CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Trevor Westrom. Also attending were Dan Berndt, Ken Brown, Jane Callahan, Don De Keyrel, Ann Farnell, Ed Haskell, Phil Karsell, Mike McNeil, Dave Nelson, Mark Neville, Sue Reinke, Harry Swedlund, and Joanne Swenson.
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Carrie Farrow, Director of Communications; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
Trevor noted that the Finance Committee had just received a financial report from David Koch, Windsor Financial, and the Endowment Fund appears to be in good shape.
MINUTES
Motion by Don De Keyrel, seconded by Ed Haskell, to approve the meeting minutes from May 25, 2005, and June 22, 2005. Motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Kathy Olson reviewed the 2nd Quarter Treasurer's Report. There was not a lot of activity during the second quarter.
Motion by Ed Haskell, seconded by Dan Berndt, to approve the 2nd Quarter Treasurer's Report as submitted. Motion carried.
LIBRARY BOARD AND DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Audrey Betcher reported that the Library Board had a long discussion on summer hours, which are shorter than school year hours. As a result, the Library will be asking for money for more summer hours as part of the 2006 budget. The proposal is to be open 9:30-5:30 on Saturdays, the same as during the school year, and to remain closed on Sundays. This summer it has been difficult to get patrons to leave at 1:30, and we have been hearing more complaints from patrons about remaining open longer hours.
The building study is moving forward to look at access issues, a coffee shop, etc.
The Welcome to Your Library video in Somali has been completed; an LSTA grant paid for the majority of expenses associated with this video. Staff is working on distribution of the video; it will be shown on Somali TV.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy: has not met.
Finance: The committee met with David Koch, Windsor Financial, to review the investment portfolio.
Development: Several of the teams have met to discuss strategies; there have been some successes. Harry Swedlund has done some creative things that have generated donations. He targeted several people in his neighborhood for solicitations and has had good results. Carrie Farrow drafted a letter and Harry wrote a personal note on each. He gave a talk at the Mayo Emeritus luncheon and several donations were received as a result.
One strategy is to speak at various service groups and organizations, not only to receive donations but also to grow the database.
It was suggested that we give additional attention to those donors who gave last year so they continue to give. Statistically there is a 25% retention rate for first time givers; if we can keep them giving for five years, the retention rate is closer to 75%.
Carrie has been calling all donors over $500 in 2004 and 2005 to thank them for the donation and arrange a tour of the library; several donors have accepted. The goal is to build relationships and thank donors.
If anyone has a group they want to give a short presentation to, we have extra copies of the brochure included in the fund drive mailing that can be given out. It is also important to point out the donor wall because the library is a very busy place and a lot of people pass through every day. It is an especially good deal for small businesses since they receive recognition without having to make a large donation.
Trevor stated that it is important for Board members to carve out 5-10 minutes a week/month to get calls initiated and get through the list. We have tried to keep the personal list short so everyone only has to do 5-6 people/businesses. The Boys and Girls Club did a tour first before making the ask and had a 100% success rate on the ask.
Trevor commended Harry on his success to date.
Carrie is available to help in any way needed - composing letters, attending meetings, etc. She is also working on putting together a shorter, more compelling PowerPoint presentation. Kathy is also available to help.
Special Events: Carrie reviewed the speakers that are booked for Wit, Wisdom & Wine 2006. The Board suggested several additional speakers.
We need to start thinking about silent auction items. Ideas for silent auction items include sporting event tickets, gift certificates to restaurants and businesses, gift baskets from businesses, etc. If anyone has anything to donate or knows someone who could donate, please contact Carrie.
OTHER ITEMS
The next meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2005, at 4:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Swenson
Secretary