Having a Roundtable

[Mike 64]

I've seen more talk about local roundtables lately and it's very encouraging. Participating in a roundtable can do nothing but good things for your business and it also has to be a great business tool. (not to mention the friendships that are formed from meeting others)

My question is for those of you that have held these in the past or maybe attended them in the past. Can you offer some advice or make some suggestions for those of us that are interested in this?

a few of the many questions that come to mind..

Best time and or place to have one? How did you market it? How did you get your content? Should you invite a vendor? Does it help?

Any suggestions would be great and might motivate more of us to get involved that otherwise might not, because of the lack of knowledge.

[Celeste 341]

This is a great topic - We've wanted to have one in North Carolina but have hesitated because of questions like you posted.......Beth & Rod have had successful round tables, as well as Everett - Cujo is having one in a few weeks as well as Scott Karvonen. Maybe these kind people will pipe up with their plans of attack :)

Celeste

[squirtgun 122]

Mike we are hosting our with a vendor(Steven Rowlett) so if you have a good relationship with a vendor and don't mind them making some sales then by all means include them.A vendor can help attendance if they are well know within the industry or at the very least the region you are hosting a meeting in.

I posted on all of the PWing BBS about the meeting with hotel details and specifics for the lunch.Traditionally R/T meeting are held on Feb and Oct but, I think anytime you can get othes to get together to exchange info and ideas it's a good time.

I found the hotel and arranged the rate for the meeting on Feb 5th here in SWGA.I will also make sure that Hooters has enough room to accomidate the group and I have reserved a place close by for us all to meet.Actual cost to us for hosting will be $25 for the meeting hall.

In the next week or so I will be mailing out invites to the local competition.This will give them a chance to see what is going on in other parts of the country(we will have people from AL,LA,GA,TN,FL, and maybe NY,PA and CT)as well as to meet me.Without getting to specific with them on pricing(don't want to be accused of price fixing) I to make them realize that lowballing prices hurts us all.Also,I want then to see what they are up against,and how important it is to stay on top of the latest trend within the industry.I would rather consider them friends than competition and if they need help or I need help we can have a working realtionship.

[Beth n Rod 1,278]

Here are a few suggestions....

1. pick a date - allow yourself a good 30 daysin advance of the meeting, and watch out for holidays and sporting events (been there done that!)

2. find a location - a quiet restaurant works well, one with a meeting room. talk to them ans secure the room.

3. call everyeone in the phone book, anyone you have flyers or ads for, anyone you see who advertises in the paper. Also post the info on all the BBS's you can.

4. invite a vendor to come in and demo equipment. Invite guys to drive in their rigs. Put toghether an agenda of thisngs to discuss.

5. do follow up and reminder calls with those you invite and alos email and fax them info. People like to have something in their hands - everyone is so busy it will often be forgotten otherwise, very innocently.

Beth

[Mike 64]

Thanks for the information! I encourage everyone out there who even has a little interest in attending or holding a roundtable to jump into this discussion with any questions you might have as well. Someone can only learn so much from a video or book, nothing beats hands on training along with a good old meet & greet. Networking is a great business tool.

Has anyone else recently held or attended a roundtable that might be able to tell us about it?

Is anoyne out there interested in more information on this topic?

[tony szabo 14]

Beth,

I'm holding a round table Feb. 17th Its posted in the contractors lobby forum on the pwna board. Can you copy it and post it Here?

I think it might awnser some of these questions.

Thank You

Tony Szabo

800-804-7517

aswashboy@essex1.com

www.midwestmobilewashers.com

[tony szabo 14]

Mr. Indy Mike,

I'm from Indiana as a youngster, but anyhow Indy to my round table is a 5.5 hour drive straight on I74 west. Its going to be a block buster.

Let me know if you would like more information.

I hope Beth can help me post the information on her site.

Thanks

Tony Szabo

[Beth n Rod 1,278]

Be gald to Tony.

Will do today.

Beth

[Beth n Rod 1,278]

Northern Illinois*eastern Iowa*southern Wisconsin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Round Table has set. Illinois Iowa Wisconsin come all !!

February 17th, (Thursday) 2005 at 11am

Steeple Gate Inn

100 W.76th Street

Davenport, Iowa 52806

563-386-6900 Hotel

Vendors and speakers are:

Ekquist Racing Trailer Sales & Service

H&H enclosed trailers and open trailers will be on display.

will speak and awnser questions.

