President Al Copp called the HZBA monthly meeting to order at 12:05 pm

Attendance:

Al Copp Dave Cavey Jeanne Reynolds Kathy Wheatley Glenn McCalley Jim Deluca John Mays Rose Hilgartner Dianne Fowler Sharon Devin

Allison Breznicky Adam Newcomer Paul Cummins Dennis Meadowcroft Denise Herbert Henry Rosendale Judy Garrett Leslie Sipes Patti Shawgo

Susan Busky Larry Steve Joan Patterson Laufer Paulette Campanella Jason Chartrand Jen Bernhard Leigh Caplan Trey Lewis Felicia Smith Kathy Bishop

Officer Reports:

1. President: Al welcomed everyone to the meeting and commented on the strong attendance. The "phone tree" system implemented apparently encouraged members to attend this month's meeting. Al asked for volunteers for the "phone tree"; those volunteers took names to call ten days before each upcoming meeting. Thank you volunteers!

   Al introduced Sharon Devin as our new Assistant-Treasurer. Sharon explained that she will be responsible for retrieving the mail and disbursing as required. All mail, including applications/checks/etc., should be sent to the PO Box to facilitate this central disbursement. As Assistant-Treasurer, Sharon is covered under the association's liability insurance. Al is interested in again having HZBA stickers for our businesses, and will look into this.

   Al and his new board have many goals for this 2006 year. All will concentrate on increasing exposure for each individual member company.

2. Secretary: The minutes from the January meeting were approved as written.
   
3. Treasurer:Ending balance @ 01/31/06 is $13,420.54.
   

Old Business/New Business:

1. A "first crack" non-balanced budget was presented. Al would like input at the next meeting. Al and the committee chairs were responsible for developing the budget.
   
2. URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED: Paul Cummins noted that Woodhall and the other 21 wineries in the state have lost the right to distribute their own wines to retailers and restaurants. This will put many wineries out of business, unless the Legislature comes to their assistance.  To learn more and to help the wineries, email Al Copp at . We need to voice our support for our member Woodhall.
   
3. Jim Deluca was named "One of the Top 25 Advisors" in Baltimore from SmartCEO. Congratulations Jim!
   

Committee Reports:

1. Directory: To date there are 42 ads (21 full-page and 21-half page) converting to $5325 in revenue for the new Directory. As it was originally budgeted that 80 companies would participate to "breakeven", conversation ensued (and past minutes will need to be checked), as to whether HZBA agreed to pick up any deficit. Production time is two weeks; each advertiser will need to sign off on the ad. More on this at our next meeting.
2. Membership: Currently headed by Jim Deluca, the committee has set 100 members as their goal for this year. They will be developing strategies to attract new members and re-gain past members. A survey will be made to see if we are meeting the needs of our members. A "Benefits of Membership" listing will be completed by next month.
3. Web Master: Updated with new board listing. 1173 hits in January with roster and calendar pages leading the way. The committee plans to add a community services page; remember a banner ad is FREE; the website is updated two times monthly.
4. Fall Fest: No report
5. Community Liaison: Dave explained that HHS was selling patriotic pins for $5 each. Funds raised go to "For Our Troops", a group that buys and sends needed items to our active servicemen and women. Call Dave for further information.

   Leslie Sipes joined us to explain and encourage support for the First Annual Hereford Parade & Festival to be held on Sunday, July 2nd at 3:00pm. Sponsored by the Optimist Club and the Hereford Recreation Council, the parade will cover 1.1 miles from HHS to Hereford Shopping Center. The purpose is to honor veterans and recognize and appreciate our freedoms. This event is dedicated to the two local servicemen, graduates of HHS, who lost their lives in Iraq: Josh Snyder and Vernon Anderson. The families of these soldiers will be present to accept the proclamation. Planned events include contests (i.e. best decorated bike, best float, best decorated horse, etc.), with homes and businesses along the route decorated for the occasion. Leslie indicated they would like to raise $5000-$6000 and hopes the HZBA will consider donating $500 toward the event. There will also be banner and booklet sponsorships available. Color Guard is needed for the parade, if you have any contacts.

6. Ad-hoc Donations Committee: the committee suggested that $2000 be donated equally to HVFC, Hereford EMS, Hereford United Methodist Church Food Bank, and the Baltimore North Cluster Food Bank. Additionally, $500 will be put toward one annual event (such as the parade). The annual event will be chosen based on its merits of meeting HZBA's Mission Statement. Additionally, the "forgot my item" fine (explained later in the minutes), will be donated to the two food banks quarterly in equal amounts.
7. Golf Outing: Books closed. Dianne does hope to have the event again in 2006, probably the first or second Saturday in June.

Member Spotlight:
Felicia Smith of Ladybug Country Gift Shop, 308 Mt. Carmel Road, right past the Exxon station has great gift items, garden items and more-many by local artisans. She is open Tuesday-Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday 11:00 am-5:00 pm. Stop in and see all the wonderful items Felicia has on hand AND support a local Hereford business!

Trey Lewis of Gunpowder Bison & Trading Company, 1270 Monkton Road, has opened a new store selling buffalo meats and unique leather goods. Did you know… bison is healthier than beef!! His store is open Thursday and Friday 3:00 pm-6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am -6:00 pm. Stop in and see Trey and his interesting business.

Meeting Adjourned:
There being no further time, President Copp adjourned at 1:03 pm. New business will be discussed next month.

Next Meeting:
Stan Jacobs from the Baltimore County Office of Small Business Development will speak on how his association can assist our businesses. M&T Bank is providing lunch at this meeting!

Food Bank Items:
Please remember your items for the food bank this month: canned meats or canned fish. A "forgot my item" fine of $1, $2, $5 will be imposed should you forget your donation.

Website:
www.herefordzone.org
www.HZBA.org