X-Spam-Flag: NO X-Envelope-From: acct.ability@yahoo.com Return-Path: Received: from web110216.mail.gq1.yahoo.com (web110216.mail.gq1.yahoo.com [67.195.8.192]) by mail926c35.nsolutionszone.com (8.13.6.20060614/8.13.1) with SMTP id mBCHYhx3011510 for ; Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:34:45 -0500 Received: (qmail 62415 invoked by uid 60001); 12 Dec 2008 17:34:43 -0000 DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; q=dns; c=nofws; s=s1024; d=yahoo.com; h=X-YMail-OSG:Received:X-Mailer:Date:From:Reply-To:Subject:To:In-Reply-To:MIME-Version:Content-Type:Message-ID; b=4nS32VQBeUBlmOCz0MQVhmQOsydo+h0XQpcfp/5Fm+/bDO/4Xe5CBgmSwIn/WiQircIuWF7UfH71UtCb/QTd1Nhk5oxGMSLY9sViyzgUDqapClVZ7pAM7DIB1O4jMzwnagUWGNKJbd33w1NT91BZOr7v4JAxsWsQsb+A7agD0f8=; X-YMail-OSG: HvM50YwVM1nmET92VCxcqZDICd2ypXDF4QeVmPf_3rhqKFzBjdl_CgES.QXi_xtn6LGxxD8JTiXEfcW8LDLYJu.SMw2xLrEshV5WSC1CgsVGIcgljV6Y6ksyS7TDHTgIRLw_LrZoTkg06m__rkHqGrya39WeBXe2vPyzXs3I2xfTec25bHf.AxFS6hUgkGn6MJF5pWd1F81VvAN_GK609upqR_d1 Received: from [75.121.160.128] by web110216.mail.gq1.yahoo.com via HTTP; Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:34:42 PST X-Mailer: YahooMailWebService/0.7.260.1 Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:34:42 -0800 (PST) From: "Acct. Ability, Inc." Reply-To: acct.ability@yahoo.com Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things To: Huron City Museums , Independent Bank , "Port Austin Motel/Ricou, Michel" , Port Austin State Bank , Captain Morgans , Rene Nichols In-Reply-To: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="0-720607093-1229103282=:62378" Message-ID: <157474.62378.qm@web110216.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> X-MMR: 0 X-Antivirus: Scanned by F-Prot Antivirus (http://www.f-prot.com) --0-720607093-1229103282=:62378 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I am going to follow the trend and put my comments in purple!! Thanks everyone, Stacey This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended = solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. = If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute o= r copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you h= ave received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system= . Acct. Ability Inc. accepts no liability for any damage caused by any viru= s transmitted by this email. --- On Fri, 12/12/08, Rene Nichols wrote: From: Rene Nichols Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things To: "Huron City Museums" , "Independent Bank" , "Port Austin Motel/Ricou, Michel" , "Ac= ct.Abililty/Stacey Viers" , "Port Austin State Bank= " , "Captain Morgans" Cc: "Nichols, Rene" Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 11:30 AM #yiv660880307 .hmmessage P { margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv660880307 { font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} Patty, Thanks for taking the time AND for putting your comments in red!=A0 = If each board member does the same, it would certainly help.=A0 We can discuss everyone's= thoughts once we hear from all the board members.=A0 I know Darcie will be back shor= tly to be able to comment as well.=A0 Rene From: mpfinan@centurytel.net To: LWiese@ibcp.com; nichols78@msn.com; ricou@centurytel.net; acct.ability@= yahoo.com; sschmidt73@hotmail.com; dfinan@centurytel.net Subject: Re: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:56:26 -0500 #yiv660880307 .ExternalClass .EC_hmmessage P {padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-top:0px;} #yiv660880307 .ExternalClass BODY.EC_hmmessage {font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} Here are my comments - I put them in red. =A0 Patty ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Wiese, LaNette=20 To: Rene Nichols ; Michel & Ilze Ricou, The Port Austin Motel ; Patty and M= ike Finan ; acct.ability@yahoo.com ; Stephen Schmidt ; Darci Finan=20 Sent: Friday, December 12, 2008 9:26 AM Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things Rene, I will forward. thanks =A0LaNette R Wiese=20 Assistant Branch Manager=20 Kinde=20 Independent Bank=20 989-874-4500=20 Fax 989-874-5107=20 Privacy Statement:=20 This message may contain confidential information that is protected under s= tate and/or federal law.=A0 If you received this message in error, please n= otify the sender by fax or email and delete this message.=A0 If you properl= y received this message, you may use its contents only in strict accordance= with our instructions and privacy policy. If any person makes a false or misleading representation to obtain customer= information, that person may have committed a federal crime, and we may re= port that person to the proper authorities. =A0 From: Rene Nichols [mailto:nichols78@msn.com]=20 Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:10 PM To: Wiese, LaNette Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things Good comments & thanks for taking time to do this......it would probably be= good for each of us to share our comments and any new ideas with the whole= board.....might lead to more good things.....I didn't want to forward your= comments without asking first....Would you mind=A0forwarding them to the r= est of the board? =A0 Talk to you soon, =A0 Rene Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:03:45 -0500 From: LWiese@ibcp.com To: nichols78@msn.com #yiv660880307 .ExternalClass .EC_hmmessage P {padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-top:0px;} #yiv660880307 .ExternalClass BODY.EC_hmmessage {font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;} =A0 =A0LaNette R Wiese=20 Assistant Branch Manager=20 Kinde=20 Independent Bank=20 989-874-4500=20 Fax 989-874-5107=20 Privacy Statement:=20 This message may contain confidential information that is protected under s= tate and/or federal law.=A0 If you received this message in error, please n= otify the sender by fax or email and delete this message.=A0 If you properl= y received this message, you may use its contents only in strict accordance= with our instructions and privacy policy. If any person makes a false or misleading representation to obtain customer= information, that person may have committed a federal crime, and we may re= port that person to the proper authorities. =A0 From: Rene Nichols [mailto:nichols78@msn.com]=20 Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 4:00 AM To: Chamber of Commerce; Acct.Abililty/Stacey Viers; Port Austin State Bank= ; Port Austin Motel/Ricou, Michel; Captain Morgans; Huron City Museums; Wie= se, LaNette Cc: Nichols, Rene Subject: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things Hi Joyce, =A0 For our next and future newsletters, I'd like to see the following content: =A0 Copy of unapproved minutes for members to review. (as an attachment)=A0.=A0= Rene I don't believe that we should be sending out unapproved minutes.=A0 = I think it is up to the board to approve the minutes to make sure the infor= mation is correct.=A0 It is=A0like something going to print that might have= errors. I believe that the approved minutes should be emailed to the membe= rs as soon as they are approved.=A0I'm with LaNette on this - maybe we coul= d put a summary of what happened, if you really want them to know. But the = minutes should only go out after having been approved. Maybe this will enco= urage more to come to meetings?=A0 I definitely understand why the informat= ion is needed, sometimes we have a short window for events, etc.=A0 I love = the idea that a short summary could be published and wait until the minutes= are approved...I think that is the best of both worlds.=A0 Plus it saves m= e from making mistakes in front of the entire membership instead of just yo= u guys! List of current members that have paid 2009 dues and a reminder that per ou= r by-laws, dues are due Sept 1.