Minutes from NECSI Conference Call

Thursday, July 14 - 4pm Eastern, 3pm Central, 1pm Pacific

Meeting was called to order by President Steve Battista. Members present were: Steve Battista, Barry Simons, Suzanne Sherrod, Garry Laxdal, Sheldon Allen, Gordon Maccani, Tim Madden and Steve Autor. None were absent.

First item discussed was the suggestion by Gordon to include non-paying members in some of our activities. After much discussion, motion was made by Sheldon to include non-members in the Confertel program, dealer surveys and mail one copy of the newsletter. Motion passed. Gordon and Steve A will continue to discuss and bring any more options to the October meeting.

Confertel proposal was discussed. Steve A moved to go with option 2 (20% to dealers; 10% to NECSI). Motion passed. No decision now if we will rebate the 10% to members toward their dues.

Prime-Vendor - State and Fed Government leads to US members only. Cost is $60 per month. Sheldon moved and Gordon seconded that we continue the program for 90 days and re-examine at the October meeting. Motion passed.

Suzanne proposed that we establish graphic standards for NECSI publications and marketing materials.

Suz: I think the simplest way to do this is to formally state conformity to the standards of our business partners when reprinting their company names in body text, subtext, headers & footers and trademark the NECSI logo. Barry will check with his attorney on costs. (Note: email from Barry’s attorney said $600 plus the seach costs, which are higher)

Next meeting will be in Chicago Oct 2,3,4 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago downtown at 151 E. Wacker Drive. Sunday dinner with spouses followed by a meeting. Meet with NEC Monday and Tuesday, adjourn noon Tuesday.

Discussion on Business Partners. Email from Telrex discussed. Garry will call them. Steve A. will send out a report on payments received so far in 2005. Discussion on the use of the word Partners. Possible use of disclaimer notice?

Membership report: current level (118), down slightly from previous years. Steve A reported that a copy of the directory with a cover letter is being mailed out to non-members.

Associate Achievement Program (AAP). Discussion that many dealers were disappointed with new requirements to sell NEC services to get additional discounts on product purchases.

Upcoming election for dealer council. 4 seats are vacant. Prospects need to notify by August 1, then have information turned in by August 5^th. Election will be done on the web site during the week of August 9-13.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Autor, Exec Secy.