First Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 8, 1997
The twentieth session of the First Board of Directors of the Blue Line Club was convened at 4:10 p.m. by Director Brad Reeves, serving as presiding officer in the absence of both President Kent Schwickert and Vice President Henry Okleshen. The meeting was held on Monday, December 8, 1997, in the Alumni and Foundation Center conference room on the campus of Mankato State University.
Voting Board Members Present
4 of 7 Seats
- Larry Morales
- Brad Reeves
- Steve Duea
- Jim Bullard
Voting Board Members Present
3 of 7 Seats
- Kent Schwickert, President (Excused)
- Henry Okleshen, Vice Pres. (Excused)
- Jim Turk (Excused)
Ex-officio Nonvoting Board Members Present
4 of 6 Seats
- Don Amiot - MSU Men's Athletics Director
- David Cowan, Club Secretary-Treasurer - Maverick Boosters Club Liaison
- Don Brose - MSU Men's Ice Hockey Coach
- Margaret Healy - MSU Student Affairs Vice President
Ex-officio Nonvoting Board Members Absent
1 of 6 Seats
- Cheryl Regan (Excused) - MSU Athletics Promotions
- Ron Hybertson (Excused) - Conference Faculty Representative (NCC)
Approval of Agenda
Director Larry Morales moved and Director Jim Bullard seconded that the meeting agenda for December 8, 1997 be approved. Motion carried.
Minutes of Previous Board Meetings Approved
Director Steve Duea moved and Director Morales seconded that the Board approve the meeting minutes of November 10, 1997. Motion carried.
Status of Hockey Scholarship Endowment
In response to a question by Director Reeves, Men's Intercollegiate Athletics Director Don Amiot read aloud from the "Charitable Gift Agreement" signed in March, 1997 by the Blue Line Club and the Mankato State University Foundation, Inc. Specifically Amiot referenced the following language:
Any and all gifts and contribution received for credit, together with the income generated by this Fund, shall be held until the Fund reaches $25,000. At that time the income shall be disbursed for the uses and purposes stated herein. The donor agrees that if the fund herein created does not reach $25,000 within five years of initiation of the Fund, the Fund may be distributed to be expended in part or full consistent with the uses and purposes stated herein.
Amiot assured the Board that donations continue to earn interest at all times while they are being accumulated and that the interest accrues to the endowment. Director Brad Reeves asked that a copy of the donor list be made available to each director in an effort to assess what new steps can be undertaken to get more donations.
[Board Secretary-Treasurer Cowan subsequently mailed out to each voting and nonvoting Board member on December 9th a list provided by the MSU Foundation, Inc., which details an accumulated donations total of $7,719 from 51 donors. The Blue Line's endowment account number is #055167 and this table reflects its activity.]
Blue Line Club Endowed Scholarship Fund
| 1996-97 Final | 1997-98 To Date | Total | |
| Corporate Donor Gifts | $1,100.00 | $200.00 | $1,300.00 |
| Matching Gifts | $600.00 | - 0 - | $600.00 |
| MSU Faculty/Staff Donations | $345.00 | - 0 - | $345.00 |
| Individual Gifts | $4,440.00 | $434.00 | $4,874.00 |
| Phone-A-Thon | - 0 - | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Donor Totals | $6,485.00 | $734.00 | *$7,219.00 |
| Earned Interest (5%) | $226.04 | Pending | $226.04 |
| Income Totals | $6,711.04 | $734.00 | $7,445.04 |
| Less Expenses | |||
| Scholarship Outlays | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - |
| Hockey Operating Budget Support | - 0 - | - 0 - | - 0 - |
| Processing/Receipt Charges | $120.84 | $10.00 | $130.84 |
| Net Cash Available | $ 6,590.20 | $ 724.00 | $7,314.20 |
[*Figure of $7,219 is $500 less than the $7,719 sum contained in a "Donor Category Report" dated 12/9/97 and reflects the fact that the endowment account had not yet been creditedwith the most recent donation.]
