AIBA Board members met February 22 for the second time in 2007. Leila Johnson, president facilitated and her report included updates on budget preparation, creation of updated board descriptions and application as well as a potential ex-officio board. She presented the IBA Gift Certificate Program (CertifiChecks) which could be offered as a benefit to members; the Board unanimously agreed that benefits of this nature were key to membership expansion.
Executive Director Rebecca Dakota concentrated on “I Love Albuquerque†event March 13 at Page One. The book signing event with Stacy Mitchell, author of Big Box Swindle offers an opportunity to generate community and publicity for the organization. Press release and calendar notification for the media is underway; a copy of the news release is posted to the forum. Board members agreed to extend personal invitations to VIPs and a letter template has been created. Members who would like a copy of that invite for their use are encouraged to email info@keepitquerque.com.
A system of committee reports allowed the board to cover the year in minimal time. Significant notes included:
Calendar of events for the year posted on Member Forum.
Ongoing needs:
- Graphic designer for new member recruiting materials and publicity pieces
- Volunteer for sponsorship liaison position
- Board members with significant fund raising and/or event management
- High school economics teacher who would want to work with AIBA on developing a fun curriculum for high school economics classes on the dynamics of independently owned vs. big box retail local economies (deadline 3/5/07)
- Ongoing grant applications in progress; two submitted.
Detailed financials were reviewed and accepted.