The meeting was called to
order by president Becky Hodges. She introduced
guests, Vic and Judy Dwyer of Lake Travis B&B
who also represent HAT, and asked members to
introduce themselves and identify their
respective B&B’s. Becky went on to explain that
the Dwyers are inspectors for HAT and they are
in town to re-inspect the Cotton Palace. They
are also in town to inspect the facilities of
members of our association who have formally
applied to be members of HAT.
The minutes were read and
approved with a motion by Sandra Twitty and a
second by Marsha Boggs. The treasurer’s report
was likewise approved with a motion by Michele
Price, which was seconded by Larry Price.
Under old business Becky
commented that the ad for the Lady Bears was a
good decision and looked really good in the
paper.
Becky then passed to the
Associate
Member
Committee. Pam
Scobell stated that the committee had not been
able to meet. Becky asked who is chairing the
committee. John Boggs said that he is. He said
that committee members have talked but that more
clarification is needed regarding associate
members.
There was
varied discussion
regarding whether we are wanting to open
membership in the association to businesses,
such as caterers and florists, who could
“compliment” what a B&B has to offer,
an additional level of membership that might
include web-only members, what to do with
current members who don't "participate", etc.
Regarding "associate members," we had one such
member last year--The Mansion at McGregor.
Bruce Dyer read from the bylaws that there are
already two classes of members—one is an active
member in the Central Texas area, operating a
B&B; and one is an
associate member,
generally meaning companies
or persons, etc. who serve and supply
B&B’s. The Associate Member
Committee is to make a
recommendation as to whether they should
be allowed a page on
the web site in return for
their support of the Association as associate
members and how much their
membership dues should
be. There was also some
discussion on how we can encourage more
associate memberships.
It was
pointed out that the Membership Committee, on
the other hand, is dealing with the issue of
actual B&Bs, whether we want to have another
level of membership besides the one we have now
(active), which has been variously described as
a non-active member, a
web only member, a member
who does not participate in voting and
meetings, and has
no vote in the decisions of the association.
They would consider whether or not to recommend
this additional "level" of membership, how much
dues would be for such a membership. But it was
decided to postpone the Membership Committee's
recommendations until the Associate Member
Committee made its recommendation regarding
"associate" members. The Association has already
voted for the Membership Committee to then bring
their recommendation on defining the "other
level" of membership--or whether or not to have
such. To date, they have only polled the
membership and given a report of that poll's
findings. Their report is not to come until
after the Associate Member Committee's
recommendation is acted upon.
Regarding the question of what to do with those
who do not actively participate, Nancy
Lamar added that we already have an answer
in the bylaws: and
that is that we must attend a minimum of five
meetings each year.
It was
again determined that a recommendation as
to whether or not we
will have levels of membership and voting
members, and if so, at what fees. Linda
Williams stated that her position is that we
should not have separate categories for the web,
as it is so difficult to clarify. Becky
responded that it can be clearer and that this
is the purpose of this process, to find out how
the members feel, and to get a clear
understanding of what the options are. She
suggested that we let the committee do its
research, we will take a vote, and then that
matter will be closed. [This
is the responsibility of the Membership
Committee, previously assigned to them, but they
have been instructed to wait on the other
committee to bring its recommendation first.]
Susan Mazanec
(from the Membership
Committee) questioned the group as to
whether it wants a "website-only"
member category. She asked if the
Association would
benefit from the extra
dues, versus the 24/7 advertisement and
visibility that non-contributing members
would gain. Becky suggested that we wait for
the committee’s recommendation before further
discussion.
Pam Scobell stated that if
there was anyone in the group who would like to
be a part of the Associate
Members Committee that they
would welcome more
members.
There was discussion
brought by Jerry and added to by Becky that
there was confusion about these two committees.
It was again
determined that we will wait for the current
working committee (Associate
Members Committee) to report and make a
recommendation. The name of the
other committee is
officially “the Membership Committee.”
Becky mentioned that the
reason the meeting location was changed was
because member Jo Ann
Weaver had had a fire in her home, and had smoke
damage. She also has some trouble with
tendonitis.