The endowment was established to "support scholarships for students competing in Men's Varsity Hockey and who are in good academic standing at the University. Funds not used for scholarships in any year may be used to support the Mankato State University Men's Hockey Program."
The bulk of the $7,719 raised to date resulted from memorials given on behalf of Dan Meyer following his unexpected death.
Secretary-Treasurer's Report - David Cowan
The Club's Secretary-Treasurer reported that $15,409.80 had been spent on Club business since July 1, the beginning of fiscal year 1997-98. Chief among the outlays was a $9,355.33 payment to Promotions Work, Inc. for 700 memento pens the Board approved distributing to the Club's members.
The Club's $23,000 operating budget also absorbed a planned $1,000 payment to the MSU Sports Information Office for special ad copy which has been included in each home hockey program to help fans better understand hockey rules. Payments to the Mankato Parking Corporation total $1,348 out of a season long estimate of $3,060 to park "free" Blue Line Club members. Sign Pro has been paid $1,080 to date for changes to giant Blue Line Club membership banners. Costs of the "beginning of the season" reception held on Saturday, November 1 for members of the Blue Line Club have yet to land on the Mankato State accounting system but will total $2,000, according to Don Amiot.
Commenting on this fall's lack of Blue Line Club apparel orders, Board members agreed to allow the Secretary-Treasurer to eliminate existing inventories by reducing published prices and selling the products at home game Club hospitality room gatherings. Board members recognize that there is a strong possibility that the apparel line will change dramatically once Mankato State's membership is formally accepted by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) when it meets in April, 1998.
Status of MSU Hockey Sales Campaign - Don Amiot
Men's Intercollegiate Athletics Director Don Amiot reported that the Blue Line Club's membership goals had all been exceeded generating an additional $15,000 above the budgeted $177,000. Amiot also reported that home game gate receipts have exceeded the $3,200 per game estimate averaging $3,800 instead. He stated that for the 10 remaining home games that dasherboards could be bought at a "bargain basement price" of $1,500 for two.
Comparative Materials of Other Clubs Distributed - Don Brose
Men's Head Hockey Coach Don Brose then briefed Board members on organizational materials received from the University of Wisconsin Badger Hockey Blue Line Club and the Michigan State University Hockey Blue Line Club. Brose indicated that they serve as an excellent reference point as Mankato State's Blue Line Club develops its standing committee structure. [Materials were contained in with the agenda materials circulated for this meeting.]
Nominations Committee Update on Number of Board Voting Members
Director Amiot reviewed the Nominations Committees many recommendations contained in its October 27th report. He acknowledge that the Board initiated a Bylaw Amendment at its November 10th meeting expanding the Board's voting membership up to 11 in number from its existing seven seats.
1998-99 Board Voting Member Seats: 9
Director Larry Morales moved and Director Jim Bullard seconded that the Board approve its Nominations Committee recommendation to have an additional two seats up for election on top of the scheduled seven seats. This would mean that a total of nine seats would be up for election at the February 1998 Annual Meeting of the Blue Line Club, a figure well within the recent Bylaw amendment initiative which calls for an overall ceiling of eleven voting directors. The Morales motion was then voted on. Motion passed.
Amiot, as a representative of the three member Nominations Committee, understood that all seven incumbents holding Board voting seats had indicated an interest in continuing for another term. He also reported that interest had been express by four other Club members including Michael Fatis, Larry Ward, Pat Keogh and Earl Cummings. It appears that the Nominations Committee may recommend 11 candidates to the Club's membership knowing that only nine seats will be filled. This action will guarantee an election race of sorts along with the fact that additional nominations are allowed from the floor at the Annual Meeting and write-in space will be provided on the ballot. Of the known preferences the ballot begins to shape up as follows:
One Year Term Expires Feb/1999
- Brad Reeves (incumbent)
- Larry Morales (incumbent)
- Jim Turk (incumbent)
- [New Seat Created]
Two Year Term Expires Feb/2000
- Kent Schwickert (incumbent)
- Henry Okleshen (incumbent)
- Steve Duea (incumbent)
- Jim Bullard (incumbent)
- [New Seat Created]
*Term preferences of Michael Fatis, Larry Ward, Pat Keogh and Earl Cummings are not know at this time by the Nominations Committee.
