MINUTES: 2009 4th Quarter, Florida Chapter Meeting, December 12, 2009
The Florida Chapter, USMCCCA, met in Clermont on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Diamond Players Golf Course Clubhouse. President Red Carpenter called the chapter meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. The following minutes outline discussion topics during the meeting.
The 2009 3rd Quarter minutes were not read and a motion was made and approved to accept them as previously published.
Jack Paxton, National Executive Director and Florida Chapter Treasurer, reported a total of $1,312.21 in the chapter treasury. Director Paxton noted that $8,510 was presented to the National CC organization at the 2009 national conference in Hampton, Virginia. Jack also noted that individual national dues are owed and $5 chapter dues will be payable by the next meeting in February.
Under Old Business, Red noted that the national conference was extremely successful and the Florida Chapter was well represented. Florida Chapter member Alan Moore’s DJ participation was excellent and well received. Red noted that the conference was one of the most well attended in recent memory. Jack stated the next national conference is Aug. 23-27 in Reno, Nevada and he will take over the hotel review responsibility of future conference sites.
Red noted that Florida chapter member Kate Stark was unable to attend today but is doing an excellent job maintaining the national CC website.
The next CC cruise is scheduled to sail on Feb. 28. At the time of the meeting, 21 members were scheduled to attend. The deadline for guaranteed rates has passed, but members can still sign up for the cruise.
Jack was looking into the Wal-Mart giving program as a possible sponsor for our scholarship fund.
Charlie Ross noted that the Orlando Marine Memorial was still collecting funds. About $12,000 has been collected towards a goal of about $30,000 unless the project is scaled back. The Florida Chapter has donated $400 towards that goal.
During New Business discussion, President Carpenter emphasized that sponsorships would be key for another successful chapter golf tournament, scheduled for Friday June 4, 2010 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport. He urged all members to actively pursue sponsorships and ad sales, no matter how small. Red noted that Leatherneck Magazine is always a good sponsor. As usual, goody bag items and players are also needed. Florida chapter and PGA Senior Tour member Gene Smith commented that he was already collecting items to support the tournament.
Due to his generous support since the beginning of the Florida Chapter tournament, President Carpenter presented Gene with a new mounted K-Bar knife, which he greatly appreciated.
The next chapter meeting date and location will be announced at a future date. The meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
–Submitted by Florida Chapter Secretary Kevin Doll
Florida Chapter Meeting, Third Quarter 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009 – Hampton, VA
President Red Carpenter called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.
Reports:
Secretary Report: In the absence of the Chapter Secretary Jack Paxton assumed these duties. The minutes of the 2nd Quarter were accepted as having been read.
Treasurer’s Report: Jack Paxton reported that $9,217.31 is currently in the bank. The report was accepted.
There were no other reports.
Old Business:
Tom Kerr reported on the cruise held months ago in conjunction with the Mustang and the Chosin Few organizations. He reported that $380 in profits (their share) would be turned over to the Florida Chapter. He also reported that a new cruise, leaving from New Orleans is being planned in February involving both the Mustangs and the Combat Correspondents’ Association. This venture will include a couple of days in New Orleans prior to sailing, with tours of the French Quarter and the WWII Museum, plus plenty of time for special dinners and other activities.
Red Carpenter reported on the progress of the Central Florida Marine Monument committee. He said that, while the Chapter had previously given $200 to the monument committee and recently another $200, he would leave it up to the recommendation of chapter members as to further involvement.
Kate Stark reported on the success of the USMCCCA website. Since the beginning of the site last year 266 stories had been processed and 62 pages developed. The site has increased in “hits” from an initial month of 152,678 hits to more than a million and a quarter by the end of August.
Red Carpenter reported on the success of the 5th Annual Florida Golf Tournament held this past June. The tournament continues to grow each year and this year realized a profit of $7,830.11. He will present a total of $8,510 to the USMCCCA Foundation at the annual meeting of the USMCCCA September 18, which includes cruise and other donations. Of this amount, the Chapter is recommending $2,000 to the Scholarship Fund; $3,000 to the Wounded Marines Semper Fi Fund and the remainder to the Foundation’s Sunshine Fund.
Carpenter also reported that the Chapter ad for the annual Conference Journal was several dollars short, but the remainder was taken from Chapter Funds.
New Business: There was also discussion of Chapter sponsorship of annual cruises. Most have already been to the Caribbean as it is the most convienent and offers the best prices. Other locations are more expensive and more difficult to get to. It was also suggested that the Foundation should investigate the feasibility of sponsoring cruises as part of their fundraising approach.
