MINNESOTA BALLOONING ASSOCIATION

MONTHLY MEETING

Monday, January 19, 2004

Wynn Gustafson’s House

Members Present:

Becky Pope, Gus, Dave Johnson, Glen Terry, Kim Dickey

Treasurer’s Report

Cash on hand: $1986.84

Expenses approved: $65.00 postage, misc. paper supplies

$50.00 Holiday Party room fee

19 members have paid their 2004 dues so far.

Old Business:

Adopting a Charity: Discussion was held regarding adopting charities to promote the MBA, holding events in different communities. It was suggested that maybe the MBA could print some trading cards, business cards or a brochure to hand out at PR events, school demos, the State Fair, etc. Maybe corporate sponsors would help pay the cost of printing cards in exchange for having their balloon pictured on the cards. We will try to put a survey in Sam Blackburn’s newsletter to see how members feel about this.

Rain Gauges: Mike Sommers gave Glen Terry some info on gauges. The cost ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 for single color gauges if we order 500, with the cost increasing with more colors. This is another item to add to Sam’s newsletter for member input. We would need a commitment from members for the number of gauges they would purchase so we can figure out the cost. A discussion was held on what we should have printed on the gauges. We thought “The Minnesota Ballooning Association thanks you for letting us land on your property” with the MBA logo and website printed sounded good, but we’re open to suggestions.

Ballooning Kids: Discussion was held on inviting kids who grew up in ballooning to come to MBA events so members can get re-acquainted with them. There are events such as Gus & Betty’s June picnic and Glen’s August volleyball party that might appeal to them.

MBA Newsletter: Kudos to Sam Blackburn for publishing a great newsletter. Suggestions for future editions include: soliciting input from MBA members on the rain gauges; member input on printing MBA trading cards, brochures or business cards; publishing info on the Safety Seminar; seeking a volunteer to be the MBA Parade Coordinator; and listing all the past MBA Board members.

Parades: To promote the MBA and sport of ballooning, members might want to participate in parades. We could have a packet of info for people to use if they participate in a parade that would have basket banners, handouts/brochures, pins and vinyl stickers. We would need someone to volunteer to be the Parade Coordinator who would have the packet and get it to anyone participating in a parade. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact any of the Board members.

Social Get-Togethers: The next upcoming event will be the Welcome BBQ on Friday, March 26^th before the Saturday Safety Seminar. Gus & Betty’s June picnic is on the schedule, along with Glen Terry’s August Volleyball party. If anyone has suggestions for other social events, let Glen Terry know.

Safety Seminar: Plans for the Safety Seminar on Saturday, March 27^th are shaping up. The topic this year is “Pilot Decision-Making.” So far six speakers are confirmed with more expected to be soon. Dave Johnson is working on getting the speakers confirmed and the agenda sent in and approved by the BFA. Glen Terry will be sending out seminar applications. The cost is $50/pilot, $40/crew if you register in advance ($10 more if you sign up at the door).

NEW BUSINESS

If members are using their Social Security as their certificate number they can contact the FAA to get it changed.

The next meeting (February 16^th) will be the election meeting and will be held at Gus & Betty’s.