Minutes July 9, 2015


>North Yarmouth Business AssociationToddy Brook Golf Club Meeting Room

Minutes June 11, 2015

Attendance Marilyn Matthews, Darla Hamlin, Thaddeus Day, Alan & Karen Morrison, Margie Hansel
   
  Introductions of all present
Discussion At 7:30 President Darla Hamlin opened the meeting by asking for review and approval of prior meeting minutes, so motioned by Karen Morrison, 2nd by Alan Morrison, approved.Darla focused this meeting as a brainstorming session on ways to improve member benefits of NYBA to attract new members and make membership worthwhile for existing members.  She noted “open” rates for contact emails sent to see if information is indeed reaching members and being read.  The July mtg notice had a 36% open rate, Business Opportunity email had a 68% open rate, Business Highlight of Month 74%, and vote to approve Ad open rate was 72%.  As of meeting date 68% of members had paid renewal dues. 

Some suggetions for bringing added value to membership: offer NYBA sponsored clinics, like CPR instruction course, basic First Aid course, Best practices for websites, business operations and “business tips.”  Our mission being to benefit not only the community, but members too.  Other workshops that could be conducted by members might include business accounting, legal, marketing & advertising, IT courses, and how to START a small business.  It was noted we have to stay focused on representing the group as a whole in our political and community efforts.   Darla will send an email to members asking what other training courses they might like to have us offer, or present.  We all feel it is important to have speakers or some type of beneficial training at the business meetings thanks to top local training providers.

It was also suggested we ask the Town if they could ‘star’ NYBA members on the Town Website business directory.

Darla has looked into using Memorial School for next Trade Show in March 2016, for more visibility.  A committee will be formed to oversee Trade Show preparations.   We also want to tie NYBA recognition to the new “Start Here” signs that the branding committee for No Yarmouth developed.

Next business meeting August 13, 2015.

Meeting adjourned 8:45 Am.

Reports: Treasurer reports $1466.13 in our account. Dues reminders to be done again.

Respectfully Submitted: Marilyn Matthews