As things stand now, 5 candidates would be running for 4 one year term seats, with 6 candidates competing for the 5 two year term seats. [In future years each term will be two years in length with 4 of the Board seats elected in even numbered years, and 5 seats elected during odd numbered years.]
Hockey Tickets for U of M Gophers vs. MSU Away Game
Director Don Amiot reported a large number of Blue Line Club members made use of their ability to buy tickets to the January 2/3 1998 away game between the MSU Mavericks and the U of M Gophers. Amiot praised Kim Schwickert for obtaining 240 tickets for each game of the two game series. They have all been distributed to hockey player parents, Blue Line Club members who paid for them, some students and v.i.p.s. Each ticket is valued at $19.50. Waiting lists for potential buyers have now been developed, though Amiot indicated that those interested could still buy tickets through Ticket Master or at the gate, however, they would not be seated in the Mankato State seating area.
Promotion Works, Inc. Home Games Sales Report
Steve Duea reported that for the first four home games series gross sales of generic MSU hockey apparel and novelties totaled $5,371.75. Consistent with the contract that MSU has with Promotions Work the MSU hockey program gets 25% of all gross sales. He then presented a check for $1,343.18 to Don Amiot, Director of MSU's Men's Intercollegiate Athletics Program. [At the Board meeting of November 10th, Duea had reported $4,953 in gross sales for the first two home games.]
According to Duea, the embroidered MSU hockey sweatshirts had been undervalued and the document he presented to the Board had a $721 deduct against gross sales which otherwise would have totaled $6,092.75 for the first four home games held 10/31, 11/1, 11/7, and 11/8. Future sweatshirt sales tags will reflect all known costs plus commission.
Amiot stated that he thought the "presentation" and general look of the two Promotions Work sales sites on the second floor of the Civic Center were "outstanding." Other Board members commended Promotions Work on the variety of products offered fans.
Duea mentioned that the announcement delivered on the public address system during the game needed to be changed to reflect that the Blue Line Club is not getting all the proceeds nor are all receipts dedicated for scholarships. He also apologize for not having a more detailed report due to some computer problems. Duea did hold up a copy of a report, that once the detail had been properly formatted, would be given to MSU and the Blue Line Club Board of Directors.
It was at this time that Director Brad Reeves and Director Steve Duea raised the question of just where the 25% return was to go. Amiot responded that the proceeds would go to the University as is required by the contract between Promotions Work and MSU. The funds would be used to augment hockey's overall budget.
It was pointed out that a figure of $2,500 for "novelty sales" was budgeted as part of the overall $698,798 hockey income plan for 1997-98. Student Affairs Vice President Margaret Healy restated the long standing position of the University. [Amiot and Healy's position is covered in some depth in the July 7 and July 21 meeting minutes of the Board and contained in the Request for Proposal (RFP) circulated by MSU's Purchasing Department to interested area vendors. The Board interviewed representatives of Promotions Work and the University Bookstore on July 7th.]
Steve Duea thanked Board members for there suggestions on product lines and closing times. He agreed that the two Promotions Work booths would stay open after the game and not close following the end of the second intermission.
Board Recommends Contract Change to Give 10% Discount to Members
Based on a recommendation by Director Steve Duea, Board members then considered a proposal to add yet another benefit to those who are Blue Line Club members. Without objection the Board recommended that a change be made in the contract between MSU and Promotions Work which would allow Blue Line Club members to purchase - at a 10% discount - wearing apparel and novelties from the product tables/displays operated by Promotions Work during each home MSU hockey game at the Mankato Civic Center.
Steve Duea indicated that where a sale to a Blue Line Club member occurred than the return to MSU would fall to 15% instead of the current 25%. It appeared that the Board favored a 10% discount for Blue Line Club members on the sale price of merchandise but did not express a definitive opinion as to how the calculation model on the return to MSU would be affected.