=A0=A0=A0I believe that maybe a couple times a= year we should send out a current list of members.=A0 I disagree with stat= ing who has paid dues and who has not.=A0Reminders to individual members ab= out late dues are appropriate, but not to the entire membership community. = I would resent this, if I was having a hard time coming up with my dues. Se= nd out a members list via e-mail, but don't include it every month. Again, = I understand wanting the list of current members and technically they aren'= t current members if their dues are not paid on time...but I also agree tha= t pointing out late payers or non-payers could get sticky.=A0 I know that w= e wanted a list of members a couple months ago...I think it may just be an = area of communication that we can improve on.=A0 I agree that a list once o= r twice via email...or once with updates as needed would be sufficient.=A0 = The last thing we want to do is make more work for anyone! A brief note to the membership updating the status of the Visitor's Guide.= =A0 For example, how many members have taken out and paid for an ad to date.=A0=A0 = I think it would be nice to have some information on the Visitors Guide in = the Newsletter.=A0 It=A0is good communication to the members.=A0 Maybe they= might have some suggestions. Again, I do not=A0think we want to point out = who paid and who hasn't paid or even those=A0that have taken out an ad beca= use to some=A0members that don't take ads I do not want them to feel like t= hey are any less important than those that do take out ads.=A0An update on = the status of the guide is a great idea and maybe a number (out of total me= mbership) who has taken an ad out - example 40/60 members. But don't list b= y name. You can see=A0who took out an ad when you get the guide.=A0 Again, = I agree with pointing out the number of ads sold, without being specific.= =A0 I personally would not take offense because my lack of an ad is a strateg= ic business decision (and lack of budget!) but it could happen and we want = to make sure each member feels valued.=A0 An update is a great idea...such as= a reminder the deadline is coming, current progress, asking for suggestion= s, etc.=A0 I would say asking for photo submissions, but Joyce does such an= amazing job...I'm not sure we'd find any better ones! A list of upcoming chamber events, name of the chair person and their phone= number.=A0 I agree with this completely, but chairs need to make sure to g= et Joyce this information in=A0a timely manner.=A0I would add e-mail to the= contact information. The newsletter information and the process by which i= t gets submitted to Joyce needs to be created and agreed upon by the board = and Joyce.=A0 She can't be expected to know everything, but we don't want t= o have to deal with members who get their feeling hurt b/c their info is no= t in there.=A0 I think we need a set system and communicate it to all membe= rs, then if they feel left out...we have a procedure in place to protect Jo= yce as well as ourselves.=A0 The responsibility ultimately needs to rest wi= th the chairperson, event coordinator, etc.=A0=20 A report from each Chair with an update on their event.=A0=A0I agree with t= his also, but the chairs need to make =A0to get Joyce the information in a = timely manner. They cannot wait for every board meeting and than expect Joy= ce to get everything done for the Newsletter in time. We would need set dea= dlines for chairs to get info=A0to Joyce so she can get the newsletter out.= If she doesn't receive any information, it is up to her to include what sh= e wants in the newsletter. I don't think Joyce should have to hound chairs = to get information. If they don't get the details to her, they can't compla= in that their event wasn't covered. Again, I think if we could agree on a d= eadline and a standard "form" for them to fill out...or some guidelines on = what information needs to be given to Joyce...the responsibility is on the = chair.=A0 This way they can only blame themselves...not us...and especially= not Joyce if it is not published. A monthly report from the Treasurer.=A0 Monies received, detail of expenses= paid for the previous month and account balances.=A0=A0The Newsletter is not a b= alance sheet.=A0 I=A0do not=A0think this information is appropriate for the= Newsletter.=A0 I have plenty of reports that I do each month so that there= is never a=A0 question of what was spent where.=A0 I do not have a problem= with=A0Joyce forwarding these reports to all of the members. I do not have= a one page report.=A0I think we should leave this up to the members - let = them know they are available. If they want a copy of the financials, they c= an be e-mailed. Joyce can set up a distribution list of those that want fin= ancials sent. If you really want something included - use the yearly summar= y page that LaNette gave out at the meeting.=A0 I like the idea of communic= ating to the members that this information is always available if they woul= d like it.=A0 I know from experience that many business owners aren't alway= s capable of making sense of the financial statement, no matter which way i= t is presented!=A0 A distribution list is a great idea and should relay the inf= ormation to those who want it with little additional effort on anyone's par= t. A short note from the President.=A0 I agree a note from the President is a = great idea. Should be included.=A0 I agree...and this could possible be a c= hance to rotate between any board member.=A0 Sometimes we are in a position= for a purpose...LaNette can look at one thing from the money perspective, = where someone else will look at it from a volunteer, time, paperwork, liabi= lity, etc.=A0 We should try to be a balanced board and utilize everyone's s= trengths.=A0 Of course, if someone has no desire to write a note...that sho= uld be respected as well. =A0 Names and e-mail addresses=A0of our board members.=A0 Again, I think maybe = a couple times a year that this should be done but not every month.=A0Joyce= already has this on the newsletter - she just needs to add the e-mail addr= esses. Email addresses would be an excellent addition. Date of next board meeting.=A0=A0Agree=A0Yes=A0 Absolutely...maybe a hint o= f what is to be discussed (if we know about it) for instance if something w= as brought up and tabled or we know there will be a guest speaker or someth= ing Date of next membership meeting.=A0(Not every board meeting has to be a mem= bership meeting).=A0 Agree=A0Yes=A0 yes A recognition area to thank members for their recent=A0volunteer efforts.= =A0 Agree=A0Again Joyce needs to be given this information in a timely manner= because if she is expected to know who to thank someone could get missed. = Again - we need to set up a deadline (given by Joyce) of when she needs any= newsletter information. Maybe she sends out a reminder to let us know=A0th= e deadline=A0is coming up?=A0 I hate to create committees just for the sake= of having committees =A0but maybe we could have some people who are good a= t recognizing volunteers...or the chair of an event...write up a little som= ething to be submitted by the same procedure and deadline as everything els= e.=A0 We just need to encourage them (the chairs or whoever) to do that and= set a precedent. I'd like our businesses to be able to post their new seasonal hours, partic= ularly stores and restaurants.=A0=A0=A0I think they should be able to post seasona= l hours but I do not think that it needs to be in every Newsletter. Again t= he businesses need to get Joyce the information and if they change anything= also get that information to Jocye. This could be done just for the winter= months. I think it could get crazy to try and include every member's hours= in a newsletter every month.