Welcome to the August  2017 edition of the “Heartbeat” where you will find information about the Heart of Birmingham and its activities. Each month the chapter presents a speaker or a program geared to the Birmingham business community. We welcome guests and encourage everyone to attend!

Information about our chapter is always found in editions of the Heartbeat.

Meeting August 15, 2017

A special welcome to our guests Maria Saxton, Quinzetta McCray and Felicia Johnson.

The meeting was called to order by President Kristie Curtis, who felt it was important that our first meeting of the year be an informal discussion by members covering the following topics.

what went well last year

how could we improve on last year

expectation and goals for the new year.

President Curtis called for reports from the various chairs.

The Secretary’s Report was presented in written format to members.  Sara Cooley made a motion to accept the minutes as written and if corrections were needed they would be sent to the Secretary.  Nancy Reed seconded the motion and the motion carried. The motion was approved.

The Treasurer presented the the Treasurer’s report.  Sara Cooley made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report to be filed for audit.  Bell Rogers seconded the motion and the motion carried. An overall budget amount for the 2017-2018 was stated with details to follow.

Committee Reports were as follows:

• Hospitality:  No Report
• Fund Raising: Nancy Reed – Chair reported the profit from the Boston Butt sale thus far was $180.00 with more funds to be turned in.
• Professional Development:  No Report
• Publicity/Website/Facebook:  Reported that people are looking at the website.  We need to boost more events on Facebook when possible.
• Recruitment/Membership: No Report

Topics of Discussion:

National Conference:  President Curtis asked how many were attending and reminded everyone to wear their “purple.”

Events Calendar:

• Fall Membership Drive: A suggestion was made to have a formal tea party.  Sheryl suggested we check dates for the event, since the drive goes through September.
• Jazz in the Park:  A suggestion was made to set up a booth at the “Jazz in the Park” event in Bessemer as well all the other upcoming Fall events in and around the city.
• Host a Meet & Greet:  A suggestion to host a meet and greet at the wine loft and possibly having local female business owners sponsor the event.
• Giving Tuesday;  November 28th
• More Publicity:  Utilize Birmingham.com, Birmingham365.org, or the Birmingham Business Journal.
• Christmas Party:  Promote some type of community services such “Toys For Tots” as was done last year.
• Supplies for functions:  Lynda will check on prices for ABWA labels to go on bottles of water and etc. to be used as giveaways at booths.

President Curtis reminded everyone to be mindful of cost when planning events and purchasing supplies.  She reminded us that we all are fundraisers!

The meeting was adjourned with prayer.