Printing Services

They will have a book to hand out of all their advertising information .

Everyone gets one to take home.

www.twigonestop.com

Industrial Technology

Chemical Formulators

www.indtechcorp.com

will speak and demo.

Northwestern Mutual

Financial Investments-health insurance-workman's compensation are just some of the service they offer

will speak and hand outs

M&M cleaning Systems

Sales and service of pressure washers

will speak and demo

Dultmeier Sales

Their office warehouse is just two blocks down the street.

New catalog just being printed in February will be given out. 14,000 items

will speak and hand outs

Now these are just Vendors that may attend ?????

Rymar wood sealers

www.rymarindustries.com

FOREST PRODUCTS LABORATORY

Wood Finishing research USDA forest services

Madison, Wi

Black Hawk College Small Business Development

Small Businesss Specialist

Door prizes to be given out!

Outdoor demo's (if weather allows)

Bring you RIGS!

Mini discussions pertaining to wood restoration, fleet washing, exhaust hood cleaning, house washing, commerical washing and advertising will also be topics.

The only cost is your Lunch cost at $12.25per person

Italian Lunch Buffet all you can eat.

Call me if you have any questions

We are sending out over 350-400 invites and over 200 plus personel e-mails

so make resverations soon.

__________________

Tony Szabo

800-804-7517

www.midwestmobilewashers.com

Email - aswashboy@essex1.com

Morrison, IL

[Mike 64]

I would still enjoy reading information on this topic. I know there are roundtables out there, any help you can lend on this topic is appreciated.

[John T 744]

Mike,

If you call the PWNA headquarters at 703-971-4011 they can e-mail you literature about the roundtables.

Here's the info about Chapter meetings which are somewhat related to the roundtables but different. Chapter meetings are a great goal that the PWNA is trying to attain. Everett Abrams has had a few very successful Chapter meetings and Roundtables. You can email him also about this topic since he is the master at organizing these events.

PWNA CONNECTIONS

PWNA Local Chapters

PWNA Connections – Local Chapters

Goals

1) To unite contract cleaners/power washers across the country.

2) To bridge a gap between the national organization to contractors and vendors at all levels.

3) To increase the level of knowledge and professionalism in the industry, securing our image as the leader in the industry.

4) To educate through networking.

PWNA Connections

Local Chapter Guidelines

All local chapters will be called "(State Name) PWNA Chapter." There may be more than one chapter in a state, which will mean the city or geographic area will precede the state name. The Board will have the find word in chapter naming.

Here are the steps to form a chapter:

1. Submit a letter of request to PWNA headquarters to indicate your intent to form a chapter.

2. Upon receipt of the letter, an application to form a chapter will be sent to you. complete application and return to PWNA headquarters

3. Your application will be reviewed by the PWNA Board of Directors and voted on at its next regular meeting to charter a chapter..

The Chapters are to be run, managed and organized in the model of the National PWNA.

Each chapter will be lead by a Chapter Chairperson appointed by the PWNA board. (Beginning in August 2004, only Board members will serve as Chapter Chairs until 5 chapters have been formed and remained a chair for 24 months.

All Chapter officers will be approved by the PWNA Board of Directors.

Other suggested Chapter officers will be a vice chair for program; a secretary/treasurer; and a chair for promotion/marketing. All officers MUST be members in good standing of PWNA.

The overall organization and management of the PWNA Association of Chapters will be coordinated by a Chapter Council (1 representative from each Chapter plus the PWNA Board Executive Committee). This Council will meet at least annually.

The meetings are to be conducted by the same guidelines used by the PWNA Board of Directors. The first year a Council moderator will be appointed by the PWNA. After the first year, the Council will elect a moderator for the coming year. The Council moderator will attend PWNA board members as an ex officio member.

Chapters should hold at least 5 meetings per year to start. Dates and meetings MUST be cleared by PWNA. For instance, no meetings should be planned on or around the PWNA annual convention or governmental, national or religious holidays.

Meetings should follow the guidelines provided by PWNA.

After each meeting, the secretary/treasurer will submit a brief of the meeting:

1. Who attended

2. A program summary (maybe photos, too)

3. Fiscal summary of income and expenses.

CHAPTER MEETING GUIDELINES

PWNA membership information and materials must be at each meeting and be accessible and promoted.

Attendance records MUST be maintained – sign-in sheet with name, complete address – and turned into PWNA Headquarters.