What follows are three variations, only the first of which has been approved by MSU and now is part of the contract with Promotions Work. There may be other models.
Existing model
$100 item sale price x 25% = $25 return to MSU.
Version A of Club Member 10% Discount Model
$100 item sales price x 15% (10% off the 25% return in contract) = $15 return to MSU hockey program.
Version B of Club Member 10% Discount Model
$100 item sales price less $10 (10% discount) = $90 x 25% return in contract = $22.50 return to MSU hockey program.
Don Amiot indicated that he would check with MSU Contracts Officer Carol Stallkamp to see if an addendum could be quickly adopted between the two parties to the original agreement. Margaret Healy stated that if it were not possible yet this season to change the three year contract then it would be changed for the 1998-99 season.
Though up-to-date lists of both Corporate and Individual members of the Club could be given to the two Promotions Work sales sites, Board members preferred that a membership card be manufactured and distributed to each member, assuming an addendum to the Promotions Work/MSU contract would happen in the immediate future. Secretary-Treasurer Cowan agreed to try to quickly accomplished the manufacturing and distribution of such cards.
Hospitality Room Door Drawings
The Secretary-Treasurer indicated that the $200 the Board had previously approved for hospitality room door prizes was not enough. Board members suggested giving away media guides ($5 cost per guide), continue to give away game programs, and offer up items left in the Club's specially embroidered wearing apparel inventory such as sweatshirts and polo shirts. Board members recognized that the Club's own apparel line would soon be out-of-date once WCHA membership was a fact and Club logo changes would then need to be implemented.
Friday Joint Blue Line Club/Maverick Booster Club Luncheons
To date Friday luncheons with the opposing coach have occurred on October 31 (Denver), November 7 (Ferris State), and November 28 (Air Force). Two of the events had been held at the Holiday Inn with the November 7th luncheon held at the Mankato Civic Center. Of the three, the one held at the Civic Center had the worst attendance due to a variety of reasons. Now postcard mailings precede each luncheon.
Director Brad Reeves stated that Mankato Answering Service could be called upon to do follow up calls to members of both the Blue Line Club and the Maverick Booster Club encouraging people to attend each home game Friday luncheon.
Head Hockey Coach Don Brose repeated his concern that good attendance at such luncheons was a must or we shouldn't do it at all.
Amiot indicated that four out of the six home series Friday luncheons would be held at the Holiday Inn and two at the Mankato Civic Center. Director Brad Reeves stated that other restaurants should be given an opportunity to host such luncheons, mentioning that Cafe Camarda was well located and could probably handle the crowd.
Hospitality Room Food Service Complaints Continue
Board members agreed that the Civic Center needs to make some quick changes to counteract rising complaints about its bar service and the lack of variety of food items offered at each Blue Line Club Hospitality Room function before home games.
Specifically, at least two bartenders are needed to speed service on the beverage line and at least two servers are needed to keep long lines from forming at the food table. Too many Club members are complaining about the lack of variety of food offerings as well as beverage options. Coffee needs to be served on a regular basis, bags of chips offered, two to three entries, etc.
Hospitality Room Activities
As the crowds grow the Club's Board may need to consider relocating the hospitality room from the Ellerbe Room to another location within the Mankato Civic Center. Also Board members thought that the Cheer Team should be invited in to ad a little pep just before the game begins and/or coach begins speaking.
December/January Edition of the Club's Hat Trick Newsletter
Newsletter editor David Cowan thanked the Board for giving him more tidbits to put in the forthcoming edition of the Hat Trick newsletter. He said that he would run the copy passed Don Amiot before publishing and distributing it to the membership. A key item: announcement of the Board's Bylaw Amendment initiative and the February elections of Board members.
Agenda and Minutes to be Distributed Earlier
Consistent with a request from Director Steve Duea, the Secretary-Treasurer agreed to try to get the minutes and agenda out earlier to Board members well in advance of the monthly Board meetings.
Adjourned
The meeting then adjourned at 5:28 p.m.