Date: February 20, 2008 – Board Meeting Agenda
Location: Kentwood Parks and Recreation (355-48th St. SE., Kentwood, MI. 49548)
Time(s): 9:00am – Board Meeting | 10:00am – West Michigan Sports Commission Presentation

Welcome and Introduction
Those in Attendance included Clay Summers (Kentwood), Adrienne Schumacher (Holland), Val Romeo (Kentwood), John Judnich (Grand Rapids), Pam Slater (East GR), Shannyn Fasbender (East GR), Kenny Westrate (Wyoming), Amber Sabala (Holland Twp.), and Darrin Duistermars (Holland Twp.

Approval of Agenda
Motion by Shannyn Fasbender, Supported by Kenny Westrate, Motion passed.

Approval of January Minutes
Motion by Kenny Westrate, Supported by Val Romeo, Motion passed.

Board Member Reports

1. Treasurer’s Report – Pam Slater
   Pam reviewed the reports as presented. Dues are slowly coming in. Some entities may not have received a dues request form. It was asked that Clay send one out via e-mail, again. Four communities have paid so far.
   
   
2. Past President Report – Shannyn Fasbender
   No Report
   
   
3. Secretary – Darrin Duistermars
   Darrin encouraged WMRPA to join the West Michigan Sports Commission as a Club/Organization member for $250.00. The Commission is making some strides and it would be wise for WMRPA to be a part of it. Motion by Darrin Duistermars, Supported by Pam Slater, Motion passes
   
   
4. Director at large- Kenny Westrate
   No Report
   
   
5. President Elect
   At this time we still are in need of a President Elect. If you have an interest please contact Clay Summers right away.
   
   
6. Presidents Report – Clay Summers
   Website Update - Mark and Clay are working together to enhance and update the site on a regular basis, including minutes, updates and informational pieces from our various communities and members.

MRPA Updates and Direction
A National search will be conducted for the Executive Director’s position. Kendall Klingelsmith, Darrin Duistermars, Phil Castonia, Ann Conklin and Ken Hayward comprise the Search team. The hope is to have this person in place somewhere between April and May “Cost Recovery” is something we’ll be hearing a lot about over time. It’s an analysis program that helps in determining the impact of individual program in a community and/or association. MRPA will be forming a committee to assess our programs (ticket sales, Athletics, etc.). This will give committees a standard by which to accomplish what they are charged to do.

Marketing

1. Ideas continue to be considered in terms of marketing WMRPA. In the past we have discussed billboards, press releases, newspaper ads, and so forth. Some ideas are not very realistic. However we feel the need to do something. With July being “Parks & Recreation” month, we need to come up with some ideas for that. Hopefully, at the March meeting we’ll have a plan of attack for this.

WMRPA Committee Reports

1. Athletic Committee
   See MRPA Committee Reports
   
   
2. Therapeutic Committee
   TRI will be October 2 & 3 on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. Primarily for professionals in the field, this year’s emphasis will feature half clinical and half community related issues. Ruth Sova will be the keynote speaker. Her address is entitled “Motivate the Motivator.” 75% of the speakers are from West Michigan.
   
   
3. Golf Committee/Youth Sports Initiative – John Judnich
   Friday, July 25 is the date of the 2008 WMRPA Golf Classic. For various reasons (set-up, cleanup, indoor meeting area, less work) the event may be moved to Gleneagle Golf Club in Hudsonville. The logistics should be finalized in the coming days and should be announced by the March WMRPA meeting. John Judnich also discussed the initial “discussion” stage of a Youth Sports Initiative that maybe WMRPA should be a part of. The general environment is changing and some parents just don’t have a clue. This group hopes to educate parents with information from professionals on the “what,” “when,” and “what not to do” questions that parents may have. Whether it’s Parks & Recreation, physical therapy, doctors, all of these professionals exist, it’s just not organized. It’s in the “discussion” stage but John will be looking at ways for WMRPA to get involved and how to help make this a reality
   

MRPA Committee Reports

1. Athletics
   March 7 – Mandatory meeting at 9:30am and Sports Forum to follow, site TBD (Forum Topic: Conflict Resolution presented by Mike Conlin)

April 25 – Foster Community Center in Lansing 9:00am with Sports Forum at 10:00am (Topic: Background Checks & Coach/Staff Handbooks)

SMRPA Golf Outing at El Dorado with 9:30am Shotgun start @ $65/person
- ½ proceeds go to Tony Noyola Youth Recreation Fund.

Next Meeting

March 19th @ Wyoming City Hall – 9:00am Board Mtg.
10:00am. “Growing the Game”

Adjournment