Meeting called to order by Jeremy at 6:34PM

Jeff D motioned to accept December meeting minutes, Joe second. Motion passed unanimously. Jeff D noted that all 2006 board meeting minutes were emailed to Tom Fountain, webmaster for Team Toledo, for posting on the website

Membership Report - as acting secretary, Jeff D reported that membership is currently 214. 65% are men, 35% women. This includes those that were members of record in 2006. Renewals are coming in for 2007. Estimated that the club will have around 200 members for 2007. Club Roster has been revamped to include in the database all the info we ask for on the membership form. The new roster was shown to the board.

Treasurer’s Report Liz passed out the current report. The club has $13,990 in its treasury. Major expenditure was the club insurance payment of $1200 for 2007. Khalil wondered why this was so much. USAT has raised the fees to $6/member and the payment was based on a membership of 200 for 2007. There was also a Team Toledo grant payment of $500 to David McGranahan who petitioned successfully for travel to the world championships. The Bike Fit/Expo expenditures totaled $274, well under the $500 budget.

Webmaster’s Report Jeff D commended our new webmaster, Tom Fountain for the work he has done with the website. Jeremy asked Tom F to update Freewheel.com so that the link to our website at Freewheel shows our new club logo. Tom F said that with the .pdf files given to him by the work done on the race uniforms and new headsweat hats, he has many updated sponsor logos. He was also able to take the club logo from one of the .pdf files to obtain a sharper logo for the header at the website making it look nicer. Joe Cutcher suggested we should take pictures of board members and put them next to the names and email addresses of the board members so membership recognizes board members.

OLD BUSINESS:

Winter Expo Debrief
Various board members reported that Cadence Cycle, American Mobile Fitness, Wildwood, Dave’s Perf Footgear and Reggies all thought the event worthwhile and expressed interest in returning. Joe Cutcher said that American Home Fitness and Mountain Man would like to take part, but that first weekend in January was in middle of busy seasons making it difficult for them. Jeremy thought that the timing was convenient for Tom Demerly and that’s why we had it scheduled then. The bike fit is an integral part of the event of course so that needs to be taken into account. One vendor suggested a different location would help, one where there is more than invited traffic, such as a mall. Other suggestions from officers were that we should announce it sooner. We should have taken more advantage of getting the flyers out to potential vendors sooner. Tom F. mentioned that it seemed rather short notice to him. Jeremy thought the survey of our members was a good touch at this year’s expo. He said that we could use Survey Monkey to survey members that do not or cannot attend the expo next year. Dale suggested that we should maintain free exposure for vendors, but that we should consider asking that they donate a gift or door prize for expo attendees. Jeff D said that he felt the expo rated an 85 or a 90 and there was general consensus that it was a success.

Survey Results - Joe Cutcher gave a report on the survey conducted in conjunction with the expo. Joe stated that 31 filled out a survey. As part of the survey, members interest in running for board positions and committee spots were obtained. While not an official commitment, the survey was useful for obtaining a list of potential members interested in running for office or committee participation and will be used as such. Liz said we should review the survey results with the general membership at the annual members meeting. This will be added to the agenda for that meeting.

Race Uniforms - Jeff gave a report to the board. A total of 59 uniforms were ordered. Jeff said that Yark Subaru has paid the club $1000. American Home Fitness has pledged $350, but the check has not been received yet. Jeff suggested to the board that all the sponsorship money collected ($1,350) plus the $1,000 USAT Grant, if awarded, go toward reducing the price of the uniforms. In that way, the club is contributing to this and offsetting the cost. In the past, the club bore the cost entirely. Now the members pay, but at a reduced rate. Jeff suggested a price of $60, or $30 per piece. This covers all costs plus shipping. The club will break even on the uniforms if the USAT Grant is awarded. If not awarded, then $1,000 will come out of the club treasury to offset the uniform price. We had budgeted $2,000 for uniforms, so in this case, $1,000 will be returned to the treasury or perhaps used for future uniform purchases. Jeff thought the club would get another USAT Grant however. Jeff pointed out that we should use all sponsor money for those that ordered. There will be no sponsor money ‘left over’ for future uniform orders, if there is interest by new club members or those that did not order for whatever reason this time around. The board accepted this contingency. New or additional uniforms could be available to new members or those that did not order if we are able to meet the minimum orders imposed by the vendor and the price would have to be determined at that time. For now, all sponsor money will be used on this order. Jeremy asked Jeff to send the newest designs to Tom Fountain for placement on the website.

