FOHBC General Membership Meeting Breakfast:

Marriott Plaza C, 7:30 to 8:30 am

This was the first time that we had our annual FOHBC Membership Meeting in a breakfast format. Traditionally held on Friday afternoon, after the FOHBC Board meeting, we had noticed year after year, that the meeting was poorly attended. It wasn’t a big stretch to think that this was prior to many members arriving in town, and if they were in town, maybe they were sightseeing. We all know that if you have food, more will attend. Well, that was exactly our thought so we changed the meeting to 7:30 am and invited our members at 7:00 am for an “American Dream Breakfast” which consisted of sliced seasonal fruit, assorted breakfast breads, fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cottage fried potatoes with peppers and onions and coffee, juices etc. We guesstimated and worried that too few, or too many would come. As it turned out, we sat about 110 members and the event was a huge success. This was important as we had some important news and voting to conduct. Oddly enough, two folks even came in and ate and left before the meeting. Oh, well.

At promptly 7:30 am, the meeting started. As FOHBC president, I gave the members an overview of the FOHBC board meeting the day before, discussed the present show highlights. We next addressed the FOHBC “Next Generation” plan which was originally developed in March 2014.

Next Generation committee chair, Jim Bender, FOHBC Historian, explained that the board has been talking about FOHBC memberships and membership rates for about three years now. After research, it was determined that the Federation was just about breaking even financially with a membership that includes our 72-page magazine, BOTTLES and EXTRAS (76 pages with covers). Most clubs have discontinued the expensive printed magazine due again to printing costs and ever rising postal charges.

As a result, it was recommended that membership rates be increased as follows: Regular second class membership: $40 (was $30), second class membership: $55 (was $45), Canada membership: $60 (was $50), Other Countries: $80 (was $65), Clubs: $75 (same), 3-Year membership, second class: $110 (was $75), Digital membership: $25, (Associate membership will continue at $5; Not available with Life or Digital Membership). Discussion occurred and a vote was taken. Members present approved the cost increase unanimously.

There was also a vote to for Re-Institution of Life Membership. The committee has been working on this for quite some time. This type of membership has to appeal to everyone. Three possible levels of Life Membership were recommended. These levels were reviewed and discussed by Board members. The levels are as follows: Level 1: $1,000, Includes all benefits of a regular membership. No promise of a printed magazine for life. Level 2: $500, Includes all benefits of a regular membership but you will not receive a printed magazine, but rather a digital subscription. Note: In the future, a Level 1 could become a Level 2. Level 3: Earned or Honoree. The Board would have the option of bestowing an honorary Life Membership. This person would continue to join the FOHBC at the regular membership rate. The Board will determine how this honor is earned. Our membership voted and again this was unanimously approved.

Rate increases will occur on 01 September 2015 as will re-instituting Life Memberships.

 

THE BREAKFAST

*All photographs by Mallory Boyle