Connections Weekend Planning Meeting        Oct. 25, 2017

 Agenda

In Attendance: Jen Allerding, Kyle Baughn, Terry Gribble, Jim Grubbs, Joe Kleinknecht; Steve Melchior, Sandy Powell, Dave Spraw & Andee Wildenthaler

Financial Report: 2017 deposits are currently $7841; still waiting on the Crawford County Education Foundation donation; donations are down from last year's donations which were $14,027; expenses, at this time, totaled $1798.24, but not all of the invoices have been received; Jim shared that the cost for the advertising trailer was $1284, which was over the estimated $800; Terry made a motion to approve the additional funds for the trailer from the Synergy account, Joe seconded the motion for the additional $484 and the committee approved;

Minutes - Minutes were approved;

Committee Updates:

Bonfire/Pep Rally -  the bonfire went smoothly and the help from the Pioneer Criminal Justice program was very helpful;  

Pancake Breakfast - Numbers were down; the entertainment groups did perform; look to advertise more for next year;

Alumni Band - no report, attendance was good;

Hall of Fame Nominations - 2017 honorees included - Judy Beers, Arthur Poister, Dr. Paul Kim, Mark Enright, Matt Smith, Dr. Lee Burkam & Dr. Chris Bailey; Dr. Paul Kim  will come next year to receive his award;

Dinner Banquet - several committee members expressed that this year's dinner was the best ever; Marilyn will be resigning from the committee; members noted her dedicated years of service to the Connections Weekend efforts; Dave will still request her services for proof-reading the program copy; Sandy Powell has offered to coordinate the 2018 banquet; Jim recommended that the 2018 banquet be catered by the Pioneer Culinary Arts classes;

Fund Raising & Promotion -  it is necessary to look for additional advertising opportunities; in past year's businesses were contacted for donations; another important contact is to past inductees; thank you notes were prepared by Dave and committee members will help distribute; we will work on new letterhead and thank you notes for 2018;

Program -  Nicely prepared; Nice job Dave;

Awards - Dave presented the plaques to Kyle for display in the HS; thanks to Miranda for coordinating this year's awards donated by Schillings Graphics;

Career Day - Jen shared that the Career Day went very well; suggested speakers for next year include: Tanner Guinther, a state highway patrolman; Austin Chaplin representing law enforcement from Galion City; Johnathin Gale & Dr. Paul Kim; also ask Dr. Chris Bailey;

New Business - Ash Welch ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) will be the GAMA representative as Rick will be stepping down as president; Next year's Homecoming date is October 12, 2018; there was further discussion about a part-time Connections Weekend staff member be hired to begin in 2018 with a minimum of a $1000 contribution offered from the Galion Alumni Association to help support this position; Jim recommended that someone with strong communication and technology skills be considered; the Synergy group would arrange to pay the person in this position; members will meet to prepare a job description; Andee will return Judy Beer's photo to Harry;

Next Meeting - Wednesday, January 10, 2018 @ 7:30 am @ The Galion Schools' Administrative Center;

Meeting Adjourned @ 8:18 am.