Minutes – January 18, 2018


Attendees: Darla Hamlin, Scott Kerr, Michael Babin, Thad Day, Margie Hansel, Chris Toriello, Mark Gauger, Karen Morrison, Brian Bartlett, Kelly Tittle Scott, Leslie Taisey 

President Darla Hamline called meeting to order 5:35 pm

Old Business:

Acceptance of minutes from Nov 16, 2017 motioned and seconded, Minutes accepted.

Treasurer’s Report:  Exact balance not available, we have a solid balance in the account.

Thad and Darla had telephone conversations about advance booking and ideas for guest speakers, they are adding a shared document to the website where members will be able to go in and make suggestions on potential speakers.  Note: Darla posted a link to the blog of Karen O’Connors presentation on 11/16.  Immediate ideas were to have Brian Bartlett speak on how the tax laws will affect us, and also tackle that subject from a tax perspective by having Andy Smith, a local CPA come and speak.  Chris T. knows someone she’d like to invite to speak on how to effective lead a business / management styles.

Membership application.  Discussion, whether to include references and how, if at all, valuable they are.  Chris T volunteered as membership director, it is thought that position should be added to NYBA officers.  A broader description of what a potential member actually does, what services they perform, is important on the application.  Thad will provide some information on how reliable background checks might be.

Members should routinely check their NYBA listing for accuracy, and let Darla know if updates are needed.  Also assist Darla with updated info on other businesses that may no longer be in existence, or have changed location, etc.  You may get a notice that your listing is expired as it is part of the software program. The issue is caused by the web application assignment of expiration dates automatically. Let Darla know if you get notice.

New Business:

Spring trade show date is 4/26/18, a Thursday evening … 3 pm to 8 pm Darla secured gym.

Our Annual NYBA meeting / dinner will be at Toddy Brook  5/17/18.  5:30 pm.

Where time permits, Darla will send all emails to members to Marilyn for preview, before putting them out to the membership.

Darla reported on delivery of the Santa Stockings to local elderly and Holly & Madison.  The sentiment, and reception was heartwarming and clearly this project has proven itself successful and rewarding for this group.  Concensus is we should continue the effort in future years.  Chris T. indicated we should promote our efforts such as this with photos on the website so people realize we do good in the community.

April will not have a regular business meeting due to the Trade Show, as when readying for that we are all in close touch.  

Initial Trade Show Committee members will be Hansel, Matthews, Hamlin, Taisey and Decker.

Thad Day will work with Mark Gauger and Scott Kerr as nominating committee for new slate of officers, Kelly Tittle Scott had suggestions on easy way to vote. 

Kelly Tittle Scott presented information on Rodan & Fields skin care products and how to order online, her order code is #4174610.  The line of products is life changing and men as well as women can benefit from these products.    C Toriello gave a great review of these clinical grade  products, and Kelly walked us through the online order process.

Mark Gauger gave an outline of That Guy with the Trailer, and added that they have included snow shoveling services to their list of bulk item pickup, storm damage cleanup, heavy item moving, and estate cleanout.

Recognition of member accomplishments/awards:

  • Averill Insurance had a solid 2017.
  • Mark Gauger’s new business is expanding to include snow shoveling. ( Not roofs )
  • Chris Toriello is doing Fit 3 for ME presentations at various outside locations
  • Leslie Taisey said solar installations are busy for now, and incentives are still available.
  • Karen Morrison received the Francis Crowe award through U of ME in ENgineering. 
  • Scott Kerr contines to work with three major clients locally which is keeping him busy.
  • Mike Babin is scheduling work out as long as one year !!  People are spending on renovation !!!
  • Darla Hamlin will now be the sole owner of SoftTrac LLC !!!
  • Brian Bartlett exceeded ALL his goals and expectations with Edward Jones for 2017 !!

Motion and second to adjourn at 7:02 pm, next business meeting is Feb. 15, 2018

Respectfully submitted 

Marilyn Matthews