Red Carpenter reported that, because of the success of the Chapter Golf Tournament, he has been contacted by several other organizations requesting various forms of support.
In other new business there was considerable discussion about the Chapter’s/Foundation relationship. While no conclusions were reached, the Foundation was requested to continue to investigate the legality of a possible “umbrella” relationship.
Red Carpenter announced that the 2010 Chapter Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, June 4.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Jack Paxton
MINUTES: 2009 2nd Quarter, Florida Chapter Meeting, May 2, 2009
The Florida Chapter, USMCCCA, met in Clermont on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Sanctuary Ridge Golf Course. President Red Carpenter called the chapter meeting to order at noon. The following minutes outline discussion topics during the meeting.
The 2009 1st Quarter minutes were not read and a motion made and approved to accept them as previously published via email.
Jack Paxton, National Executive Director and Florida Chapter Treasurer, reported a total of $2,722.45 in the chapter treasury. President Carpenter noted that he had an additional $945 in golf funds had yet to be deposited in the account, with an additional $500 expected from a corporate team.
Under Old Business, President Carpenter noted that checks from the recent CC cruise would be presented at the National Conference.
President Carpenter and Director Paxton also detailed how Florida Chapter Kate Stark continued to do a great job on the CC website. Chapter management suggestions had been included on the site.
Director Paxton noted that advertising was being solicited for the conference journal, which is an important fundraiser for the national organization. With expected reductions in corporate national ads, Director Paxton urged members to consider purchasing full-color quarter page ads for $180 or business card ads for $70. Quarter page ads and larger will be featured on the website for a period of one year. It is expected that the Florida Chapter will again purchase a full-page ad.
Director Paxton stressed the need for member registrations at the 2009 National Conference site, the Hampton Crown Plaza in Hampton, Virginia, September 14-18, 2009. The registration fee is currently $120 a person, but raises to $135 on June 1.
During New Business discussion, President Carpenter emphasized that sponsorships and registrations are still needed for the chapter golf tournament, scheduled for Friday June 5, 2009 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport. As usual, goody bag items and players are also needed. Florida chapter member and PGA Champions Tour Assistant Director Gene Smith continues to supply outstanding prizes and goods for the tournament, bringing the amount of merchandise to about $10,000. Director Paxton and President Carpenter both played in a recent Marine-based tournament in Orlando, and stated that event could not compare to the prizes, food, and fast play that our tournament offers.
The next chapter meeting time and date is scheduled at the National Conference, if enough members attend. The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
- Submitted by Florida Chapter Secretary Kevin Doll
The first quarter meeting of the Florida Chapter, USMCCCA, was called to order at 11:30 a.m. in the dining room of the LPGA Golf Club, Daytona Beach, FL by Chapter President James E. “Red” Carpenter. Attendees included Hank and Trudi Ehlbeck, Charlie and Elva Ross, Chuck and Mary Beveridge, Bob McEwen, Kate Stark, Allen Moore, Jack Paxton and Ann and Red Carpenter.
In his opening remarks, Carpenter thanked Hank and Trudi Ehlbeck, residents of near by Port Orange, for acting as hosts for the social events surrounding the weekend meeting. The couple had made arrangements at the NASCAR Speedway for a Friday afternoon tour and attendance at the Speedway’s IMAX Theater as well as motel arrangements for out of town members and the meeting luncheon at the LPGA National Golf Club.
Committee Reports
Minutes of the 4th Quarter Chapter Meeting: Minutes of the 4th Quarter Meeting, December 13, 2008 at Gator’s Dockside Restaurant in Clermont, FL were accepted as having been read.
Treasurer Report: Chapter Treasurer Jack Paxton reported a balance of $1671.45 in the Chapter Treasury.
Old Business
Cruise: Tom Kerr reported via e-mail that the recent Carribean cruise was a great success. This was supported by the remarks of Charlie Ross and Bob McEwen who both sailed. There were a total of 23 members from the Mustang and Chosin Few associations, as well as our Florida chapter who went aboard. It is estimated the Chapter will realize about $500 from this venture.
National Report: National Executive Director Jack Paxton briefed attendees on various programs underway with the national association. He indicated that pre-registration for the Annual Conference at Hampton, VA September 14-18 was going well and 44 members had taken advantage of the early registration special that ends March 31. The annual Dedicated Members Campaign was launched March 15 on schedule and that early returns were promising. He reminded chapter members that the deadline for nominations for two national director positions and all officer positions of the Association will be May 15. Paxton also expressed concern over the failing of some members to renew their membership. He indicated that a postcard mail out would be used this year to remind members. The national advertising campaign for the Annual Conference Journal had begun he encouraged members to seek advertisers.