Other Clothing Items - Khalil said that he had commitments for 35 of the new cycling shorts/bibs with the Team Toledo logo from Voler. Khalil suggested the club buy an extra 15, split between mens and women’s to obtain the 50 pc. Discount and to have some around for new members. This was agreed. In addition, 12 dozen socks with club logo will be ordered from Defeet. Khalil said he would send an email to the 35 asking for money so he could get the orders placed in time for the season.

Hats - Dale gave a report on the hats. Headsweats has quoted 100 hats with Team Toledo logo at $1200. Dale obtained a $500 sponsorship payment from Greg at American Mobile Fitness ($5 per hat). Dale said he must order by Feb 10 to obtain in April. Hats will be sold for $10 so the club makes $3 per hat after sponsorship. Hats are headsweats functional hats styled so that ladies ponytails can fit out the back. Club logo is on front in red, American Mobile Fitness logo on one side.

T-Shirts - We currently have few if any t-shirts. Joyce had given Jeff D info on functional shirts similar in design to those we obtained for running the Mideast Champs last season. Price approximately $7 each. We had allocated $1500 for shirts for 2007. Jeff suggested that we order enough so that every member gets a new shirt. Jeff said the shirts should look just like the existing cotton or drylete red t-shirts, but out of the functional fabric. Jeff suggested delegating the task of obtaining these shirts and working with the vendor to Ginger Dankert. Dale suggested that we use the new club logo as opposed to the design we currently have. Everyone agreed on red with white print. There was discussion about including the name Team Toledo “Tritons” by Liz Young. It was agreed to exclude Tritons from the shirts for now. Liz will discuss the idea behind “Tritons” to the general membership at the upcoming annual meeting. Dale moved to alot a total of $2100 for the new shirts as discussed. Joe second. 100% motion carried. Everyone gets a new shirt.

NEW BUSINESS

Annual Members Meeting
The board approved the date of Friday, March 30th, at 7 PM at Niederhaus, Olander Park. In conjunction with the annual meeting, the club will hold the annual chili cook off. Details and agenda for the meeting were tabled for now. Jeff said to start thinking of agenda items now, especially those that would potentially involve and by laws changes and that we will work on the agenda at the next board meeting.

Balloting for 2007 Officers Joe will contact the four on the survey list that indicated an interest in running for board as well as Kathy Tullio, who indicated separately her interest in running for Club Secretary and ask if they would run and wish to be put on the ballot.

Khalil will approach Ford Crane and ask his interest in running. Other names were discussed. Rob Loeb and Tim Whitney were mentioned as were the people that ran unsuccessfully last year. Tim Hunter ran for Treasurer and Greg Lamastus ran for Member rep. Jeff suggested Tom Fridrick be approached again to run for board.

Joe Cutcher will contact the four from the survey and Kathy Tullio. Khalil will contact the others mentioned here.

By next board meeting, current officers must announce their intention to run again for 2007.

Summer Programs
Tom Fountain will help as swim day swim coordination during the swims themselves. Tom will approach Ann Fleck for assistance with sign in etc. Jeff will approach Tom Fridrick to be the 2007 Swim Coordinator to work directly with Olander to schedule the swims, agree on the rules and schedule the swims.

Time Trials - Khalil has agreed to coordinate the club time trials

Track Coach - Joe Cutcher will approach John Wodarski about timing to start and discuss Jodi Smith as designated replacement in John’s absence. Joe will negotiate this year’s agreement with John.

Adopt-a-Street - Jeremy will approach Glen Luther to be the coordinator

Committees
It was suggested that we form committees and give members the opportunity become involved. Committees: Swim, Race, Clothing, Training (bike & run), Social, Race Volunteers. Board members will head the committees. Sign-up sheets will be made available at the Winter Expo and annual membership meeting.

MERCRS - no update. Mideast Region is still determining which races will be series races. Discussed that most have already selected their races for this year and this late announcing of the MERCRS schedule is detrimental to the process.

