[Missouri-l] Convention

Sun Oct 11 18:50:36 CDT 2009

I just want to add to Denny's summary that all of the proposed Bylaws were defeated exept for the one that will allow the membership Committee to approve members at large. As Bylaws Committee Chairman, I want to thank Virginia Berberick for her help and to thank all of you for making the whole process run smoothly. We had lively debate and no one lost their temper and everyone conducted themselves professionally. for those of you who submitted changes that were defeated, try again next year if you feel that your proposals will benefit MCB or submit them in a different way that members might be more willing to accept. John 

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Denny Huff, (MCB - A Great Place To Be) 
  To: 'Missouri Chat' 
  Cc: Missouri-L 
  Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2009 6:23 PM
  Subject: [Missouri-l] Convention

  Most of you probably already know most of what went on at the convention and the board meeting this weekend, but for those of you that don't, I'll try and give  a quick summary.

  On Thursday the board heard a presentation from the thrift store committee in the possibility of opening our own thrift store.  The projected date is July of 2010.  There is a lot of work to be done before this can happen including the creation of a business plan.  The board voted to contract a consultant to do that job and he should have one ready in approximately six weeks.  At that time the committee will come back to the board to present that business plan to them.

  The board also approved the strategic plan that was put together by Kathleen Lee and the strategic planning committee.  The plan has many goals with time lines established for completing those goals.  The committee will meet again to determine who will be responsible for accomplishing those goals.  If you would like to have a copy of the strategic plan please let me know and I will make sure you receive a copy of it either via email or postal mail, whichever you prefer.  Also, if you would like to help in one of the areas presented in the strategic plan, please let me know and state why you feel you are qualified for helping in that area.

  The personnel committee presented candidates for the Executive Director and the newly created Field Marketing Representative position.  The candidates are Jennifer Parker for the Executive Director and Lowell Newsome for the Field Marketing Representative.  The board will meet again via conference call on October 19th to interview both candidates and then vote whether to hire them or not.

  The convention began on Friday afternoon and was hosted by the Allied Workers for the Blind and the Progressive Council of the Blind.  I want to say thanks to both affiliates for a job well done.  A lot of work goes into the planning and execution of such an undertaking and the host affiliates, the office personnel, the volunteers and everyone else that had a part in putting the convention together did an outstanding job.

  Some of the highlights of the convention were the presentations by our guest speaker, Ardis Bazyn, Missouri Assistive Technology director Marty Exline, RSB's Deputy Director Mark Laird, Wolfner Director Dr. Richard Smith and director of Alpha Pointe Rhinehart Mavery.

              I think one of the main highlights of the convention was the winner of the Louis Braille essay contest.  Kindra Haun read her winning essay and did an outstanding job.  We hope to have that essay on-line very soon and it will also be published in the Chronicle.  Congratulations once again to Kindra!

  The banquet was well attended with approximately 160 in attendance.  We heard a great motivational speech by Phil Ledgerwood and was entertained by Tom Pool and his band.

  The awards that were handed out were, Linda Hailey for the Nathaniel Johnson award, Representative Jeff Grisamore for the Ellis M. Forschee award and Virginia Berberick for the presidents award.  

  The member of the year was selected by a drawing from all of the monthly winners.  Congratulation to Mildred Taylor for that honor.

  The elections were held on Sunday morning.  Those elected are as follows:

  Second Vice President - Mike Keller

  Treasurer - William Hawkins

  Board Of Directors,

  Steve Schnelle

  Beverly Kaskadden

  and Gregg Hollins

  Public Relations - Leroy Welch

  Congratulations to all of these officers.

  The convention will be held in Jefferson City next year and will be hosted by Blind Of Central Missouri.  In 2011 the convention will be held in Joplin MO and will be hosted by the Queen City affiliate in Springfield.

  All in all I think it was a good convention and I am looking forward to all that will be going on in the next year.

  Thanks!

  Denny Huff - President

  Missouri Council of the Blind

  5453 Chippewa

  St. Louis, MO  63109

  Phone: (636) 262-1383

  Toll Free: (888) 362-1383

  Phonecast: (816) 298-8969

  FAX: (636) 629-1710

  DHuff at MoBlind.Org

  www.moblind.org

  MCB - A GREAT PLACE TO BE!

  The purpose of Missouri Council of the Blind shall be to promote the general well-being of our members and legally blind people in Missouri, and to support or participate in other programs promoting the best interests of legally blind people everywhere.

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