MIDWEST DISTANCE DRIVING ASSOCIATION (MDDA) MEETING

The meeting was held on February 28, 2004 at West 20 Ranch & Saddle Company facility after the MDDA Classroom Clinic

In attendance were Jac & Marguerite Deweese, Connie Gray, Sandy Rudstrom, Debi Radtke, Roger Houk, Sandy DeMasters, Wes & Jane Licht, Debbie Dixon, Paul Wasielewski, Jessica, Rachael & Sarah Rudstrom.

Call to Order

President Wes Licht opened the meeting at 2:45 PM. 

Secretary’s Minutes

The minutes from February 4 will be read at the next meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Connie said she made out a check to the facility for the $75 rental for the classroom clinic and requested that other bills be submitted to her.  Wes said he would get a list to her.  Revenue from the clinic was $425 and for membership, $245.

Old Business

Wes said that Sharon Beck was working on the website and that our recent MDDA newsletter was outstanding.  Thanks to webmaster Sharon, editor Deb Dixon and others contributing help and articles. 

Wes and Jac will be giving an MDDA presentation to the Fox Valley Horse Driving Club this Tuesday.  They were invited by Fay Van Camp who has done some distance driving.

We need to thank ABC representatives in our next newsletter and anyone else who contributes or donates to our group.

Evaluation of our Classroom Clinic.  Debi Radtke said she thought it was very good and she enjoyed it.  She said it was informative and not too fast.  Paul said people really liked the door prizes. Everyone was comfortable with this format.  Jac suggested that Roger begin next year’s clinic since he did a great job starting this one.  Wes thanked everyone for their help with the clinic and food and especially Marguerite for setting up the kitchen.  Dave and Jenny from West 20 were personally thanked for their efforts to help us on Saturday.

Membership. Wes is concerned about 2003 members who have not yet renewed for 2004.  Connie said memberships are coming in and the real challenge is to get them to drives.  She complimented our new president on motivating people to get involved in distance driving.  Connie reported that 14 new members joined at the clinic.

Wes said he will send a letter to the new people who joined MDDA today to tell them about how they can volunteer or groom for another driver if they are not ready to drive themselves.  Paul said we don’t want to intimidate the novices and we should stress that it is a pleasure drive.

Insurance.  Wes said that after investigating many firms, he ended up with Agri-Risk for $425 for our three events.  We can add other events if we wish at a small fee.  Agri-Risk representative Kathleen Baxley was great to work with and really helped us.

New Business

Jac Deweese/Sandy DeMasters moved that we give Romona and Elinore lifetime memberships.  Wes said they volunteer their time for MDDA even though they are not drivers.  Motion carried.

Wes distributed a Volunteer Assignment Sheet to use for our events.  Discussion followed regarding ways to record the results such as names, horses, scores, divisions, etc. for the driving competitors. Connie said ride managers will balk at more paperwork. Jane volunteered to do this. Members volunteered themselves to handle certain duties at the Iron Oak and Glacier Trails events.  Pauline, Connie, Sandy & Wes will visit Gary Steer’s to find completion awards for this event, Glacier Trails and our Fun Day.  Theresa will give us approximate numbers needed for completion and other awards.

Other items for Drives  Jane will inventory ribbons and order more as needed.  ABC company will continue to provide buckets of their products that can be used for first place winners.  Paul will check on plaques for first place winners.  Wes and Sandy will check on donations and others are encouraged to find donations.

Horse-A-Rama, April 3-5.  DRAW will allow us to put MDDA info on their booth table.  We must get the material to June ASAP.

Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, April 16-18.  UMECRA and DDC will allow us to put flyers in their booths.

Hats.  Deb Dixon/Jac Deweese moved that Paul, Connie and Sandy be our hat committee and investigate quality hats, embroidery and color schemes.  Motion carried.

Rookie Incentive.  After discussion it was agreed to offer an incentive to drivers who are new MDDA members this year.  Sandy Rudstrom/Sandy DeMasters moved to establish the Rookie Incentive for new members.  After they complete their 5^th drive and get the paperwork to Connie they will receive a rebate of the entry fees for that 5^th drive.  Motion carried.

Ads in Newsletter.  Jac Deweese/Marguerite Deweese moved that we will accept ads in our  MDDA Newsletter.  Motion carried.  Wes will develop fee schedule and distribute it to the board of directors for review. 

Motion to adjourn carried at 4:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane Licht, Secretary