Date of Meeting: October 11, 2019 • via phone conference
Attendees: Marty Linke, Rick LaPiana, Tom Trzeciak, Todd Somers, Bob Evans, Jeff Huntsinger, King Coombs, Eric Sagendorph, Pat Pajor, Diana Nawrocki, and Zach DeVillers
ERA Staff: Stephanie Tierney
- Opening Business: Rick LaPiana called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. There was a quorum, and all approved the April. 2019 meeting summary. Todd Somers gave 1st motion of approval with a second from Pat Pajor.
- VP / Fiscal and Legal Report – Kingsland Coombs
King noted that the financials look good but he had some questions regarding the statements. Stephanie sent the updated September statements out after the meeting. The spending committee decided a suvery to membership on chapter funding was a good idea. - VP / Membership – Joe Braun
Mr. Braun was not present at the meeting. Bob Evans made note that the non member survey had not seen activity but he would report back to Joe for some updates. Stephanie added that nationally, ERA has added more than 140 new members since 2018. - VP / Education – Marty Linke
Mr. Linke mentioned ERA University and the value it provides (if it is useful or not). Perhaps not the greatest courses. Mr. Linke working on getting the Sr. Editor of Chicago INO – Jim Dallke to come speak to the chapter. - VP / Social Media and Marketing – Zach DeVillers
Mr DeVillers noted that he is working on a new 2020 strategy and calendar of To-Do’s. After the meeting, Stephanie shared the login for the website to make updates. - National Delegate Report – Jeff Huntsinger
Mr. Huntsinger made note of the board meeting to be held Oct. 24. Sponsorships still available for the national conference. The board agreed to a silver sponsorship again this year and to raffle off the party ticket at the holiday party. It was also noted that the chapter’s own Joe Braun is on the keynote committee and King Coombs on the breakout committee for the conference. - Old Business
A. “A day at the Races” Recap – Attendance was about 50. It was noted that it was better to visit and network at than the ball games. Food was just ok. It was a slightly costly event but worth it for the networking as noted by those that attended. - New Business
A. Holiday Party – after the meeting Miller’s Ale House in Schaumburg was secured for the Dec. 12 holiday party from 5:30-7:30. There will a toy drive again for Toys for Tots and the event will be free to those that bring a toy.
B. Future Round Table Topics
i. Marty to find out if Jim Dallke of Chicago INO can come in Dec or Jan.
ii. Other ideas included “Line Card Adjustment,” “Line Card of the Future” “Local Trade Show” and “IOT Best Practices” “Insales.com” for how to videos.
C. National Conference Sponsorship was agreed on at silver level with a first motion by Bob Evans and a second by Rick LaPiana.
D. After the meeting, Stephanie sent a note that included details of Pat Pajor and Diana Nawrocki attending the Chapter Officers Leadership Training program in Nov. 2019.
E. Stephanie made note of elections coming up with various positions ending in 2019. Tom Trzeciak was noted to be on the nominating committee for the next elections. The following positions are up for re-election:
Chairman – Tom Trzeciak, ALT Technical Sales
President – Rick LaPiana, Cain-Forlaw Company
VP / Fiscal & Legal – Kingsland Coombs, CPMR, CSP, Control Sales
VP / Education – Marty Linke, Dytec-NCI, Inc.
VP / Membership – Joe Braun, CPMR, EK Micro
Director – Diana Nawrocki, ESA Technical Marketing
Director – Patrick Pajor, Abbey Sales Corporation
The next meeting was set for Nov. 15, 2019 via teleconference.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. with a motion by Todd Somers and second motion by King Coombs.
