MINUTES OF CHAPTER MEETING

Partners of the Americas

Colorado – Minas Gerais

Date: June 3, 2007

Location: Steve Waechter & Jan Brummond’s, Greeley, Colorado

Present: Francis Wardle, Mike & Rhoda Rogers, Roger & Betty Brown, Bryan & Carolyn Cooke, Steve Waechter & Jan Brummond, Linda K Nedved, Lin Allen, Jon Monson. Guest, Holly Gates-Peters.

Meeting called to order by President Francis Wardle. Introductions. Minutes of March 4, 2007 meeting approved.

Jan, Steve, Betty, Rhoda and Francis reported on the successful visit of the two dancers from Minas Gerais. They participated in International Week at University of Northern Colorado, visited several other colleges, high schools and middle schools. Suggestions for future exchanges included longer lead-time, better advance planning, possible feedback from hosts as well as from guests. The problem of timely issuance of visas to the U.S. will be referred to International Board, who may be able to smooth out the process.

Report of the convention committee: Convention is November 15-17, 2007 in Ouro Preto. Betty is collecting Colorado items for gift bags to distribute at convention—pens, note pads, small souvenir items, etc. The deadline is August 20 for ads in the convention booklet @ $50 for a business card, $250 for a quarter page. A proposal will be made for Rhoda from Colorado and Jacqueline from Minas Gerais to do a presentation on health issues; Steve to do a presentation on legacy giving, and Francis on grant writing.

Rhoda reported on plans for the fundraiser at Culver’s restaurant in Greeley, Monday, June 25 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Members volunteered to work 2-hour shifts waiting tables. She distributed post cards to be mailed or handed out to advertise the fundraiser. Also, cards introducing Partners of the Americas will be placed on the tables. Culver’s will donate 10% of their income for that time period. Our goal is to raise $500.

Francis will prepare a fundraising letter to be sent to local businesses.

Rhoda showed a sample of our POA shirts—white polo with the logo on left front. Cost is $15. Orders were taken for shirts. We will wear them for the Culver’s fundraiser as well as at Convention.

Betty and Roger will prepare a brochure about Colorado Partners. Info and photos are needed. Business cards with Partners logo can be ordered for each member.

**Jon moved to add the cost of set-up to the price of shirts, and include the cost of shirts, brochures and business cards in the grant application. Motion seconded and passed. (Draft attached to the meeting agenda.)

Francis & Roger reported that discarded school computers are available to be donated to schools in Brazil.

**Roger moved for approval of a grant application to cover the cost of transportation of computers. (Draft attached to the meeting agenda.) Motion seconded and passed.

Francis reported on effort to include state legislators in convention. According to Mary Gershwin, the request should come from Brazil since they are the convention hosts.

Francis will be meeting with the Colorado Office of International Trade this Friday, June 8. All Partners members are welcome to attend. Steve, Roger and Jon will plan to be there.

Francis reported that the Governor’s letter for the convention is in progress. (Draft attached to the meeting agenda.)

TREASURER’S REPORT: Total receipt of dues to date: $355. Bank balance as of May 30, 2007 is $5977.30 2007 DUES ARE STILL PAYABLE!

**Linda moved that we reimburse Rhoda $77.64 for shirts and Betty $72.62 for post cards and table cards for the Culver’s fundraiser. Motion seconded and passed.

Proposal to pay advance convention registration for members: Advance registration of $375 must be completed by October 5.

**Linda moved that we reimburse the advance convention registration of Colorado members, upon presentation of a receipt, on a first-come-first-served basis, up to a total of $5000. Motion seconded and passed.

**Rhoda moved to approve Steve’s application for travel grant to attend the leadership training before convention. Motion seconded and passed.

**Steve moved to approve Rhoda’s application for a convention travel scholarship (requires 8 day stay in Brazil). Motion seconded and passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Luzia Lusita, President of Minas Gerais chapter, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will have treatment for the next 5 weeks. Notes and good wishes would be welcome. Roberto Brandao will take over her office until she returns.

Lin Allen received her membership pin.

Linda complimented the convention committee on the incredible amount that has been accomplished.

Next meeting will be September 9, 2007 at 3:00 pm at Francis Wardle’s, 2300 S Krameria, Denver.

Meeting adjourned to social time.

Carolyn Cooke, Secretary