ACS Relay for Life - Jeff Armstrong asked for Team Toledo participation in this event, which is an 18 hour run starting Friday evening, June 1 6PM until Saturday afternoon, June 2, noon. Jeff would be Team Toledo Team Captain. He would need the board to approve $100 to be an official club for the event. Each club would get between 8-15 members, each of which would have to pledge $100 of their own money or pledge money, all proceeds to go to American Cancer Society. This is good exposure for the club. We would get a tent and hang our banner for the 18 hour event. We would have at least one member running around the Maumee High School track for all the 18 hours of the event. There are additional donor opportunities. A kickoff is planned for Mar 22nd at Maumee theater. This is additional exposure opportunity for the club if team members would show up in their red shirts. Dale Patterson suggested that while the club avoids donations to charities, he believes this allocation of $100 and offering our name and banner and maybe our website to assist this event is within the charter of our club because it promotes Team Toledo as a whole since we would have a tent, hang our banner, and possibly solicit new members from the other 30 or so teams that would attend this event. Dale moved to allocate $100 for Team Toledo team for ACS Relay for Life Khalil 2nd Motion carried unanimously.

2007 Club Registration with USAT - Jeff noted that club fees increased in 2007. Jeff wondered if changing the responsibility from the treasurer to say the Vice president for sending in our fees and assuring that our club reg is current with USAT requires a by laws change. Jeremy said he did not think so. No changes were agreed upon.

Club Savings Account - Liz suggests to keep $5000 of the club treasury in the current checking account, but keep the balance in savings. In this way, the club would earn interest. Jeff wondered if this would require a by-laws change. Jeremy said no by laws change was necessary. Liz suggested we keep the money in the same bank, National City, that holds our checking to ease balance transfers.

Taste of the Town - Joe Cutcher mentioned that Taste has been sold by our former ‘employers’ and that this potentially effects Team Toledo since there is no guarantee that the new taste owners would hire us to pick up the trash. Since Taste is our number 1 money maker, this is cause for concern. Action item is for Jeremy and Tom Fridrick to contact someone and have info in time for the next board meeting. If we are shut out of the Taste, then the club needs ideas for other fund raisers.

USAT Club Grant - deadline for the first Grant period is March 15th. Jeff has agreed to submit the Grant applications again this year. The board discussed the use of this grant, if it is obtained, for the new race uniforms. Liz motioned that this year’s USAT Grant Application be used for our new club racing uniforms. Dale 2nd. Motion carried unanimously.

Racing for Recovery Half Iron Triathlon - Jeff reported that Todd Crandell emailed asking what would be Team Toledo’s involvement this year. Jeff said he traded emails with Todd asking Todd for a discount for Team Toledo members doing the race. Todd said it was too hard to police and that the race director doesn’t want this. Dale mentioned that Todd had asked for a booth at the expo, but never showed. Jeff said that between 30 and 40 members did Todd’s race last year, a significant percent of the total racers being Team Toledo members. Jeremy and Jeff both reported that we furnished several volunteers for the prep and race set up as well as race day. Both said it was quite difficult to coordinate club volunteers separate from R4R and 3D, and it seemed like we were a separate entity from the other volunteers. Generally, board members accepted that we would 1) Put a link to the race on our website. 2) Request that members interested in volunteering be steered to either the racing for recovery website or the 3 Disciplines website where they could sign up there for volunteering, but that the club would not separately coordinate volunteering, and 3) many of the members and most of the board are doing the race this year and that is the best way to support the event. With the race moved outside our community, the club feels that responsibility for a safe and organized race lies completely now with Racing for Recovery and 3 Disciplines racing. The board of Team Toledo believes it is very nice to have a half iron distance triathlon nearby and that our already-demonstrated support via our participation, access to our 215 members via our website and a blast email to the members pointing them to volunteer opportunities directly with the R4R and 3D websites is the best way for our club to support this race in 2007. Jeff and Jeremy will communicate this to Todd Crandell.

Sponsorships - with the increased sponsorships being offered to Team Toledo, we discussed that we are doing a lot better in generating cash for the club. If this is managed correctly, the board believes that these opportunities will grow. In addition, with the possible loss of the Taste of the Town, and with more interest in businesses seeking sponsorships and access to our growing membership, we may be underestimating or giving away revenue generating potential. Again, we need to manage this correctly and not get greedy, and we need to show there is a payback to our sponsors. At the same time, we should explore putting a sponsors main link on the website. Dale suggested a “Sponsors” link should be added to the main menu on the left of the home page. Only people who have donated money to Team Toledo should be on a ‘sponsor page’ including their logos. When the members click on the sponsors link, a separate page comes up. Perhaps at the top of the page, there is a heading “Team Toledo wishes to thank our many Sponsors – We urge our club members to patronize these businesses”. By doing this, we can show our sponsors there is value in donating money to Team Toledo with free advertising. Jeff mentioned that he was approached by both American Mobile Fitness (who eventually became our sponsor) and Bechtel Insurance for sponsorship opportunities. Jeff stated that we could definitely do a better job at differentiating our sponsors from those that we give free advertising to. The idea of Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship opportunities could be resurrected as was suggested last year by Kraig Kirby. The discussion ended with Jeff stating he would ask Tom Fountain to begin working on a separate sponsor page. Jeff will work with Tom to get him the logos. The club secretary has all the sponsor logos on disk.