Larry opened the discussion
regarding the Marketing
Committee. Becky
stated that she does not believe in print
advertising, and Linda mentioned that she thinks
it is useful at Baylor. Larry had been
researching various web sites for Baylor, and
noticing that hotels,
motels and B&B’s listed on various pages is
totally inconsistent. He asked if anyone knows
how this happens, and how some B&B’s in the
association are listed while others are not. It
was suggested that some information is taken
from the CVB, who won’t provide information or
refer anyone who does not pay City of Waco
taxes. But it was then determined that this too
is inconsistent, as some of the B&B’s listed
under “lodging” on some of the BU pages are
certainly out of the city limits of Waco. Rick
Allen said that it may be different for Baylor,
that they might list lodging out of the city,
but the CVB will not.
Becky said that we need to
look into the situation at Baylor, and suggested
that probably each department has its own
Webmaster. They probably do not share
information, hence the inconsistencies between
lodging information on the various BU sites.
Rick suggested that we don’t limit the research
to BU but to also ask other colleges to include
us on their information pages. It was decided,
after much discussion regarding other colleges
and schools in the area, that we need to try to
get on all of these information pages. Jerry
made a motion, which was seconded by Rick,
that the Marketing
Committee remain
active as a standing
committee, and continue to bring new
information and ideas before the group. It was
passed.
Bruce offered to check into
the resources for information pages at Baylor.
Rick said that he would do TSTC and MCC. Penny
said that she would check into UMHB.
The need for an
Association brochure
was discussed briefly. It was decided that we
would wait for further action on the brochure
until Becky meets with the CVB again. She feels
that it might be possible to get them to print a
new one for us at no charge. There was lengthy
discussion as to the value of a brochure, and as
to whether it is used or requested “before the
stay” or “after the stay.” The opinions were
varied, but most agreed that the bulk of our
business comes from the web.
Pam Scobell asked about the
artwork from the old brochure. Pam Allen said
that she knows who has it. Becky said she would
find out if we can use it again, and add new
members to it.
Under new business, Jerry
asked that the Association
consider allowing a new organization now forming
in east Texas, to review our bylaws. Bruce
suggested that we charge them. Becky said that
she had no problem with them using them. Marcia
reminded that this Association
used another’s bylaws as a guide to get
started. Jerry made a motion to allow the use
of the bylaws, and Bruce seconded it. Larry
suggested that we have their link on our web
page, and vise versa, once they are formed and
active. Becky asked for just a vote on the
motion at this time. It passed.
Jerry reported that a
company called Reservations
Nexus has
offered the Association free
participation as they
try out their service to Associations now that
their service to individual inns has been
operating for awhile. Jerry stated that
the presentation is good and there is a
potential for better rates. Jerry explained the
benefits, including real-time updating. There
was concern that if a customer books on line,
the innkeeper may not always know who is coming.
It was explained that if you always want to talk
to anyone who comes, this might not be a good
product for you. [However,
it was later learned from the company that
"approval first" can be programmed into any
inn's listing, so the previous sentence was
therefore not accurate.] Becky asked for
the preference of the members. Rick asked if
some could participate without all. Jerry
confirmed that it could be done. Bruce made a
motion that we allow
the trial at this time. It was seconded by
Larry, and passed.
Before this topic was
closed, it was discussed that it is critical to
update your reservations, if you are going to
have your location on the
Association availability calendar.
On other new business, Pam
Allen mentioned that a local realtor, Barbara
Rustling, is working
with a couple moving to Waco who is interested
in buying a B&B.
Next, Becky introduced the
guest speakers, Vick and Judy Dwyer. Judy
reminded that “HAT” is no longer the official
name of the association, but is now “The Great
Stays of Texas.” It is still a dba of HAT, but
there are more non-historic locations than
historic, hence the name change.
The Dwyer’s explained the
requirements and benefits of being members of
the organization. Among the benefits are the
aggressive marketing, the booklet that is widely
distributed, and the annual convention. The
Dwyers are the only inspectors for the entire
association.
Jerry made a motion that
the meeting be adjourned. Rick seconded it.
Delicious desserts and beverages were served.
Minutes recorded by Secretary, Penny Mercer
TREASURER'S
REPORT
Beginning
Balance.........March 1,
2005.....................................................................
$1,550.40
Ending
Balance..............March 31,
2005...................................................................
$1,550.40
Report submitted by
Treasurer,
Sandra Twitty
