President Dave Cavey called the HZBA monthly meeting to order at noon

Attendance:

Dave Cavey Glenn McCalley Jeanne Reynolds Kathy Wheatley Sharon Devin Joan Patterson Denise Herbert

Jay Huff Fred Goldsmith Paulette Campanella Michael Marange Steve Kinsey Rose Hilgartner George Franklin

Henry Rosendale Scott Chambers Sharon Erdman Mary Pitt Dianne Fowler

Officer Reports:

1. President: Dave welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked all in attendance to introduce themselves and their company. He voiced his commitment to keep each monthly meeting to one hour. We were joined by new faces: Denise Herbert of Sign Post Signs, Fred Goldsmith of Fred's Floors, George Franklin of AFLAC and Scott Chambers, a personal trainer.
2. Secretary: The meeting minutes from March were approved as written.
3. Treasurer: Ending balance @ 3/31/05 is $8990.78

Old Business:

1. The committee sign-up sheet was passed around. We need involvement from our members!
2. The June meeting will be a social event held at Woodhall Wineries at 5:30 p.m., our regular meeting day. Food will be provided by the Hospitality Committee.
3. It was requested that an Operating Budget be developed to help guide us through our planning /activities. Dave indicated the Executive Board would develop said budget for approval by the membership.
4. A vote will be taken at the May meeting concerning changing our current lunchtime meeting to a breakfast meeting.
5. It was noted that the website posts an incorrect meeting time. Glenn to correct.

Committee Reports:

1. Directory: Rose reminded everyone that the information for the Directory is due today. Please drop off your items to Rose's office ASAP (2-businesss cards, photo of owner, mission statement or description of your business, any coupons). It is your responsibility to check the accuracy of the information once the Directory is developed. Rose is working with others to come up with new ideas/layout for this year.
2. Membership: no report
3. Web Master: Our website is getting approximately 21 hits per day. Glenn reminded everyone to get the "free banner ad" into him for posting to the site. Several email addresses are no longer in service; no one recognized any of the addresses.
4. Fall Fest: Mary generally explained the event.
5. Welcome Book: A sample of the latest printing was passed. One hundred booklets have been delivered to date. It was suggested that the cover be changed from "Welcome to Hereford" to "Welcome to the Hereford Zone". This will be changed by the next printing. Approximately 150 booklets will be ready for the May meeting; volunteers needed for delivery. Graul's will underwrite a portion of the production costs in exchange for including their welcome package in with our delivery.
6. Mini-Golf Outing: Dianne reported the event is set for Saturday, June 11, 2005 from noon till 2:00 p.m. at the Hereford Golf Center-RAIN OR SHINE. The cost is $5 per person with a portion being donated to the Cluster Food Bank. Food provided by Food by Fire with ice creams available for purchase at the center. Small prizes are planned as is a shotgun start. Volunteers are needed for the day; and hole sponsors are also needed. Please call Dianne if you can help!

Member Spotlight
Denise Herbert of Sign Post Signs shared photographs of the creative and original signs she has made-many of the them visible right here in Hereford! Over 60% of her work is vehicle lettering; however she also letters boats, cranes and trains! Site signs are available in wood, carved, and metal. Banners are also available. Call Denise at 410-357-4684 or visit her at 19110 Middletown Road, Parkton.

Fred Goldsmith of Fred's Floors, while not scheduled to be in the spotlight, shared information on his company. He does both residential and commercial hardwood floors. 410-329-2611.

Open Forum
"Hiring and Retaining Employees in the Hereford Zone"
Several suggestions were made:

1. Advertise in Pennsylvania, saying "we pay Maryland wages". Advertising rates for local papers are also less expensive than here.
2. Get referrals from friends and other businesses. It was suggested that we list Help Wanted ads on our website.
3. Offer benefits that do not cost the employer (such as AFLAC).
4. Check out www.monster.com or other websites that post resumes of those seeking employment.

Meeting Adjourned:
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting:
May 12, 2005 at the HVFC at noon. Bring your lunch!

Food Bank Items:
Please remember your items for the food bank: canned juices and canned meats are always welcomed and appreciated.

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