=A0Is this info on the Web site? Anyone could = check that during the summer. =A0 I like the idea of directing people to th= e website for a lot of that info...because it can get to be a lot.=A0 I see= a future of growth coming...and hopefully there will be too many businesse= s to list them all!=A0 On a side note...I think our website needs a drastic= overhaul!=A0 I think Joyce is doing a great job with what she has been giv= en to work with, but we could have so much more.=A0 One more thing for us t= o budget for down the road.=A0 I would like to see a better, user-friendly site where we can publish links to the newsletter, the most recent approve= d minutes, treasurer's report, forms to sign up for events, such as the pol= ar bear dip, the casino trip...etc.=A0 I'd love for people to be able to pa= y their dues online and everything!=A0 I'm a dreamer! A feature story each month on at least two current businesses.=A0 I think t= hat this is a good idea.=A0 Who is going to be responsible for picking who = is featured and what information is featured?=A0Joyce is only one person. T= he board either needs to decide who to include, or just go down the list=A0= alphabetically. Could they write up their own or is Joyce okay with doing t= his? For some businesses, this could be a hard thing to accomplish. I love = the idea...and selfishly love the idea of going alphabetically!=A0 Maybe we= could communicate to the members that we would like to do this and if they= are interested in being featured to please write something up, subject to = board approval.=A0 If needed, maybe we could ask Joyce to follow up to add/= delete/change the info with the business' approval. A feature story for each new member.=A0 I think this is a great idea.=A0 I = believe the person=A0that is responsible for getting the new member should = =A0be doing the feature story.=A0 Joyce is only one person working 16 hours= per week. Great idea - again we need to decide logistics - who does the wr= iting. I do like this suggestion for a number of reasons.=A0 One...it will = highlight the growth of the chamber therefore generating positive attitudes= .=A0 Two...it will showcase some of the businesses which benefits everyone.= =A0 and Three...it will encourage others to join. The fireworks committee has a series of fund raising activities planned.=A0= We need to feature them every month.=A0=A0I agree that every event that is being plann= ed should be featured in the Newsletter. Again, Joyce has to be provided wi= th the information in a timely manner to get this done. These should be inc= luded just like an other upcoming event.=A0 Agreed...same procedure, same d= eadline, same responsibility on the chairperson.=A0=A0I understand that the= fireworks committee has been working hard, but=A0so has the car show commi= ttee and the chill thrill committee...unfortunately, the committees who pre= sent reports at the board meeting are the ones getting all the attention.= =A0 Maybe we need to talk to the fireworks committee and find out if there is= one member that would take responsibility either to write something up for= Joyce...or to forward the info to a board member to write up.=A0 I underst= and there are some personality issues, and I would volunteer to act as a li= aison...provided I don't have to attend committee meetings...but if there i= s an email loop I can be part of...I would do it. =A0We need to note that we are doing a membership drive to get as many new = members now so they may be included in the visitor's guide.=A0=A0A=A0 membership dr= ive should be included in the Newsletter.=A0The deadline for this is coming= up - doesn't Joyce need all the info by the end of this=A0month? =A0=A0We = really needed the membership list a couple months ago...that was a communic= ation issue I'm afraid.=A0Whatever time we have left...we should be doing s= omething...we could use the extra funds. At this time, I'll ask that our secretary review all content for accuracy b= efore sending it to our membership.=A0 I think we decided that everything=A0should be for= warded to the entire board and if we do not respond=A0it means we agree.=A0= I agree with this but we need to make sure we respond=A0by the deadline if = we have feedback. Joyce should not have to follow up with us. The more eyes= on things the better. However,=A0I=A0think we need to trust Joyce when the= re is a tight deadline.=A0I agree that asking the board to review it is a g= ood idea.=A0 I don't want to micromanage Joyce, but it will help take some = of the blame off her (and we all understand that she can only print informa= tion that she is given) but if the final review is on the board, then peopl= e who don't like it can vote us off!=A0 If we set a deadline for submission= early enough (and obviously Joyce is the best one to do that) we should ha= ve the time to spend a day or so...and with 7 of us on the board...if one o= r two do not get to it within the day or so, at least there are more than o= ne set of eyes looking it over. =A0 I realize your current format requires you to create the newsletter at home= .=A0 For the time being, I have no problem with you creating it using Word or another pr= ogram that is currently available on the Chamber computer.=A0 I know it won't be as nice looking or include pictures, but I feel the content is more importa= nt at this time.=A0 We do not have proper=A0equipment at the Chamber Office= . I really believe that we need to budget in=A0new equipment and programs s= o that all of the work of the director can be done at the chamber office.= =A0I agree but what is the problem with Joyce working on things from home? I = don't think there is anything wrong with her working at home...I belive Ren= e was trying to help alleviate some of the burden that changing the content= would place on Joyce.=A0 I appreciate all the work Joyce puts into the new= sletter and by asking for some changes, I don't want to add a burden to her= !=A0 I think Rene shares that opinion...but she'd have to address that.=A0 = I definitely think new equipment is needed.=A0 Port Austin is growing and c= hanging and there are such amazing things happening...I would love to see o= ur Chamber keep up with that.=A0 A new website, better equipment, the new facility!=A0 I can't wait.=A0 But there are serious things that need to be= fixed...such as our procedures, bylaws, communication channels...etc.=A0 I= think we all want to be a cohesive, positive, and effective board.=A0 If w= e didn't, we wouldn't be here.=A0 It is going to take all of us working tow= ard a common vision to make that happen.=A0 Part of the problem seems to be= from a lack of that shared vision...or I should say a lack of communicatio= n as to what each of our vision is.=A0 We need to share a goal or we will e= nd up divided.=A0 maybe we need to have a strategic planning session someti= me in the future! We need to focus on using the monthly newsletter as a means of getting time= ly and helpful information to the general membership. As for the timing of the newsletter, the secretary=A0should have the unappr= oved minutes to you within a week of our monthly meetings.=A0The treasurers report shoul= d be presented as a short one page document at our monthly board meeting which you will pu= t in the newsletter.=A0=A0=A0I have enough reports to do as it is.=A0 They are very = detailed. I do not have a one page report.=A0=A0If Stacey wants to come up = with this from LaNette's report, that is fine.=A0See the comments above.=A0= Maybe a more relevant item to add would be a short final financial report = for each event?=A0 I have no problem helping out in whatever way you guys w= ant me to.