Swim-a-thon - Blast was put out to the membership and there is a link on the website for this. Otherwise, there are not real action items.

Glass City Marathon Water Stop - Kahlil will talk with Tom Fridrick about it. This is good publicity for our club and we have had good success in the past with theme and it’s a fun event all agreed. Jeff suggested this could be a very good committee opportunity for members outside the board to manage.

Forum - The possibility to link with the Toledo Roadrunners club Forum was discussed. Board agreed to it for the time being. Khalil didn’t think we could post our pictures there however. Khalil will contact Todd Germana about this.

Next meeting will be February 28th, 2007 at Pappouli’s Pizza on Main Street in Sylvania 6:30PM.

Jeff moved to adjourn the meeting, Dale 2nd. Motion passed.

Minutes currently not available.

Membership report by Jeff DeGross, Acting Secretary. In 2006 227 members noted up from 156 the prior year. Jeff stated there was a big bump in membership in females. 37% of the membership are female. For 2007, 101 members already signed up with many new (and many more signups at the meeting).

Board member introductions, and huge thank yous to outgoing board members Jeff DeGross – Vice President and acting Secretary, Dale Patterson member rep, and Jeff Armstrong (deceased).

Member Accomplishments - Jeremy asked members to stand and be acknowledged for finishing their First Du/Sprint/Olympic Tri, First Olympic, First ˝ IM, First IM.

Minutes from the 2005 annual meeting were not reviewed.

Election - Jeremy reviewed the Slate of Officers. Jeremy asked each on the slate to stand and briefly introduce themselves. Jeff forgot to include Chuck Kreger who was running for VP on the official slate. Chuck was added to the slate immediately. Since there was only one person running for each of the board positions, Jeremy called for a motion to accept the slate in its entirety. Tom Fridrick motioned to accept. Russ Hudson Second. Jeremy asked if there were any members interested in stepping up or running for any of the offices. None stepped forward. Jeremy asked for acceptance of the motion by the members via oral vote. All ‘AYE’ No ‘NAY’. Motion Carried. Slate of officers as presented to members by board accepted by members. The new board is officially in place. Khalil Raffoul took the gavel as new Club President and ran the remainder of the meeting.

New Officers - Liz Young – President Elect, Chuck Kreger – Vice President, Kathy Tullio – Secretary, Tim Hunter – Treasurer, Tim Whitney – Member Rep, Joe Cutcher – Member Rep, Ginger Dankert – Member Rep, Matt West – Member Rep.

New Business:
Khalil Raffoul – Thanked all outgoing board members noting the fine job done by our outgoing President, Jeremy. Khalil noted Jeremy’s many accomplishments in triathlon. Khalil said same about outgoing VP Jeff DeGross but added that all the same goes for Jeff “except he’s old”.

Treasurer Report - Liz Young gave the report and reviewed the budget she had prepared for the meeting. She announced that the club was in good shape financially. A motion was made and passed to accept the budget and there were no questions. Some of the club income opportunities were generally discussed by Khalil and Liz such as the increased sponsorship income, the MERCRS 2nd place finish, and the clothing. Fixed costs such as the increase in club insurance costs due to increased membership numbers was also mentioned.

Member of the Year - Jeff Armstrong was named as the 2006 Member of the Year. Jeremy and Jeff said a few words about Jeff Armstrong. Jeff D stated that the club will rename the Team Toledo Grant the Jeff Armstrong Memorial Grant and that the Member of the Year award will from now on be known as the Jeff Armstrong Member of the Year Award.

Volunteer Opportunities - Were reviewed by several members with the club in attendance

GCM Water Stop - Nila Boyce - gave an update on the GCM Water Stop to be manned by TT volunteers. We will man both sides of the road this year at approx mile 12-16. Nila petitioned for volunteers and is the club main contact. Theme will be Margaritaville once again. Asked for a generator.

