Minutes-Board Meeting
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Penn State Alumni Association Greater Jacksonville Chapter

Present: Josiah Pritchard, President, Danielle Howard, Vice President, Amy Latner Secretary, Bob Streightiff, Treasurer, Rich Holtz, Athletics Chair, Judie Crabb, Social Chair.

Absent: Bill Dusack, Immediate Past President

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm by Josiah Pritchard, President.

The minutes of the February 2, 2006 meeting were reviewed and approved 6-0.

The purpose of this meeting was to set up plans for the final Dining with the Lions of the season, plan the football Kick-off banquet and finalize plans for the newsletter.

President's Report: Josiah suggested that we offer advertisements to companies for our next newsletter. This would allow Penn Staters who may own their own business, as well as others, to place an inexpensive add that has potential to reach several hundred alumni in the area. The board agreed and pricing for various sizes will be determined before the newsletter is mailed. The deadline for contributions will be June 14, 2006 with plans to have the letter in the mail by July 18, 2006. Also on the agenda was metrics. How do we define ourselves as a successful organization? It was decided by all that our chapter fosters social interaction between alumni, making it a great success.

Vice President's Report: Danielle had nothing new to report, but she did agree to take on the responsibility for planning our football kick-off celebration tentatively scheduled for sometime in August. A possible location is Dave and Buster's. We will also attempt to find a speaker to talk at the banquet. More information to follow.

Secretary's Report: Amy suggested participating in the Heart Walk or something similar as a volunteer opportunity. It would provide good exposure for the chapter as well as raise some money for a good cause. Also, early morning walks should not interfere with football games this coming season as they rarely go past noon on Saturday mornings. She will contact a few different organizations for more information.

Treasurer's Report: As of the end of April the net account balance is $4487.78. As of today the number of paid members remains at 108. Josiah made a motion to keep dues the same for the upcoming fiscal year. This was seconded by Danielle and Rich. A dues reminder will be sent out in the Summer Newsletter.

Athletic Chair Report: Rich reported that in the past the chapter has attended 3 college fairs with good results. Plan is to continue to attend college fairs to provide potential students with information opportunities. In the past student send-off celebrations have been poorly attended. It was suggested that we invite new and currents students, as well as their parents, to the football season kick-off banquet instead. As far as the games this football season, Jerry's Grille seemed to get a nice reception at the last Dining with the Lions event. We still need to determine that we will be guaranteed a few large screen televisions with sound as well as ensure that they will be able to get all of our games. At this time, due to the increasing size in the club, we will plan on watching football at both locations (Jerry’s and Players) for the time being. We will further assess the situation as needed. Rich also has the Blue/White game on DVD. It was suggested watching it as a group during our football season banquet. All agreed that this is a great idea.

Social Chair Report: Judie brought up that we might take suggestions from members for locations for Dining with the Lions next year. We can place a suggestion box or ballot at the fall banquet for future ideas. This may help to increase attendance. The March dinner at Mackenzies Steakhouse only had 7 attendees; April's dinner at Jerry’s Grille had between 20-26 people present. Maggiano’s Little Italy at St. John’s Towne Center will be the location for the last dinner of the season. This will also serve as our annual general meeting. It was also decided that the happy hours will be discontinued due to poor attendance.

More detailed information will follow concerning the football kick-off banquet and the football games. The first game will be September 2, 2006 at home against Akron. Luncheons continue on the third Friday of each month at Ruby Tuesday's at Hodges and JTB. Broadcast emails will be sent out with more information

The next meeting will be held July 18th at 6:30pm. Location TBD.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Amy Latner, Secretary