Hello everyone,

As discussed in the past IFA meetings, we are always looking to grow the organization, increase membership, and create an educational and worthwhile presence in the local Cleveland transportation market. For the past few years, a topic of discussion has been the turnout and budget for the annual event that defines the IFA here in Cleveland. We really want to increase the number of customers who attend and throw a wonderful, talked about event, that will help to grow the organization and promote the economy and available transportation services here.

It was brought up that we could open up a "sponsorship" availability for the event to generate more money to offer better locations for the events, and obviously the best food and drink we can provide to our customers. The IFA is considered a fraternal organization through the nature and history of the association, but the bi laws do not prohibit any kind of member sponsorship for the events.　

This year the event will be held at the Hofbrauhaus downtown and is sure to be one of the best.  It will be a brand new venue at the time of the event and they are extremely excited to work with us.　 To be able to throw the caliber of event needed, members are able to sponsor any amount of money they would like, and with that will come an acknowledgement of some sort. A major sponsor can donate one of their banners, others can be acknowledged on handouts for the trivia game, members are able to sponsor a certain drink, appetizer, etc and be acknowledged on a sign for that.

Please do not feel obligated to do so, but by opening this up to the members we can increase the budget and work at growing our organization.　

Another area of financial growth is advertising, and for next year’s roster there will be an opportunity to purchase a business card size, half page size, or full page advertisement for you company.

The current IFA board and officers thank you for your support and look forward to taking the association to the next level with you! Please contact myself or Michelle Panik at MSI for info on sponsorship.

 

Prepared by Kristi Buckholz, 2014 IFA President

IFA Meeting Minutes - August 22nd

INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND, INC.

MINUTES FROM AUGUST 22, 2014 MEETING

　

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Audrey Nesity, Dan Malcolm, Jeanne Heilman, Dale Milison, Kristi Buckholz, Cecil Sweeney, Randy Fraley, Stephanie Lorenzi, Dave Gutheil, Lars Traner, Don Alt, Olga Diaz, Diane Girgash, Tom Nagel

Total in Attendance: 14

Active Members: 14   Retired Members: 0   Guests: 0   Others: 0

Guests:

MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING:

 

Motion to Accept: Dale 

 

Seconded By: Kristi

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Chairman:

Diane Girgash

Official Balance $7189.49 as of July 31^st, 2014

Motion to Accept: Dan

Seconded By: Dale

 

One additional assessment turned on at the meeting.

EVENT COMMITTEE:

Chairman:

Michelle Panik

We are working on completing the invitation list as a group. All corrections are owed back to Dale as soon as possible, as discussed during the page through.

 

Kristi reports, the bi-laws do not state it is prohibited to open the event up to sponsorship within the members and outside vendors.

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE:

Chairman:

Dave Gutheil

The suggestion was made to contact the Coast Guard and Customs as potential speakers for member events.

 

ROSTER COMMITTEE:

Chairman:

Dan Malcolm

Rosters have not been sent out. Dan has made the suggestion to send the roster with the invitations. Postage is expected to be approximately $300.

 

INVITATION COMMITTEE:

Chairman:

Dale Milison

Dale and Carrie are currently working on the invite list, invitations, and name tags.

WELFARE COMMITTEE:

Chairman:

Stephanie Lorenzi

WEBSITE COMMITTEE:

Chairman:

Audrey Nesity

 

NEW MEMBERS:

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

The board will discuss the appropriate levels of sponsorship and submit to the group in 2 weeks, for approval before accepting funds.

Motion to Accept: Tom

Seconded By: Dale

Tom Nagel suggested a $100 minimum for sponsorship for outside vendors.

Motion to Accept: Diane

Seconded By: Dan

DRAWING: Winner –

Lars Traner and Stephanie Lorenzi. Stephanie has donated her gift certificate to the event.

MOTION TO ADJOURN:

Motion to Accept; Audrey

Seconded By; Dan

　

NEXT MEETING: October 3, 2014

THE MEETING STARTS AT 12:00 NOON

AT SANTOS RESTAURANT

7565 Pearl Rd, Parma, OH 44130

Future meetings for 2014: December 5

Prepared by: Audrey Nesity