=A0 I don't want to overstep my duties or my authority by any mea= ns...but the board should agree on what and when to present. =A0 The rest of the information should be easy enough to keep updated.=A0 My letter this month will let them know to contact the chamber office with = seasonal hours of operation and=A0let them know you'll be featuring a coupl= e businesses each month.=A0 I'll have it to you by Monday.=A0 =A0 On a seperate note, all ad monies and forms=A0for the Car Show should be go= ing to the committee chair.=A0 The chair should record his/her list=A0and then submit = the checks to the treasurer when the ad sales deadline has been reached.=A0 It is then the ch= air's responsibility to forward that information to his/her sub committees for further action.= =A0 I know you've been helping out, but this is the procedure that should be followed.=A0 I don't = agree with this. Keri is not accessible and it does not make sense to wait = to deposit money when we have it ready to go. The advertising subcommittee = can report to Keri where we are but this is adding in unncecessary work. Th= e advertising subcommittee reports where we are at just like the rest of th= e subcommittees. I can see both sides of this.=A0 As=A0a treasurer, you wan= t the money in the bank right away...however as someone trying to do the fl= yer...it was frustrating that everyone else seemed to know who bought an ad= but me.=A0 I think that is another area where we just need to set a proced= ure for every event and stick to it.=A0 I respect LaNette's comments as she= has been in this position longer...maybe we just need to reiterate to the = event committees to communicate within themselves.=A0 Sometimes we are all = type-A go-getters and forget to collaborate! =A0 When bills need to be paid, it will be the chair's responsibilty to present them to the board for approval= =A0of payment.=A0 We need to follow this procedure with each event so nothing falls through the crack= s.=A0 I know you're willing to help where ever needed if the chair asks for it.=A0 I thought we= passed the budgets for events=A0so that the chair=A0did not have to bring = the bills for approval each month. Things=A0will become late if they need b= oard approval for everything.=A0 I have the budgets so if something comes i= n way higher than what=A0it on the budget I will not=A0pay it until I addre= ss the board.=A0We really need to clarify this issue -=A0everyone needs to = know how we are supposed to function when it comes to paying bills for even= ts.=A0 I am trying to write up a procedure for you guys to take a look at t= hat we can present for approval at the January board meeting.=A0 I think th= e regular, routine bills should be approved every year at the first meeting= which allows LaNette to pay them as she receives them.=A0 I also think tha= t anything that was pre-approved by an event budget should also be paid as = it comes in...however it should not be LaNette's responsibility to figure o= ut which budget line an invoice should be applied to.=A0 Larger governments a= nd businesses will include a request for payment with the invoice showing w= hich event, and which budget line it belongs on.=A0 I'm not sure if we need= to be that "detailed" but some way to help the treasurer should be decided= on.=A0 What do you guys think? =A0 =A0 Lastly, I'd like the secretary to get the chamber mail and dispurse it.=A0 = This is no offense to you, but there is information that comes to the chamber that should be viewed by= a board member first, not by a member, employee or contractor.=A0 The system is currently = backwards.=A0 It is also our secretary's responsibility to discuss correspondence received at o= ur board meetings.=A0 Now that I have spoke to you, it makes sense that the= secretary gets the=A0mail.=A0 We just need to make sure we take this off t= he list of duties for the director.=A0I understand from our discussion,=A0R= ene, why you want this to happen.=A0I agree we need to change the by-laws. = I have no problem getting the mail each day and distributing it to anyone t= hat needs it.=A0 Some guidance=A0on which "junk mail" can be thrown out wit= hout bringing it to the board, etc. may be useful!=A0 We can work through t= hat pretty easily.=A0 I like having written procedures in place so that whe= n a person is elected to a new office...there is no question or misundersta= nding. =A0 We've come to depend on you as director to perform functions that board mem= bers should be doing.=A0 I'd like to correct that, if possible.=A0 I also want the secr= etary to review any material that may be going to print on behalf of the chamber.=A0 You've bee= n=A0doing a great job in that area, but a board member needs to put an approval on any content th= at represents the chamber.=A0 At this time,=A0I want that approval to come from the secre= tary. Again - I think it needs to be the entire board reviewing info. Howev= er, we do need to trust Joyce. She is the best thing to happen to this Cham= ber and I don't want to=A0put limits on her ability to do her job.=A0 Maybe= approval is too much, but a courtesy copy?=A0 Joyce=A0does an amazing job = with=A0her press releases, but as a board we shouldn't be surprised by them= .=A0 I do trust Joyce, and want to make her job easier...not harder.=A0 I d= on't want her to have to wait for approval for everything...again we just n= eed open communication and some procedure for guidance.=A0 A courtesy copy = won't be difficult if the info is emailed to the papers, etc.=A0 Not sure w= hat to do about stuff that is not electronically submitted, but maybe Joyce= would have an idea. =A0 There are exciting times coming to Port Austin.=A0 We have a year to get th= e chamber in line with these changes, performing as a well oiled machine and ready to= move into the new Welcome Center when completed.=A0 While these changes may be diffic= ult for you and the board, I'm confident you can implement them and help our chamber move f= orward.=20 =A0 My comments are my opinions. I am not saying that I am correct about everyt= hing. If you or any of the other board members can explain to make me chang= e my mind I am more than willing to listen.=A0=A0Sometimes when someone els= e explains the reasoning behind=A0 what they would like to change it can ma= ke more sense. Thanks=A0 We need to make sure that we reassure Joyce that we trust her to do her job= . Some of the=A0comments and the way they were presented have caused her to= =A0question that.=A0I know we talked=A0about=A0better ways to communicate t= his, Rene, but I think we all need to be careful that this doesn't become a= contentious board. I was there when the Chamber was=A0run like a dictators= hip and there was not a sense of cooperation or teamwork. It wasn't fun. I= =A0know we can get be a great team as we go forward.=A0Rene, I think you nee= d to talk to the board about your goal of where you want us to be in the fu= ture.=20 =A0 Sorry I was extremely long-winded.=A0 I have faith in this board and in Joy= ce to figure out a compromise between micro-managing and no-management at a= ll.=A0 It will just take some time...but the time that we invest now will h= elp all future boards as well. I'll have my letter for the newsletter to you by Monday. =A0 Rene =A0 Suspicious message? There=92s an alert for that. Get your Hotmail=AE accoun= t now.=20 Send e-mail faster without improving your typing skills. Get your Hotmail= =AE account.=20 Send e-mail faster without improving your typing skills. Get your Hotmail= =AE account. =0A=0A=0A --0-720607093-1229103282=:62378 Content-Type: text/html; charset=windows-1252 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I am going to follow the trend and put m= y comments in purple!!
Thanks everyone,
Stacey

