Texas Taxidermy Association
Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2021
I. Call to order
Dr. Dan McBride called to order and opened the session with prayer for the regular meeting of the Texas Taxidermy Association at 5:34 PM on 06-25-2021 in Killeen, Texas.
II. Roll call
Marie Holdridge conducted a roll call. The following persons were present:
Dan McBride; Roy Holdridge; Marie Holdridge; Linda Poerner; Jimmy Fontenot
Ben Cromeens; Grant Elliot; Cary Jackson; Jacob Poerner; James Newport; James Poerner; Scott Burton and Wyatt Oakley
Excused Absences: Brian Fees; Brandon Zahn
III. Quorum Announcement
A quorum is present.
IV. Amendments/Additions to Agenda
Dan stated that attendees can add items to the agenda as needed. None noted.
V. President’s Remarks
Dan thanks the TTAI and this board for what it means to him. The quality of people who represent this association and work to benefit our members. The TTAI has risen to the top in our industry. Our job is to make people better taxidermists. We have good judges and a good area to have this convention. It looks like it is going to be a big show this year. I hope you all feel as blessed as I do. Our Board is approachable, and we strive to make the best better. This Board and association is excellent, the best ever.
VI. Treasurer’s Report
Linda provided current financials. Total TTAI Accounts balance $64,776.29 – Main Acct - $54,814.52 (including $6,035.00 for the Bob Wilkins Scholarship); Secretary Acct - $375.24; Investment Acct - $6,725.58; CD - $4,860.95. Dan ask if any Board member or TTAI member has any questions or comments about the Treasurer report. None raised. Dan states that the Treasurer’s report is approved per silent assent, meaning no objections or questions raised.
Committee Reports
a) Convention Chair – Jimmy Fontenot reports everything is good..
b) Competition Rules Committee – Dan reports that this is going well. James Poerner chair agrees.
c) Competition Room Committee – Dan states we have good leadership due to t Roy Holdridge’s work. We are thankful that Scott reports everything is OK. Thankful that Scott Burton volunteered to take this on.
d) Supply Room Site Committee – Dan states that even in a tough year we have suppliers here. Jacob Poerner agrees.
e) Judges Committee – Dan reports that the judges are here and working. Everything is going well. James Newport agrees.
f) Friday Night Committee – Carey Jackson reports that the Master’s Challenge will begin after this meeting.
g) Bylaws Committee/Ethics –Roy Holdridge, chair reports everything OK.
h) TTAI Magazine –Dan reports that our magainze is going well and we are thankful to Scott Burton, for taking this on.
VII. Old Business
a) TTAI Archives – Digitizing Historical Documents – Dan reports that the TTAI will get this scheduled before the 2022 MiniSemiar in Kerrville. We will get the date promoted on our website and social media.
b) Open Board Positions x2 and TTAI Election Process – Dan asked that Marie speak to both items at this time.
c) Open Board Seats x2 – Seeking Nominations. Marie reports that we currently have 2 open Board of Advisor positions due to resignations. The process per TTAI Bylaws is that if a seat is vacated then the next nominee for that same election with the highest vote count would be placed in the seat. Because the TTAI has not had contested seats for the past several elections the are no prior nominees that qualify. Our Bylaws make a provision for the Board to appoint members to fill open positions when no qualified nominee from prior election is available. The TTAI is seeking nominees for the open seats. We currently have 2 nominees. If anyone has other nominees, please speak up and let us know. We will fill these open seats at our August Board meeting.
d) The TTAI Election Process- Marie stated that she wrote a TTAI Magazine article that spoke to the topic of the TTAI election and our TTAI Bylaws. There are several steps in the election process. First a qualified nominee must be submitted via the Survey Monkey link during the Nominations are Open time as outlined in our Bylaws. If a nominee is qualified, they are notified via email from the TTAI database which is a receipt confirmed email account. They have 3 choices, accept, decline or no response. Those who accept the nomination are in the running for the election. When the TTAI has an election for contested seats we also have a CPA audit everything, and all of that is presented at the spring Board meeting. The new officers and board take there positions right after the convention. Although Robert’s Rules of Order do not require an election when no positions are contested the TTAI Board has
agreed that we will still send out election ballots via Survey Monkey to be sure our members are aware.
VIII. New Business
• New TTAI Member Sign up Process Improvement – Dan McBride reports that during our Wednesday meeting this week, the Board discussed the current process in place with the TTAI membership online database. New members went through an approval process that slowed down their membership. We have already corrected this in the database. New members for individual or family memberships should be able to join easily after they attest to following the TTAI Code of Ethics.
• Convention Site Next 2 Years and Possibly Longer – Dan McBride states that the Killeen site appears to have the things that members value in a convention location. Per past polling members identified the most important thing was having a hotel within walking distance of the convention center. Killeen is centrally located in Texas which seems to help, the space works well for us and the price is good. The TTAI could get this convention center for the next 5 years. Dan asked members feedback by raised hands, first for all those who like this location and are happy with this location. Most raised their hands. Then Dan asked if anyone is opposed. No raised hands. The TTAI will continue to explore this longer contract timeframe and will announce convention dates on our website/
• Pro-1 Chemicals – Update: If used on Professional or Master’s Fish or Bird – Please get with Marie ASAP. Dan reports that we received clarification that any mount in Professional or Masters that used Pro-1 Chemicals may be in the running for that prize. This does not include only used to attach things to the mount. If you used Pro-1 on a fish or bird mount, please let Marie know and we will get this added for you.
• Open/Other: No other business brought before the TTAI Officers and Board.
IX. Adjournment
Dan McBride after motion by James Poerner and multiple seconds and unanimous approval by the Board adjourned the meeting at 6:04 PM.
Minutes submitted by: Marie Holdridge, TTAI Secretary
Minutes approved by: TTAI Board 08/21/2021
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