Suggested meeting agenda/format:

Welcome – PWNA membership benefits

Introductions

Vendor Demo/Speaker

Networking

Meal

Thanks for coming – announce next meeting date

There will be charges for the meetings to cover meals, speakers, costs, and a $25 meeting fee to go to PWNA. These charges need to be communicated well in advance – in any promotional materials, registration forms.

Any fees will be collected by the local Chapters at the meetings. Records of the fees and expenses for each chapter meeting will be turned in to Headquarters. Receipts will be given to attendees, if requested.

Meetings are open to members and non-members (can attend ONE meeting without having to join PWNA).

PWNA members who pay national dues are entitled to pay a lower fee to attend Chapter meetings.

Non-members must join PWNA after one meeting to attend additional meetings.

It will be the responsibility of the local chapter officers to schedule agendas, speakers and so forth for each meeting. This information must be submitted to the PWNA Headquarters at least 45 days prior to a meeting.

Headquarters will provide these supplies for the meeting:

Membership Brochures

Study Materials Order Form

Promotional Items Order Form

Door Sign

Sign-in Sheets

Name Tags

Door Prize – PWNA License plate holder

Door Prize Tickets (tear in half, give one to each participant and keep other half

for drawing) (1 set for each attendee)

Disposable Camera

Self-Addressed Padded Envelope

PWNA Stick Pens

Receipt book

[Mathew Johnson 123]

John, I have a couple of questions looking at the State PWNA Chapter data you posted. I figured that you are on the BOD, you would be a good one to ask.

Here are the goals and other data that was posted in your post:

1) To unite contract cleaners/power washers across the country.

2) To bridge a gap between the national organization to contractors and vendors at all levels.

3) To increase the level of knowledge and professionalism in the industry, securing our image as the leader in the industry.

4) To educate through networking.

There will be charges for the meetings to cover meals, speakers, costs, and a $25 meeting fee to go to PWNA. These charges need to be communicated well in advance – in any promotional materials, registration forms.

Any fees will be collected by the local Chapters at the meetings. Records of the fees and expenses for each chapter meeting will be turned in to Headquarters. Receipts will be given to attendees, if requested.

Meetings are open to members and non-members (can attend ONE meeting without having to join PWNA).

PWNA members who pay national dues are entitled to pay a lower fee to attend Chapter meetings.

Non-members must join PWNA after one meeting to attend additional meetings.

First question:

Are the chaper meetings similar to the round tables that I have heard so much about: What is the difference?

Next Question-

How many state chapters are there?

Next Question-

Have you or anyone downstate looked at forming a NYS chapter:

Next Question-

I see that there are fee's associated with holding the chapter meetings (25.00 meeting charge) payable to the PWNA. What is this for?

I see that as a member of the PWNA, I am entitled to pay a reduced rate for attending the State PWNA chapter meeting. How much is this per meeting and why is there a fee? I don't understand why I would pay additional dues while donating time to promote the National Organization?

Next Question -

Wouldn't it make sense for the PWNA to offer financial incentives for local chapters to get started? For example - If you or I started a NYS chapter and recruited 20 new members for the PWNA it would generate a lot of revenue (with the current membership around 400 members, it would be about a 5 percent increase in the membership).

I don't understand this process. If a local chapter raises money to promote the PWNA, why does it all have to be turned into the HQ. Should part of it not be used to promote the profession at our state level?

I would love to see a NYS chapter started but my concern is this... I still havent been able to clearly distinguish what is on the agenda for the PWNA for 2005. I will help them meet thier agenda but I have questions like; What is the one / three / five year plan 1) for membership growth, 2) for fiscal growth, 3) for promoting the organization 4) for the PWNA to meet thier mission statement and organizational objectives.

I would be willing to donate time to work on a local chapter but here is the quandry; I will not donate time and pay additional dues or fees to promote the organization. I don't understand this process, Please explain.

[John T 744]

Mathew,

First off There's a very good chance that I will be hosting a roundtable meeting on long Island NY at a Powerwashing distributer's shop. The owner and I are still working out the details on this. If all goes well the date should be somewhere around February 19(Saturday around 12-4). I'm just now trying to line up a few speakers for this roundtable such as a Vendor who does websites, Maybe a Representative for Benjamin Moore stains etc.

If I can arrange this I hope you can make it. I will be sending out a combination of emails, maybe some snail mail and possibly a few phone calls as well to get people to attend.