This email and a= ny files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the u= se of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not t= he named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-ma= il. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received thi= s e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. Acct. Ability = Inc. accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by= this email.

--- On Fri, 12/12/08, Rene Nich= ols <nichols78@msn.com> wrote:
From: Rene Nichols <nichols78@msn.com>
Subje= ct: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things
To: "Huron City Muse= ums" <mpfinan@centurytel.net>, "Independent Bank" <lwiese@ibcp.com= >, "Port Austin Motel/Ricou, Michel" <ricou@centurytel.net>, "Acct= .Abililty/Stacey Viers" <acct.ability@yahoo.com>, "Port Austin State = Bank" <sschmidt73@hotmail.com>, "Captain Morgans" <dfinan@centuryt= el.net>
Cc: "Nichols, Rene" <nichols78@msn.com>
Date: Friday= , December 12, 2008, 11:30 AM

Patty, Thanks for taking the time AND for putting your comments in red!&nbs= p; If each board
member does the same, it would certainly help.  We= can discuss everyone's thoughts
once we hear from all the board members= .  I know Darcie will be back shortly to be
able to comment as well= .  Rene



From: mpfinan@centurytel.net
To: LWiese@ibcp.com; nichols78@msn.com;= ricou@centurytel.net; acct.ability@yahoo.com; sschmidt73@hotmail.com; dfin= an@centurytel.net
Subject: Re: Monthly Newsletter & a few other thin= gs
Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:56:26 -0500


Here are my comments - I put t= hem in red.
 
Patty
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2008 9:26= AM
Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter &= ; a few other things

Rene,
I will forward.
thanks
 
= LaNette R Wiese
Assistant Branch Manager
Kinde =
Independent B= ank
989-874-4500
Fax 989-874-5107
Privacy Statement:<= /SPAN>
This message may contain confidentia= l information that is protected under state and/or federal law.  If yo= u received this message in error, please notify the sender by fax or email = and delete this message.  If you properly received this message, you may use its contents only in strict ac= cordance with our instructions and privacy policy.
= If any person makes a= false or misleading representation to obtain customer information, that pe= rson may have committed a federal crime, and we may report that person to t= he proper authorities.
 

From: Rene Nichols [mailto:nichols78@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:10 PM
To: Wiese, LaN= ette
Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things
=
Good comments & thanks for taking time to do this......it wo= uld probably be good for each of us to share our comments and any new ideas= with the whole board.....might lead to more good things.....I didn't want = to forward your comments without asking first....Would you mind forwar= ding them to the rest of
the board?
 
Talk to you soon,
&n= bsp;
Rene



Subject: RE: Monthly Newsletter & a few other things
Date: Thu, = 11 Dec 2008 13:03:45 -0500
From: LWiese@ibcp.com
To: nichols78@msn.co= m


 
 
= LaNette R Wiese
Assistant Branch Manager
Kinde =
Independent B= ank
989-874-4500
Fax 989-874-5107
Privacy Statement:<= /SPAN>
This message may contain confidentia= l information that is protected under state and/or federal law.  If yo= u received this message in error, please notify the sender by fax or email = and delete this message.  If you properly received this message, you may use its contents only in strict ac= cordance with our instructions and privacy policy.
= If any person makes a= false or misleading representation to obtain customer information, that pe= rson may have committed a federal crime, and we may report that person to t= he proper authorities.
 

