Organization > Chapters > Great Lakes > Minutes and Reports

VRA Great Lakes Chapter Spring Meeting

March 14, 2008, Westin San Diego Hotel, San Diego, CA

cont

Members present: Stephanie Bernhardt, Julia Chytil, Marlene Gordon, Terry Kerby, Marian Lambers, Michelle Maguire, Elizabeth Meyer, Meghan Musolff, Astrid Otey, Joseph Romano, and Kari Smith

I. Welcome: The meeting was called to order by Joseph Romano at 10:25 a. m. Introductions were made around the table.

II. Treasurer's Report: Astrid Otey gave the treasurer's report, a copy of which was included in the agenda for the meeting.

Balance as of October 9, 2007: - $ 983.16

Income:
Dues - $ 225.00

Expenditures:
Dearborn meeting - $ 35.76
Donation to VRA conference - $ 125.00

Balance as of March 7, 2008: - $1047.40

III. Membership Issues:
Joe posed several questions about our membership:

  • Do we need a membership committee? Joe volunteered to chair a committee, if formed.
  • Is there a way we can keep track of members leaving the area or the profession?
  • How do we know when positions are filled? Joe suggested contacting institutions by e-mail when we know of positions that have been vacated.
  • Kari Smith asked if national membership is required for chapter members. Joe said that we can let those who are not national members attend our chapter meetings. Marlene recommended that we check the bylaws.
  • Joe has removed ex-members from the Web site list, but has left on those who may not be current with their dues but are still occasionally active.
  • If a membership committee is formed, Joe suggested they can proceed to identify new members by contacting institutions where people are known to have left positions, and by contacting the national VRA.

    IV. Planning for Fall Meeting:
    Joe has contacted Leigh Gates about having a joint fall meeting with the Midwest VRA chapter. They have agreed to plan a joint meeting with us this fall. We discussed a venue for this meeting, with Chicago and Toledo being mentioned as possible locations. The whole membership will be queried to see how many of us would realistically be able to attend if the meeting is held in Chicago, considering the distance it would be for some of us to travel. Joe suggested Toledo as an alternative, and Julia Chytil agreed to host there, if that was chosen as the location. Marlene said that it may be easier for most members from a variety of locations to get to Chicago than to other cities. It was noted that with any location, some will be able to come and some will not. Marlene suggested having the meeting over the span of two days to accommodate travel and perhaps some other event while we are there. She also mentioned the possibility of inquiring about a special hotel rate. Joe spoke of a possible date in mid-October. Kari suggested a Friday meeting with Saturday activities added. Marlene also mentioned the possibility of having a joint meeting including ARLIS Midwest (the similar joint meeting in Oxford, OH, was recalled), and/or a joint meeting closer to the VRA/ARLIS NA joint meeting. Summing up this topic, Joe asked Marlene to continue the discussion with Leigh Gates, and query the chapter through a message on the listserv, to determine the venue and date. Meghan asked if there had been any discussion about the prospective program for the meeting, but Joe said there had not. The group seemed excited at the prospect of meeting jointly and meeting in Chicago.

    V. Welcome Marlene Gordon as New Chair:
    Joe welcomed Marlene Gordon as the new Chair of the Great Lakes Chapter, and turned the meeting over to her.

    VI. Approve Minutes from Oct. 12, 2007:
    The minutes of the fall meeting in Dearborn were put forward for approval. Joe mentioned the highlights. The motion for approval was made by Marian and seconded by Kari. The minutes were unanimously approved. Marlene solicited ideas for the next meeting. Kari had received the workshop award, and will be presenting on the session ÐSeeking the Right Path for Visual Resources Users,Ó dealing with decision trees. Members should contact Marlene if they have other ideas. Other Business:

  • Kari spoke a little about the content of the workshop she had attended.
  • Terry presented Joe with chocolates in appreciation of his work as Chair.
  • Julia had added items to our chapter raffle basket, and Joe had increased its value.
  • The members all thanked Joe for his tenure as Chair.

    VII. Adjournment:
    The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a. m.

    Respectfully submitted
    Astrid R. Otey

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