On top of this I hope to have one under way for the state of PA. I'm just waiting on a phone call from a Powerwasher/vendor who may have an interest in doing this for the PWNA members and non members in his area.

Anyone from any state can attend any Roundtable. I've been to a few in New Jersey where Everett does his. They are excellent by the way.

I will be charging all PWNA members $15 and non members $25 each. I have to do this because that will cover the food, beer and Soda for everyone that attends. IF there is any Money left over I will forward it to Headquarters so they can deposit it. Most of the time these Roundtables don't generate any Money and that is not the purpose of them anyway. There purpose is to get us the Powerwashers and Venders to unite within the PWNA organization so we can keep builiding in members which = Strength= benefits back to the members. Also at these meetings we can learn from each other and support each other. We are all here for each other. Strength is in the numbers game this is one of the reasons why I support Organizations.

I wish the PWNA didn't have to charge anyone to be at these things but the PWNA doesn't have that much $$$ to support these things on there own and its not fair to have the host such as myself pay for everybody to be at these and to eat etc. So we have to charge something which pretty much pays for the food/drink and maybe a few other odds and ends.

As for Chapter meetings they are really the next step above the Roundtables. Another words the roundtable's are stepping stones to the Chapter meetings. It would be great to keep both the roundtables and the Chapter meetings going thru as many states as possible. For now I am going to start one in my state with a Roundtable first since that is an easier route to take at this time. There could be Roundtable and Chapter meetings held anywhere in each state and they could even go down at the same time. Whatever anyone can set up in the area then thats great.

So now to dive into your questions-------------------------

--First question:

Are the chaper meetings similar to the round tables that I have heard so much about: What is the difference?

Chapter meetings are more for PWNA members like the way a local Union would be its members.

--Next Question-

How many state chapters are there?

There's probably between 3-5 states that have them now. Everett's state of NJ had one yesterday Jan.11 at 6:30 pm

--Next Question-

Have you or anyone downstate looked at forming a NYS chapter:

Not yet but it could happen in the not so distant future.

--Next Question-

I see that there are fee's associated with holding the chapter meetings (25.00 meeting charge) payable to the PWNA. What is this for?

I somewhat answered this question in my narrative above. Let me just add this here. If you ever heard of www.boma.org just to belong to this Organization is around $1000/yr and to go to there Monthly meetings its $250/person I hear this is a great organization if you want to get into Commercial cleaning and there are many contacts at there meetings...so they can charge that price. The PWNA is a small Org with around 450 members so we are trying to find ways to get to the next levels and this is why they might charge some here. Also again at these meetings the food is usually supplied so really there is not much if any money to be made at these. ITs once again a way for Members to support each other on a LOCAL level.

--I see that as a member of the PWNA, I am entitled to pay a reduced rate for attending the State PWNA chapter meeting. How much is this per meeting and why is there a fee? I don't understand why I would pay additional dues while donating time to promote the National Organization?

Once again it is because the PWNA doesn't have a pocket full of money but we as a group don't want to see members lose out on not having local chapters because of that. If you run a roundtable you shouldn't have to pay anything but you will need the others to spend a little like I stated above.

--I don't understand this process. If a local chapter raises money to promote the PWNA, why does it all have to be turned into the HQ. Should part of it not be used to promote the profession at our state level?

Great point. The only thing I can add here is that the chapter meetings are in there infancy stage so we are going to hit a few bumps along the way before we get into full stride and somewhere in between that your above excellent point will be addressed I would hope. Great point once again!!

--I would love to see a NYS chapter started but my concern is this... I still havent been able to clearly distinguish what is on the agenda for the PWNA for 2005. I will help them meet thier agenda but I have questions like; What is the one / three / five year plan 1) for membership growth, 2) for fiscal growth, 3) for promoting the organization 4) for the PWNA to meet thier mission statement and organizational objectives.

Mathew I love what your saying here and I could not even think about how I can answer you here without going into great length. Some of what your stating above I can't even pretend to know because I am not to sure at this time so I won't lead you on with an untrue answer. I like the way your mind is working here because it spills out PLAN PLAN PLAN. Come to my roundtable and together maybe we can address this issue a little bit further.

--I would be willing to donate time to work on a local chapter but here is the quandry; I will not donate time and pay additional dues or fees to promote the organization. I don't understand this process, Please explain.