Website Report: Chapter member Kate Stark, also National Webmaster, told attendees about various innovations being made at www.usmccca.org. She encouraged members to continue to send photos and articles for posting. The website is currently receiving thousands of “hits” each week. The site will also showcase advertisers in the National Conference Journal. Each person or corporation placing an ad will also see it shown on the website which definitely gives our advertisers a bigger “bang” for their ad dollars.
Alva and Charlie Ross
Central Florida Marine Monument Report:
Charlie Ross, Chapter liaison to the Central Florida Marine Monument Committee, reported that the final design for the monument had been made by the Committee and fundraising was underway. The monument is located adjacent to the Veteran’s Clinic on Orlando’s Lake Baldwin. The chapter had made an earlier contribution of $200 for the memorial.
What team wouldn't want to win this?
New Business
Annual Golf Tournament: President (and Tournament Director) Carpenter gave a financial report on the progress of the 2009 edition of the annual Florida Golf Tournament, scheduled this year on Friday, June 5 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport, FL. To date, several corporate sponsorships had been obtained but more were needed. Especially needed were players and chapter members were asked to recruit as many as they could. Chapter member Allen Moore will schedule a visit to a prominent Orlando radio station in the next few weeks to hype the tournament. Chapter member Gene Smith was lauded for his annual contribution of golf gear from various sources. Gene is the Tournament Director of the Champions Tour (the Senior PGA tour) and, through his many contacts, is able to furnish the tournament with thousands of dollars worth of prizes.
CC Cruise: A proposal by absent Chapter Member Tom Kerr was read concerning a 4-day cruise out of Mobile, AL in February. The cruise goes to Cozumel, Mexico and offers very attractive rates. Additional details will be on the website www.usmccca.org and in the newsletter, Now Hear This.
Central Florida Marine Corps Monument: Charlie Ross reported that the committee to design and seek funds for the monument is now in the process of requesting funds. A motion was made, seconded and passed to provide $200 towards that effort.
Chapter Projects: Carpenter asked members if they felt the chapter was doing enough with the golf tournament as its central project. He called attention to the fact that the Maryland Chapter had begun its own golf tournament in 2008 and that the New York Chapter was involved in revising the book, Last to Know, First to Go, as a project. In the discussion that followed, Webmaster Stark encouraged Carpenter to develop an outline for other chapters to use that might help them become successful in attracting members and provide a worthwhile environment for meaningful accomplishments.
There being no other new business, the meeting was adjourned at 2 p.m.
Submitted by Jack T. Paxton for Secretary Kevin Doll.
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MINUTES: 2008 4th Quarter, Florida Chapter Meeting
December 13, 2008
Florida chapter members meet in Central Florida
The Florida Chapter, USMCCCA, met in Clermont on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the Gators Dockside Restaurant. President Red Carpenter called the chapter meeting to order at 12:09 p.m. The following minutes outline discussion topics during the meeting.
The 2008 3rd Quarter minutes were not read and a motion made and approved to accept them as previously published.
Jack Paxton, National Executive Director and Florida Chapter Treasurer, reported a total of $1,859 in the chapter treasury. Director Paxton noted that $7,500 was presented to the National CC organization at the national conference in San Antonio. Jack also noted that individual national dues are owed.
Under Old Business, Tom Kerr reported that the scheduled CC/Mustang Eastern Caribbean cruise had to change its departure date to March 1 due to problems with the Carnival Cruise ship. This resulted in some cancellations but that 10 cabins of 20 people were still scheduled to participate. Tom noted that there is still time to book a cabin for any members interested.
National webmaster and Florida chapter member Kate Stark noted that the new and improved CC website is up and running and had her laptop handy to show members its sleek and clean features. Kate plans on adding features to make it more user-friendly, including a “members only” section, links to Facebook and MySpace sites, active duty content, and veteran content. Additional plans include dues payment via PayPal.
President Carpenter noted that the 2009 National Conference site, the Hampton Crown Plaza in Hampton, Virginia, was still a go, although active duty leadership from HQMC questioned the viability of the site for active duty members. The date for the conference is September 14-18, 2009. The site for 2010 is at the Silver Legacy Resort in Reno, Nevada from August 23-30.