From: Rene Nichols [mailto:nichols78@msn.com] Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 4:00 AM
To: Chamber of C= ommerce; Acct.Abililty/Stacey Viers; Port Austin State Bank; Port Austin Mo= tel/Ricou, Michel; Captain Morgans; Huron City Museums; Wiese, LaNette
<= B>Cc: Nichols, Rene
Subject: Monthly Newsletter & a few o= ther things

Hi Joyce,
 
For our next and future newsletters, I'd like t= o see the following content:
 
Copy of unapproved minutes for me= mbers to review. (as an attachment)<= FONT face=3DArial color=3D#0000ff> .  Rene I don't believe that w= e should be sending out unapproved minutes.  I think it is up to the b= oard to approve the minutes to make sure the information is correct.  = It is like something going to print that might have errors. I believe = that the approved minutes should be emailed to the members as soon as they = are approved. I'm with LaNette on this - maybe w= e could put a summary of what happened, if you really want them to know. Bu= t the minutes should only go out after having been approved. Maybe this wil= l encourage more to come to meetings?  I = definitely understand why the information is needed, sometimes we have a sh= ort window for events, etc.  I love the idea that a short summary could b= e published and wait until the minutes are approved...I think that is the b= est of both worlds.  Plus it saves me from making mistakes in front of= the entire membership instead of just you guys!
= <= /FONT>

List of current members that have paid 2009 dues and a reminder th= at per our
by-laws, dues are due Sept 1.   I believe that = maybe a couple times a year we should send out a current list of members.&n= bsp; I disagree with stating who has paid dues and who has not. Reminders to individual members about late dues are appropr= iate, but not to the entire membership community. I would resent this, if I= was having a hard time coming up with my dues. Send out a members list via= e-mail, but don't include it every month. Aga= in, I understand wanting the list of current members and technically they a= ren't current members if their dues are not paid on time...but I also agree= that pointing out late payers or non-payers could get sticky.  I know= that we wanted a list of members a couple months ago...I think it may just= be an area of communication that we can improve on.  I agree that a list= once or twice via email...or once with updates as needed would be sufficie= nt.  The last thing we want to do is make more work for anyone!=

A brief note to the membership updating the status of the Visitor'= s Guide.  For
example, how many members have taken out and paid for= an ad to date.   I think it would be nice to have some informatio= n on the Visitors Guide in the Newsletter.  It is good communicat= ion to the members.  Maybe they might have some suggestions. Again, I = do not think we want to point out who paid and who hasn't paid or even= those that have taken out an ad because to some members that don= 't take ads I do not want them to feel like they are any less important tha= n those that do take out ads. An update on the s= tatus of the guide is a great idea and maybe a number (out of total members= hip) who has taken an ad out - example 40/60 members. But don't list by nam= e. You can see who took out an ad when you get the guide.  Again, I agree with pointing out the number o= f ads sold, without being specific.  I personally would not take offen= se because my lack of an ad is a strategic business decision (and lack of b= udget!) but it could happen and we want to make sure each member feels valu= ed.  An update is a great idea...such as a reminder the deadline is co= ming, current progress, asking for suggestions, etc.  I would say aski= ng for photo submissions, but Joyce does such an amazing job...I'm not sure= we'd find any better ones!

A list of upcoming chamber events, name of the chair person and th= eir phone number.  I agree with this completely, but chairs need to mak= e sure to get Joyce this information in a timely manner. I would add e-mail to the contact information. The newsletter information and the process by which it gets = submitted to Joyce needs to be created and agreed upon by the board and Joy= ce.  She can't be expected to know everything, but we don't want to ha= ve to deal with members who get their feeling hurt b/c their info is not in= there.  I think we need a set system and communicate it to all member= s, then if they feel left out...we have a procedure in place to protect Joy= ce as well as ourselves.  The responsibility ultimately needs to rest = with the chairperson, event coordinator, etc. 

A report from each Chair with an update on their event.  = I agree with this also, but the chairs need to make  to get Joyce the = information in a timely manner. They cannot wait for every board meeting an= d than expect Joyce to get everything done for the Newsletter in time. We would need set deadlines for chairs to get info t= o Joyce so she can get the newsletter out. If she doesn't receive any infor= mation, it is up to her to include what she wants in the newsletter. I don'= t think Joyce should have to hound chairs to get information. If they don't= get the details to her, they can't complain that their event wasn't covere= d. Again, I think if we could agree on a deadl= ine and a standard "form" for them to fill out...or some guidelines on what= information needs to be given to Joyce...the responsibility is on the chair.  This way they can only blame themselves...not us...and especi= ally not Joyce if it is not published.

A monthly report from the Treasurer.  Monies received, detail= of expenses paid
for the previous month and account balances.  = ;The Newsletter is not a balance sheet.  I do not think this= information is appropriate for the Newsletter.  I have plenty of repo= rts that I do each month so that there is never a  question of what wa= s spent where.  I do not have a problem with Joyce forwarding the= se reports to all of the members. I do not have a one page report. I think we should leave this up to the members - let the= m know they are available. If they want a copy of the financials, they can = be e-mailed. Joyce can set up a distribution list of those that want financ= ials sent. If you really want something included - use the yearly summary p= age that LaNette gave out at the meeting.  I like the idea of communicating to the members that this information is alw= ays available if they would like it.  I know from experience that many= business owners aren't always capable of making sense of the financial sta= tement, no matter which way it is presented!  A distribution list is a= great idea and should relay the information to those who want it with litt= le additional effort on anyone's part.

A short note from the President.  I agree a note from the Pres= ident is a great idea. Should be included.&nbs= p; I agree...and this could possible be a chance to r= otate between any board member.  Sometimes we are in a position for a = purpose...LaNette can look at one thing from the money perspective, where s= omeone else will look at it from a volunteer, time, paperwork, liability, e= tc.  We should try to be a balanced board and utilize everyone's stren= gths.  Of course, if someone has no desire to write a note...that shou= ld be respected as well.
 
Names and e-mail address= es of our board members.  Again, I think maybe a couple time= s a year that this should be done but not every month. Joyce already has this on the newsletter - she just needs to = add the e-mail addresses. Email addresses woul= d be an excellent addition.

Date of next board meeting.  Agree Yes  Absolutely...maybe a hin= t of what is to be discussed (if we know about it) for instance if somethin= g was brought up and tabled or we know there will be a guest speaker or som= ething

Date of next membership meeting. (Not every board meeting has= to be a membership meeting).  Agree Yes  yes
=

A recognition area to thank members for their recent v= olunteer efforts.  Agree Again Joyce needs to be given this inform= ation in a timely manner because if she is expected to know who to thank so= meone could get missed. Again - we need to set up a d= eadline (given by Joyce) of when she needs any newsletter information. Mayb= e she sends out a reminder to let us know the deadline is coming = up?  I hate to create committees just for= the sake of having committees  but maybe we could have some people who are good at r= ecognizing volunteers...or the chair of an event...write up a little someth= ing to be submitted by the same procedure and deadline as everything else.&= nbsp; We just need to encourage them (the chairs or whoever) to do that and= set a precedent.