IF you organize one in your area you should make sure you don't have to pay a cent. Once again these Chapter meetings are in there infancy stage where there not even a year old yet of if they are..just barely. We need people like you to add some imput like your doing here to square away some rock solid idea's on chapter meetings and other PWNA matters. We need creative people to help us along because one thing about the PWNA is that we never pretend to have all the answers and we can use any positive help that we can get. Our doors are always open to idea's and suggestions.

Its like that Movie that came out in the late 70's called "Norma Ray" starring Sally field whose character Norma Ray jumped up on that table in the factory and started saying Union Union Union....That character put it all on the line to organize....Thats what we are trying to do as an ORganization but maybe we don't have that type "Norma Ray" yet but he/she could be out there somewhere....................................

Side bar note on that movie "Norma Ray"...This is the first Movie that Sally field won an Oscar for and in her excepting speach she tells the Audience at the Academy Awards..."You people really like me..You really do" or something along those lines. I loved that..........

[Mathew Johnson 123]

John, thanks for the awsum reply and answering many of my questions.

[Everett Abrams 501]

Mathew and others,

There have been a lot of successful Roundtables where conractors have gotten together and shared some valuable ideas and ways of conducting business. Beth and Rod have had a few very good ones as well Steve Rowlett and others. The difference between a Roundtable and the Local Chapters is really quite significant. The Roundtables have been very informal and everyone usually covers the price of their meal. Just a note but most anyone who attends a Roundtable usually contributes $10-$25 for food, drink, and tip anyway. It really is considerate to do so anyway. Vendors have helped pay for some costs when they attend the Roundtables. It has been very important though when having a Roundtable that more than one vendor is invited so that it doesn't appear favored in any way. Originally, vendors were not even participating and got involved as the meetings evolved. Their input and help has been greatly appreciated.

The Local Chapters are being formed for many reasons and one is to provide everyone an opportunity to get information more readily and have more of a local flavor. For example, I may deal with different issues in Jersey than the contractor in California. The idea of the Local Chapters is also to provide all the benefits of the organization through out the year to local chapters that you curently get once a year at a convention. For example, speakers and seminars, educational classes, technical presentations, etc. For our Local Chapters we have had speakers on Sales, Payroll, Pump Maintenance, Chemicals, Parts and Accessories, and plans for State Regulators from the Insurance and EPA Departments. The reason it is important to involve vendors as they can offset some of the costs associated with these events. Not involving vendors means someone is going to probably pay more.

This is no different than the Pest Control Industry where when you join the National Pest Management Association you are part of the State Chapter, however to attend any of the State Meetings you pay a certain price depending on the time of the meeting, speaker, meals, and so forth. They also charge a member amount and a non-member amount to help promote and offer the same information to all. Thw PWNA wants to do the exact same thing. I will tell you from experience that there is costs to putting these meetings together. We send out invitations(postage), e-mails, provide door prizes, cooridnate speakers, phone calls, meals and so on. Charges for each meeting may be different but at current they are basically to cover the costs. Just for what I listed above you can see why the current charges are really not much. From experience, I would gladly pay $25.00 to attend these meetings for the fact I learn something from each meeting that helps impact my business. That money also helps support the local effort so that the meetings continue. I actually feel that my money is even more impactful at this point because I like being able to support my local effort and by charging per meeting you can pick and choose which ones you want to attend.

We currently have 6 Chapters that are forming with a lot of volunteers that have stepped forward to Start others. We wanted to grow these in a way that we worked out all the kinks first. We find that we are still doing that but we are on the right track and feel comfortable that after our convention that we can roll these out to EACH STATE.

These meetings are held to support the industry first and foremost. They must always be open to non-members and members. This is the goal and any other benefits are secondary. The item John posted was from an original draft that is being updated for a fourth time now, so these continue to evolve. I metion this as some of the information is still good and some may have been changed or even deleted.

For anyone who wants information on holding or having a meeting whether a Roundtable or at a Local Chapter I would be happy to help you. I do have an e-mail file of guidelines and forms we have used to make it easier. I would be happy to share with anyone. Just contact me.

The neat thing about how these are evolving is that with each new meeting the bar seems to get raisedon the content and organization of the meetings. Please do not forget Beth and Rod, Steve Rowlett, Don Flory, and I am sure ither that have had great meetings as well to get ideas from.

[Mike 64]

Mr. Indy Mike,

I'm from Indiana as a youngster, but anyhow Indy to my round table is a 5.5 hour drive straight on I74 west. Its going to be a block buster.

