if not SWVADA sponsored, and other aspects. Basically the website is a work in progress, so it may change its look as needs are addressed.

Classifieds will be free to members.

For the first time in 14 years, Educational Sunday was cancelled due to weather.

Gift certificates were given to scheduled speakers for their willingness and time to prepare presentations.

Ellen Aiken donated her gift certificate to SWVADA. This will be used for the Licensed Show.

VOTED to donate $100 to the Roanoke Valley Therapeutic Riding Program .

VOTED to donate $150 to VA Tech for use of facility.

Thanks to Dana for taking on this job.

Members should have received a mailed copy of the 2007 Omnibus.

The new entrance for trailers should be completed by end of March (weather permitting).

The same combination will be used for locks at both entrances.

102 current members

Decided August would be the cut off date for new members to receive Omnibus.

Waiting on a quote to obtain the D & O insurance.

Reminder: Judges are not covered by insurance once they enter the ring. This will affect the Ride-A-Test procedure. Discussed purchasing an independent microphone system to be used for clinics. Bob will investigate costs.

Decided to sell or give away old tapes.

Will give volunteer hours for handling checkouts/returns at shows. Another volunteer opportunity!

Library is being actively used.

The Stephen Clarke/Linda Zang Clinic At Morven Park is still on schedule.

Most chapters cancelled events scheduled in March as a horse health safety measure.

NA Jr/YR Championships will be held in Lexington August 1-5. Volunteers will be needed.

Holly Veloso will be in charge of volunteers for the GAIG Championships at VHC in October.

Next meeting: May 13, 2007.

April Schooling Show: Blanche Mahoney will serve as Manager, along with Jeanette Shires, Secretary. Volunteers needed.

Discussed volunteer incentives. Will look for ways to recognize volunteers. Question raised as to what percentage of membership participates by volunteering.