Adopt-a-Street - Jeremy gave Glenn Luther’s update. Tom F noted that the date proposed, May 12, is same date as special olympics. Jeremy stated that Glenn would change the date and inform the members. Jeremy solicited for volunteers.

Special Olympics - Organized by Rob Loeb, this year on May 12 at the new UT Track. This is a change from past years at Central Cathloic. TT has been involved for 15 years helping this 8 county regional meet with timing, announcing and “catching” participants. Rob passed around a sign up sheet.

ACS Relay for Life - Tim Whitney gave a stirring speech about how Cancer touches each of us in describing the club’s commitment to the Relay for Life fund raising event to be held at Maumee HS Friday and Saturday, June 1-2. He will be the point person for the event and passed around a sign up sheet for volunteers/fund raisers.

East Y Kids Tri - Dave McGranahan described this event, in its second year. Date is Sunday June 3, Ages are 5-12. Distances are 50 meter outdoor pool swim, 1.8 mi bike ride totally contained within the parking lot and 0.5 mi run. Dave and Dale Patterson are asking for 25 club volunteers for the event and a signup sheet was passed around.

Taste of the Town - Tom F updated the club. KLCB says that the new owners of the event have not planned anything specific as yet and because of this late date, doubtful that this event, the club’s largest money maker, will happen. Tom noted volunteers for last year’s event and pointed out the effort of the Fleck’s.

Summer workout programs - Joe Cutcher gave an update on the Track Workouts. Track coach will again be Jon Wodarski (club pays Jon) and will be held at Sylvania Southview HS track every other Wednesday Evening starting May 2. Open to all club members free of charge. The Raffouls will organize the Time Trials again and gave the dates, first being Tuesday May 8. Tom F is the swim coordinator and announced the swim schedule with an increased number of swims this year (14 vs. 12). First swim is Tuesday June 12 and is open to members only. Tom made a point that no guests are allowed at the swims due to club insurance. Jeremy mentioned that the summer schedule is in everyone’s email. Schedule will also be placed on the website.

USAT Update - Jim Donaldson, USAT National Board Member and longtime Team Toledo member and founder of the club, gave an update on USAT. Jim is a great resource for our club since he is plugged in at the national level of our sport. This is USAT’s 25th anniversary year and the Mantra is “Get Involved”. Jim reviewed the “get involved” mantra with the members and appealed to members to do what they can to get involved. USAT is growing at a tremendous rate. There are over 85,000 members now and last year they issued 200,000 day licenses. USAT operates on a $5 million budget now and is seriously involved as the sports overseer for the Olympic Games, the Pan Am Games and the Goodwill Games. USOC subsidizes USAT at the highest level due to performance. There is incentive created to perform well at the Games and this is acknowledged by the amount of subsidy from USAT, so they are doing a fine job. Jim mentioned that Joyce Donaldson, Team Toledo Member and former director, has been appointed referee at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games by the worldwide body for the sport, International Triathlon Union! The club thanks Jim for a great update on the governing body of our sport.

MERCRS - Mideast Region in largest/ most active including 5 states. Again there was a committee to identify target races last year and there will be again this year. Signup board will be available at the swims. TT came in 2nd overall last year and with Sylvania now the Mideast Championships, there is no reason TT cannot win the MERCRS this coming year. This would mean bragging rights and a $1000 income for the club. Incentives will be announced. Last year the club subsidized the hotel rooms. This year the board will offer incentives to the club to win other races possibly, but nothing specific was announced. Khalil has targeted some races and will publish at a later date.

Chili Cook-off - Congratulations to Brandon Poddany, winner of the 2007 Team Toledo Chili Cookoff! Liz Young was second, and Jennifer Cope took third. Brandon wins free Membership for 2007!

Team Toledo Clothing - Race Uniforms were passed out to those that ordered and were in attendance by Jeff. Club cycling Jerseys are going fast and new Jerseys will be designed for next year. New shirts (not cotton, but functional running shirts) Running Hats with Team Toledo Logo and Cycling Shorts have been ordered and will be arriving soon, prior to the start of the season. Team Cycling sox were available for sale $5 at the meeting.

Ideas/Suggestions - Before the end of the meeting, Khalil asked for Ideas/suggestions. One member, Cyndy Hake, said there is a Total Immersion Certified coach in Cleveland that would come out to Toledo for a fee and provide the club a swimming seminar. The board will look into this great opportunity.

Jeremy motioned to adjourn, Tom F. Seconded
Meeting Adjourned 9:20 PM.