Let me know if you would like more information.

I hope Beth can help me post the information on her site.

Thanks

Tony Szabo

Actually I live an hour from Indianapolis, so it would be a 6 1/2 to 7 hour drive. Thanks for the information.

[Celeste 341]

Mike, make the drive......we've not been to one of Tony's cause it's really too far from NC, but we've gone to Georgia and Maryland.....You won't regret the drive, I promise :)

Celeste

[Mike 64]

Thanks John & Everette for your information. I think the cost of food & drinks would have to be a given, and everyone should know going into a meeting that their food is not free. I agree with Matthew though, I think the left over money should go back to the local chapter to cover the invitations and advertising you spoke of and not back to the National chapter where the money could be used elsewhere. But thats a PWNA local chapter issue. Just my .02 cents from a non member.

What my intent was from this post was to allow everyone who has attended or put on a roundtable to offer some advice to those of us that have not and are interested. Heck, even if all we get is a couple of us that wants to get together once a month, grab a bite to eat and shoot the bull it's a start. As you can see from the response here, aparently its not a popular idea to others but I had to try. If you'd like to email me the information you speak of that would be great. Thanks.

[Celeste 341]

In another non-profit I was involved in, memberships that were generated by local chapters benefitted both the national, state and local chapters. Broken down, if a local chapter member recruited a new member, the membership fee went 40% to the local chapter, 30% to the State chapter and 30% to the national chapter. If a state chapter recruited, they would assign the member to the appropriate local chapter but the local chapter did not receive funds until renewal time. It gave everyone a reason to recruit new members as it would benefit all working facets of the organization. Fund raiser profits, which is probably a mute point here - all remained at the chapter level that earned them. The national level had a huge dinner, similar to a convention, that tickets were sold for but your ticket purchase also put you in a drawing for something of value as well.

[Celeste 341]

Mike, I'm finding that sometimes you just might have to do things then tell someone about it so that your good intentions & motivation don't get overlooked. A positive action is harder to ignore.

Celeste

[newlook 265]

Looking forward to read the final version of the PWNA Local Chapter Guidelines. Seems to be coming together.

Quick question to Everett or to any BOD: If the Guidelines are not yet approved by the BOD, then why are there about 5-6 chapters started already? Just curious.

Will other members (moderators?) like Cujo, Celeste, Jon, Alan, Ryan H. and others get a peek at this and offer their view as it relates to the structure of this? It would be nice to see a 3rd set of eyes on this and hear their opinion. Just a suggestion :)

[Everett Abrams 501]

Mike,

Actually there is a lot of other successful contractors out there than just on the various Bulletin Boards. We do not even list them all anymore. We really have our own group and have had over 300 different contractors attend our various meetings. When we have a meeting they are e-mailed from our list. Many of the folks who call and show up now are those that were referred. It has become a great group that pick and choose which meetings they attend. The money has been put back into the local efforts. Most of the people who attend ARE NOT on the Bulletin Boards or even members when they first come. My point is that the idea and concept is probably more popular than you think. Somebody has to take the lead and then carry it out. One year we had I think about 11 Roundtables going on all at the same time. The problem is many of them did not continue the effort. It reminds me of the movie "Field of Dreams" with a different take on the line "If you build it, they will come." Instead, "If you hold the meeting, they will come." We are also looking at different ideas along the lines of attending local meetings will give you speacials on thhe convention or membership. There really is a lot of benefit that come from all sides of these meetings. My personal opinion is they are win-win for everybody.

[Everett Abrams 501]

Because we find that with each Chapter we are constantly ammending how we do these meetings. I think the fact we have been using a written plan or set of bylaws helps with the structure and success. The fact that we keep an open mind to change with the first Chapters has shown a sign of interaction and growth that we will need. By being flexible with the initial group is that we have been able to form a good script or road map to work with. The Local chapter idea and then the protocal has been approved by the Board as we move forward and have just added a Local Chapter Committee to help with the implementation of these meetings.

In regards to participation there will be members on the committee. The Committee does the work and submits to the Board for approval. All ideas for the committee will be welcomed and considered. There are actually over planned 20 sets of eyes on these at this time.

[newlook 265]

Thanks Everett...appreciate the info.

[Mathew Johnson 123]

Everette, Thanks for the excellent post and for answering some of my questions.

Matt