MEMBERS PRESENT:

Robert Roten - President

Diana Kopulos - Secretary

Dustin Richards - VP General Programming

Celeste Havener - VP Fund Raising

Ali Grossman - Public Relations Officer

David Davis - VP Public Relations

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Casey Wood - Treasurer and VP Children’s Programming

GUESTS

Liz Jennings, General Programming committee

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the 9/18 meeting were approved with the change that Davis has arranged for our P.O.Box at the Aspen Square Station and donated the first 6 mos. fee. 2 keys were issued. Our mailing address is Laramie Film Society P.O.Box 6309 Laramie WY 82073.

TREASURY REPORT

The Treasurer was absent.

BOARD RESIGNATION

It was announced that Brandon O'Neil has resigned as VP Operations. Roten will call the operations committee members.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT

Havener distributed copies of the issues and questions that need to be addressed for this application. It could be a template for future applications. A long meeting was suggested.

STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION

Additional similar questions and requests for specific priorities and goals were submitted to the board by the general programming committee. Liz Jennings suggested the board meet for a 3-hour Strategic Planning Session and offered to facilitate the meeting. The board agreed that short and long term goals and action plans need to be determined as soon as possible. The session was scheduled for Saturday September 30 from 10-1.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Various scenarios regarding acquisition of the Wyo and improvements were discussed, including replacement equipment, cooperative considerations with Trans-Lux, commercial appraisers and building condition. Roten reported on his meeting with attorney Steve Aron who has offered to work with us and other correspondence with principals involved.

GENERAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

Richards’ committee has met once a week since the organizational meeting and have: A. begun compiling lists of movies and series B. Drafted a survey to solicit programming ideas from the other LFS committees and the community. They will circulate the surveys after final board approval C. Discussed possible collaborations between LFS and other organizations to share costs and rally support for a film series.

The committee feels stymied by a lack of information about the status of LFS as a whole and have asked the Board’s direction on issues and questions (submitted to the board) that they believe can be best addressed at a strategic planning meeting (scheduled for Sat. 9/30). Indentifying film buyers and distributors, a documentary film series, researching other film societies and festivals worldwide and cooperative efforts with UW theatre departmentwere also discussed.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Publicity ideas, an arts publication and its connection to our programs were discussed. Davis and Grossman are updating a handout with information about our next public business meeting (Thursday Oct. 5, 7 p.m. at the Wyo 309 S. Fifth St.)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

Absent

OPERATIONS

no director at this time

FUND RAISING

The committee is working on grant applications and planning several fund raising events including a dance at Wood’s Landing, a soup bowl supper(Nov. 4) where a donation includes a bowl (handmade and donated by local potters,) and Tee shirts that will be available for sale for the public meeting. A bake sale at the meeting was suggested.

There was discussion about membership levels, charter memberships, premiums that might be offered, and researching other festivals for their membership information.

IRS status

Kopulos will order the application for 501c3 status. Brandon O'Neill has provided copies of other organizations’ applications for review.

The board was reminded to keep track of all gifts and donors. Kopulos will design thank you notes and letterhead for correspondence.