During New Business discussion, President Carpenter emphasized that sponsorships would be key for a successful chapter golf tournament, scheduled for Friday June 5, 2009 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport. He urged all members to actively pursue sponsorships, no matter how small. As usual, goody bag items and players are also needed. Florida chapter and PGA Senior Tour member Gene Smith presented a list of professional golf items he has already gathered for the tournament, which again puts us ahead in prizes and auction items.
Treasurer Paxton commented on the website Together We Served, which can be a good tool to network with members whose MOS is CC-related.
Tom Kerr outlined changes to the USMCCA Foundation, which should improve fundraising and accounting for tax purposes.
President Carpenter made a motion to provide the funds from the chapter golf tournament to the Wounded Marines Career Foundation, which trains wounded Marines for work in the television and film industry. The motion passed. He also mentioned making contact with a member of the Wounded Warrior Mentor Program, which needs volunteers to assist Marines during their hospital stays. He hopes to provide more information about that organization at a later date.
A photo was taken with President Carpenter presenting the 2001 Donald Dickson Award to Kate Stark, a delay due to events after 9-11 and the schedule of the world-traveling webmaster.
Member Charlie Ross presented an artist’s rendition of the Orlando Marine Memorial, scheduled for construction. The Florida Chapter has given $200 to the organization coordinating the construction.
The next chapter meeting time and date is to be announced. The meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
Submitted by Florida Chapter Secretary Kevin Doll
MINUTES:
3rd Quarter Meeting, Florida Chapter, USMCCCA
San Antonio, TX (during National Conference)
13 August, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Chapter President, Red Carpenter at 1140 in the Hospitality Suite at the USMCCCA National Conference.
The 2nd Quarter minutes were not read as there was a motion, second and vote to dispense with the reading in lieu of the published minutes.
Jack Paxton, Chapter Treasurer reported there was a bit over $9000 in the Chapter treasury.
Red Carpenter reported the golf tournament was a success and profit from the tournament was about $7500. He also reported profit was down a bit from the previous year because one sponsor had reduced his contribution by $1000 and expenses had increased. There was also a little less interest in silent auction items this year, which resulted in lower profit from that source. Everything considered, a very good tournament.
Tom Kerr reported there were 27 Chapter/CC members and Mustangs signed up for the Chapter sponsored cruise leaving Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Feb. 25th for an 8 day cruise to St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Maarten. Tom also reported there was still space available but he could not guarantee the same cabin prices. For more info contact Tom at 850-897-7743. Last year the cruise netted the Chapter about $1000 and next years cruise is expected to do equally well.
Bob McEwen reported we collected almost enough money for the Chapter ad in the Journal and a Merit Award Sponsorship. He said we were only $40 short and the shortage was made up out of the Chapter treasury.
Jack Paxton, National ExDir. reported the National web-site has been a continuing problem and the National Board of Directors would like to ask the Florida Chapter webmaster, Kate Stark to take over the National site, with links to those Chapters having web-sites. Kate was not present because of a serious injury to her foot but it was believed she would agree. The Florida Chapter agreed to see if Kate could and would make the necessary arrangements.
(Note from Kate: I am honored to work on the National site.)
Under 0ld Business the design of the Florida Chapter ad was discussed and it was agreed to continue with the cartoon gator as the ad principle.
Carpenter reported the $200 donation, previously agreed to, had been made to the USMC monument foundation in Orlando, FL.
Jack Paxton reported that a check/donation in the amount of $2000 had been made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi fund. This donation from the National Foundation was made possible by tournament and cruise funds donated by the Florida Chapter.
Carpenter mentioned the Voo Doo Lady fishing boat is still available for our use/auction/whatever. This is an excellent fishing charter, sailing out of Ft. Pierce. Suggestions anyone?
Under New Business, the serving Chapter officers were re-elected. The officers for 2009 and 2010 will be; President, Red Carpenter. Vice President, Hank Ehlbeck. Treasurer, Jack Paxton. Secretary, Kevin Doll.
Chapter members voted to donate $7500 to the National Foundation with the suggestion that $2000 be further donated to the Wounded Marine Careers Foundation, $2000 to the Scholarship Fund and the balance to be deposited in the Sunshine Fund (emergency fund).
Members voted to continue the annual golf tournament at Ridgewood Lakes Golf and Country Club, provided Gregg Gagliardi, who has been the very effective auctioneer, will continue in the same capacity. Gregg has agreed. The tournament will be Friday, 5 June, 2009 (date amended 9/9/08) with an 0800 shotgun start.
There was no other new business and the meeting was adjourned at 12:45. Pizza and sodas were served following the meeting.