I'd like our businesses to be able to post their new seasonal hour= s, particularly
stores and restaurants.   I think they sho= uld be able to post seasonal hours but I do not think that it needs to be i= n every Newsletter. Again the businesses need to get Joyce the information = and if they change anything also get that information to Jocye. This could be done just for the winter months. I think it could = get crazy to try and include every member's hours in a newsletter every mon= th. Is this info on the Web site? Anyone could check that during the s= ummer.   I like the idea of directing peo= ple to the website for a lot of that info...because it can get to be a lot.=   I see a future of growth coming...and hopefully there will be too ma= ny businesses to list them all!  On a side note...I think our website needs a drastic overhaul!  I think Joyce is doing a great job with wh= at she has been given to work with, but we could have so much more.  O= ne more thing for us to budget for down the road.  I would like to see= a better, user-friendly site where we can publish links to the newsletter,= the most recent approved minutes, treasurer's report, forms to sign up for= events, such as the polar bear dip, the casino trip...etc.  I'd love = for people to be able to pay their dues online and everything!  I'm a = dreamer!
<= FONT face=3DArial color=3D#0000ff>

A feature story each month on at least two current businesses. = ; I think that this is a good idea.  Who is going to be responsible fo= r picking who is featured and what information is featured? Joyce is o= nly one person. The board either needs to decide who = to include, or just go down the list alphabetically. Could they write = up their own or is Joyce okay with doing this? For some businesses, this co= uld be a hard thing to accomplish. I love the = idea...and selfishly love the idea of going alphabetically!  Maybe we = could communicate to the members that we would like to do this and if they = are interested in being featured to please write something up, subject to b= oard approval.  If needed, maybe we could ask Joyce to follow up to ad= d/delete/change the info with the business' approval.

A feature story for each new member.  I think this is a great = idea.  I believe the person that is responsible for getting the n= ew member should  be doing the feature story.  Joyce is only one = person working 16 hours per week. Great idea - again = we need to decide logistics - who does the writing. I do like this suggestion for a number of reasons.  One...it wil= l highlight the growth of the chamber therefore generating positive attitud= es.  Two...it will showcase some of the businesses which benefits ever= yone.  and Three...it will encourage others to join.

The firewor= ks committee has a series of fund raising activities planned.  We need= to
feature them every month.  I agree that every event that is= being planned should be featured in the Newsletter. Again, Joyce has to be= provided with the information in a timely manner to get this done. These should be included just like an other upcoming event.&= nbsp; Agreed...same procedure, same deadline, same re= sponsibility on the chairperson.  I understand that the fireworks= committee has been working hard, but so has the car show committee an= d the chill thrill committee...unfortunately, the committees who present re= ports at the board meeting are the ones getting all the attention.  Ma= ybe we need to talk to the fireworks committee and find out if there is one member tha= t would take responsibility either to write something up for Joyce...or to = forward the info to a board member to write up.  I understand there ar= e some personality issues, and I would volunteer to act as a liaison...prov= ided I don't have to attend committee meetings...but if there is an email l= oop I can be part of...I would do it.
 We need to note th= at we are doing a membership drive to get as many new members
now so the= y may be included in the visitor's guide.  A  membership drive should be included in= the Newsletter. The deadline for this is coming= up - doesn't Joyce need all the info by the end of this month?=  &= nbsp;We really needed the membership list a couple mo= nths ago...that was a communication issue I'm afraid. Whatever time we= have left...we should be doing something...we could use the extra funds.

At this time, I'll ask that our secretary review all content for a= ccuracy before sending
it to our membership.  I think we decided tha= t everything should be forwarded to the entire board and if we do not = respond it means we agree. I agree with thi= s but we need to make sure we respond by the deadline if we have feedb= ack. Joyce should not have to follow up with us. The more eyes on things th= e better. However, I think we need to trust Joyce when there is a= tight deadline. I agree that asking the = board to review it is a good idea.  I don't want to micromanage Joyce,= but it will help take some of the blame off her (and we all understand tha= t she can only print information that she is given) but if the final review= is on the board, then people who don't like it can vote us off!  If w= e set a deadline for submission early enough (and obviously Joyce is the bes= t one to do that) we should have the time to spend a day or so...and with 7= of us on the board...if one or two do not get to it within the day or so, = at least there are more than one set of eyes looking it over.=
 
I realize your= current format requires you to create the newsletter at home.  For th= e
time being, I have no problem with you creating it using Word or anoth= er program
that is currently available on the Chamber computer.  I = know it won't be
as nice looking or include pictures, but I feel the con= tent is more important at this time.=   We do not have proper equipm= ent at the Chamber Office. I really believe that we need to budget in = new equipment and programs so that all of the work of the director can be d= one at the chamber office. I agree but what is t= he problem with Joyce working on things from home? I don't think there is anything wrong with her working at home...I bel= ive Rene was trying to help alleviate some of the burden that changing the content would place on Joyce.  I appreciate all the work Joyce puts i= nto the newsletter and by asking for some changes, I don't want to add a bu= rden to her!  I think Rene shares that opinion...but she'd have to add= ress that.  I definitely think new equipment is needed.  Port Aus= tin is growing and changing and there are such amazing things happening...I= would love to see our Chamber keep up with that.  A new website, bett= er equipment, the new facility!  I can't wait.  But there are ser= ious things that need to be fixed...such as our procedures, bylaws, communi= cation channels...etc.  I think we all want to be a cohesive, positive= , and effective board.  If we didn't, we wouldn't be here.  It is= going to take all of us working toward a common vision to make that happen= .  Part of the problem seems to be from a lack of that shared vision..= .or I should say a lack of communication as to what each of our vision is.  We need to share a goal or we will end up divided.  = maybe we need to have a strategic planning session sometime in the future!<= /FONT>

We need to focus on using the monthly newsletter as a means of get= ting timely and
helpful information to the general membership.
As for= the timing of the newsletter, the secretary should have the unapprove= d minutes
to you within a week of our monthly meetings. The treasur= ers report should be presented
as a short one page document at our month= ly board meeting which you will put in the
newsletter.   I= have enough reports to do as it is.  They are very detailed. I do not= have a one page report.  If = Stacey wants to come up with this from LaNette's report, that is fine. = ;See the comments above.  Maybe a more re= levant item to add would be a short final financial report for each event?&= nbsp; I have no problem helping out in whatever way you guys want me to.&nb= sp; I don't want to overstep my duties or my authority by any means...but the = board should agree on what and when to present.
 