– Submitted by President, Red Carpenter
MINUTES: 2008 2nd Quarter
Florida Chapter Meeting, May 17, 2008
The Florida Chapter, USMCCCA, met in Davenport on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Perkins Restaurant. President Red Carpenter called the chapter meeting to order at 12:35 p.m. The following minutes outline discussion topics during the meeting.
The 2008 1st quarter minutes were not read and a motion made to accept them as previously published. Jack Paxton, National Executive Director and Florida Chapter Treasurer, reported a total of $4,527.82 in the chapter treasury.
Under Old Business, President Carpenter noted that information concerning the chapter golf tournament would be postponed pending a tournament meeting after the chapter meeting. The tournament is scheduled for Friday June 6, 2008 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club in Davenport.
President Carpenter noted that the combined CC/Mustang cruise raised $1,000 for the chapter. Many members have already signed up for next year’s cruise, which is scheduled for the eastern Caribbean.
Although the Mentoring program was successful last year, the 1st Division has declined our services this year.
President Carpenter noted that the 2009 National Conference site has been selected, the Hampton Crown Plaza in Hampton, Virginia. The date for the conference is September 14-18, 2009.
During New Business discussion, President Carpenter noted that USMC Headquarters Divison of Public Affairs had a new senior enlisted Marine, MGySgt. Phil Mehringer.
Florida Chapter member Kate Stark took over the duties as webmaster for the Florida Chapter CC website.
For the journal ad, $480 has been collected, but $1,000 is needed for funding. A motion was passed to draw money from the chapter treasury to make up the difference.
A photo was taken with Chapter President Carpenter presenting the cruise money check to National Executive Director Jack Paxton for the Wounded Marines fund.
A motion passed to give $200 to the construction of a USMC monument in Orlando near the VA Medical Center.
The next chapter meeting time and date is to be announced. The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
– Submitted by Florida Chapter Secretary Kevin Doll
MINUTES: 2008 1st Quarter,
Florida Chapter Meeting, March 1, 2008
The Florida Chapter, USMCCCA, met in Davenport on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Course Clubhouse. President Red Carpenter called the chapter meeting to order at noon. The following minutes outline discussion topics during the meeting.
The fourth quarter minutes were read and a motion made to accept them as previously published.
Jack Paxton, National Executive Director and Florida Chapter Treasurer, reported a total of $2,018.82 in the chapter treasury. Director/Treasurer Paxton noted that Red Carpenter was appointed by President Keith Oliver as the national conference committee chair to direct the search for the best conference sites over the next few years. Director Paxton noted that CC members should forward their registration to national headquarters soon to receive the reduced price for the San Antonio conference scheduled for 12-17 August 2008, and also to send in their reservation to the hotel to ensure they did not have to bed at an overflow hotel site. Former Florida Chapter member Don O’Neal is the Texas conference chair. President Carpenter noted that the search for the best cost-effective city/hotel for the 2009 conference is still ongoing and Myrtle Beach, S.C., was a possibility.
Under Old Business, President Carpenter noted that the Mentoring Program was looking for additional CC members to critique active duty articles from Iraq. It was proposed that CCs review articles before they were published, but the deadline time constraint could be a prohibiting factor.
Treasurer Paxton provided an update on the efforts to provide additional monies to the Wounded Warrior and Semper Fi fund from the chapter proceeds from the upcoming golf tournament and the recently concluded USMCCCA/Mustang cruise to Central America. Funds raised from the cruise were still pending from CC member Tom Kerr.
The Voodoo Lady Fishing Charter is still available as a fundraising opportunity and it was decided to auction off the charter at the upcoming Florida Chapter golf tournament. Ship owner Gerald Keller is sponsoring part of the charter costs, which can hold up to six anglers and ships out of Ft. Pierce, Florida. Estimated cost of the charter is about $1,350, without the costs of the gas, gear and bait, which is being donated by Keller. For more information, visit the voodoolady.com website or the Florida Chapter website at usmcccafl.com.
During New Business discussion, President Carpenter outlined the progress of the 2008 Florida Chapter golf tournament, scheduled for June 6 at the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Course. CC member Gene Smith again stepped up to the tee and delivered approximately $4,500 in golfing merchandise to support the tournament. President Carpenter reiterated that there was still plenty of work to do, including signing up players, increasing publicity about the tournament, and gathering additional sponsors, prizes, brochure ad revenue, and goody bag items.
The next chapter meeting time and date is to be announced. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
– Submitted by Florida Chapter Secretary Kevin Doll
Minutes – Florida Chapter, USMCCCA,
March 28, 2009
LPGA Golf Club, Daytona Beach, FL
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