The rest of the information should be easy enough to keep updated.&nbs= p;
My letter this month will let them know to contact the chamber office= with seasonal hours of operation and let them know you'll be featurin= g a couple businesses each month.  I'll have it to you by Monday. = ;
 
On a seperate note, all ad monies and forms for the Car= Show should be going to the
committee chair.  The chair should rec= ord his/her list and then submit the checks to the
treasurer when t= he ad sales deadline has been reached.  It is then the chair's respons= ibility
to forward that information to his/her sub committees for furthe= r action.  I know you've been
helping out, but this is the procedur= e that should be followed.  I don't agree with t= his. Keri is not accessible and it does not make sense to wait to deposit m= oney when we have it ready to go. The advertising subcommittee can report to Keri where we are but this is adding in unncecessary work. The a= dvertising subcommittee reports where we are at just like the rest of the s= ubcommittees. I can see both sides of this.&nb= sp; As a treasurer, you want the money in the bank right away...howeve= r as someone trying to do the flyer...it was frustrating that everyone else= seemed to know who bought an ad but me.  I think that is another area= where we just need to set a procedure for every event and stick to it.&nbs= p; I respect LaNette's comments as she has been in this position longer...m= aybe we just need to reiterate to the event committees to communicate withi= n themselves.  Sometimes we are all type-A go-getters and forget to co= llaborate!
 
When bills need to be paid, it
will be the chair's responsibilty to= present them to the board for approval of payment.  We need
t= o follow this procedure with each event so nothing falls through the cracks= .  I know you're
willing to help where ever needed if the chair ask= s for it.  I thought we passed the budgets for events so that the = chair did not have to bring the bills for approval each month. Things&= nbsp;will become late if they need board approval for everything.  I h= ave the budgets so if something comes in way higher than what it on th= e budget I will not pay it until I address the board. We really need to clarify this issue - everyone needs to kn= ow how we are supposed to function when it comes to paying bills for events= .  I am trying to write up a procedure fo= r you guys to take a look at that we can present for approval at the January= board meeting.  I think the regular, routine bills should be approved= every year at the first meeting which allows LaNette to pay them as she re= ceives them.  I also think that anything that was pre-approved by an e= vent budget should also be paid as it comes in...however it should not be L= aNette's responsibility to figure out which budget line an invoice should b= e applied to.  Larger governments and businesses will include a reques= t for payment with the invoice showing which event, and which budget line i= t belongs on.  I'm not sure if we need to be that "detailed" but some = way to help the treasurer should be decided on.  What do you guys thin= k?
 
 
Lastly, I'd li= ke the secretary to get the chamber mail and dispurse it.  This is no = offense to you,
but there is information that comes to the chamber that = should be viewed by a board member
first, not by a member, employee or c= ontractor.  The system is currently backwards.  It is
also our= secretary's responsibility to discuss correspondence received at our board= meetings.  Now that I have spoke to you, it makes sense that the secre= tary gets the mail.  We just need to make sure we take this off t= he list of duties for the director. I understand= from our discussion, Rene, why you want this to happen. I agree = we need to change the by-laws. I have no probl= em getting the mail each day and distributing it to anyone that needs it.&n= bsp; Some guidance on which "junk mail" can be thrown out without bringing= it to the board, etc. may be useful!  We can work through that pretty= easily.  I like having written procedures in place so that when a per= son is elected to a new office...there is no question or misunderstanding.<= /FONT>
 
We've come to depend on you as director t= o perform functions that board members should
be doing.  I'd like t= o correct that, if possible.  I also want the secretary to review any<= BR>material that may be going to print on behalf of the chamber.  You'= ve been doing a great job
in that area, but a board member needs to= put an approval on any content that represents
the chamber.  At th= is time, I want that approval to come from the secretary. Again - I think it needs to be the entire board reviewing info. H= owever, we do need to trust Joyce. She is the best thing to happen to this Chamber and I don't want to put limits on her ability to do her = job.  Maybe approval is too much, but a courtesy= copy?  Joyce does an amazing job with her press releases, b= ut as a board we shouldn't be surprised by them.  I do trust Joyce, an= d want to make her job easier...not harder.  I don't want her to have = to wait for approval for everything...again we just need open communication= and some procedure for guidance.  A courtesy copy won't be difficult = if the info is emailed to the papers, etc.  Not sure what to do about = stuff that is not electronically submitted, but maybe Joyce would have an i= dea.
 
There are exciting times coming to Port Aus= tin.  We have a year to get the chamber
in line with these changes,= performing as a well oiled machine and ready to move into
the new Welco= me Center when completed.  While these changes may be difficult for you and
the board, I'm confident you can implement them and help ou= r chamber move forward.
 
My comments are my opinions. I am not saying that I am correct about ev= erything. If you or any of the other board members can explain to make me c= hange my mind I am more than willing to listen.  Sometimes when s= omeone else explains the reasoning behind  what they would like to cha= nge it can make more sense.
Thanks 
=
We need to ma= ke sure that we reassure Joyce that we trust her to do her job. Some of the=  comments and the way they were presented have caused her to ques= tion that. I know we talked about better ways to communicate= this, Rene, but I think we all need to be careful that this doesn't become= a contentious board. I was there when the Chamber was run like a dict= atorship and there was not a sense of cooperation or teamwork. It wasn't fu= n. I know we can get be a great team as we go forward. Rene, I th= ink you need to talk to the board about your goal of where you want us to b= e in the future.
 
Sorry I was extremely long-winded.  I have = faith in this board and in Joyce to figure out a compromise between micro-m= anaging and no-management at all.  It will just take some time...but t= he time that we invest now will help all future boards as well.
I= 'll have my letter for the newsletter to you by Monday.
 
Rene 


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