MINUTES
Colorado Music Business Organization Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, February 6, 2022
- Called to Order at 7:01 p.m.
Present: Alex Teitz, Barb Dye, David Barber, Johnnie Johnson, Clark Hagan, Annette Cannon, Tony Molina, Tracy Chirhart (note: both Tracy & Tony appeared and disappeared at different times during the meeting)
Guest(s): (Maurice Avatar)
Absent: Jamie Krutz (excused)
Consultants, Angela Whaley
- Approval of the Minutes of January 9, 2022: Alex Teitzso moved, David Barber seconded. Approved (with corrections).
- Treasurer’s Report:
Income received:
Memberships (Paypal) $ 230.00 (See Membership Report)
Interest on Savings: $ .01(January 2022)
Total: $ 230.01
Expenses paid (Ck = check; PP = Paypal; BW = bank withdrawal, checking acct.):
Bank Fees for January: $ 2.00 (checking fees)
Todd Myers, Esq. $ 10.00 (renewal of CO Secretary of State fee)
GoDaddy (PP): $ 21.17 (transfer of domain name – CM .org; 1 year)
Paypal fees (PP): $ 10.50 (See Membership Report)
Possibility Promotion (ck): $ 10.00 (domain renewal – Colorado Music.org; 1 yr)
Facebook (PP): $ 40.00 (ads for January meeting)
Zoom account for Jan. (PP): $ 16.30
Mailchimp for Jan. (PP): $ 31.95
Total: $ 141.92
Checking Balance: $ 1,600.66 (as of 1/31/22)
Savings Balance: $ 1,003.32 (as of 1/31/22)
PayPal Balance: $ 682.07 (as of 2/2/22)
Grand Total: $ 3,286.05
[It looks like Shanica has not yet cashed her $500 check. Barb will contact her to make sure she received it since she asked for it to be mailed to her.]Google will start charging us (probably) in March or April $6.29/month per email account. David will be deleting Sheena@ Mark@ and maybe some others if we aren’t using them. We will still have Info@, President@, David@ (which is also admin@ and Webmaster@ which we need).
D. Membership Report:
Current Paid Members: 48 (30 individuals, 4 businesses, 13 bands, and 1 Supporter) (does not include Life Time members which will need to be calculated) Membership drive (Maurice)
Renewed Members in January:
Supporter(s): None
Individual(s): Steve Law (Sweet Tooth Music)
Band(s): None
Business(es): None
New Members in January:
Supporter(s): None
Individual(s): William Whalen, Doug Jessop, Jeff Wittig
Band(s): Anatoli Pechkov, Walter Niccoli (Also Known As – AKA)
Business(es): None
Up for Renewal in February:
Supporter(s): None
Individual(s): Harry Tuft, Laurie Dameron
Band(s): None
Business(es): None
Note: Membership Renewal reminders have NOT been sent out thus far in 2022
Membership “Welcome Surveys”: We did not receive any surveys in January.
- Unfinished Business:
- Bar Code requests: None.
- Upcoming Programs:
a. Monday, February 28, 2022: The Program Committee worked on getting Colorado artists who have been signed to speak and in particular on how they got signed. Unfortunately, at this time, the committee was unable to confirm anyone. So they have opted going for the proposed March program and will work on something else for March instead. Therefore, the program will be an open discussion of ways to get venues to pay their bands. The discussion will not be around whether or not venues should pay the bands but rather on ways that income can be increased or other ways that would encourage the venues to pay the bands. One suggestion that came up is that Paula Vrakas of the Roxy on Broadway has a “tip jar” line on her receipts where customers can “tip” the bands (rather than having a door cover charge). Note that, at one time, the Hard Rock Café also had a similar feature. Barb sent the Committee a compilation of a Facebook discussion on this very subject. Some really good thoughts and ideas from people like Chris Daniels and Hazel Miller in it. Guests include Dani Grant, Chris Zacher, Ben London & Dave Flomberg.
FLASH: The 64th Grammys Award Show has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 3rd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It will recognize the best recordings, compositions, and artists of the eligibility year. Time: 6:00 until 9:20 PM MDT [Note: This is the same date as the Board Meeting. We may want to move the Board meeting to Monday, April 4th or try to run the meeting quickly and “join the program in progress”!] Discussion: Move Board meeting to April 4. Approved by Board
http://www.grammy.com
b. Monday, March 28, 2022: The Program Committee decided NFT’s. Jay/Jake Whestle McQuaid.
[Reminder: Barb will be gone from March 16th thru April 10th which means she will be gone during the March general meeting and the April board meeting. Annette and David are asked to plan on running the meetings. Barb will set up newsletters ahead of time for delivery on Thursday(s), using previously published articles that were of extreme interest and pertinence to our membership.]
c. Monday, April 18, 2022: TBD
d. Monday, May 23, 2022: (Memorial Day is 5/30/22) Program TBD.
e. June 2022: TBD – The Guitar Show/Voltage Expo may schedule here. Sunday March 20, 2022 – Maurice, Jamie, Annette, Mark, Clark
3. Web Reports – David (as of 2/01/22):
- Current Email Subscribers: COMBO has 2,439 subscribers which is down from the 2,442 reported at the last Board Meeting. As of the 1/27/22 newsletter, we had 27% opens and 6% click thrus.
- Twitter Account Followers: COMBO has 7,648 followers which is up from 7,640 followers from the last report.
- Google Analytics Report: In January 2022 there were 4,577 sessions, which is down 56% from January 2021 when we had 10,333 sessions (there was a huge spike on Jan. 31, 2021). We had no spikes in January 2022. The most view article in January was /the-girl-groups-are-reassembling-in-heaven-ronnie-spector-and-rosa-lee-hawkins-join-mary-wilson-the-supremes/
- Facebook Analytics: Page Views: 21, up 24%; Post Reach: 474, down by 72%; Post Engagement: 47, down 56%; Page Likes: 1, down 50%. Page Followers: 1, down 50%.
Reminder – Our Facebook address is:
http://www.Facebook.com/ColoradoMusicBusinessOrganization
4. Songs on the COMBO Spotify Play List for January 2021:
5. What is a “Member”? We discussed our “Members Only” description. There are not only “paid” members but we have “honorary” members and “Lifetime” members as well, not to mention “Business Members”. We will also need this in time for the next Songwriting Contest to clarify who is eligible to enter with/without paying the fee.
6. COMBO Members Only Video Uploads: Update on YouTube rules? We need this info before we can upload the Showcase video.
7. Ombudsman Program – Annette Cannon: No change. Burnout from lack of social interaction.
8. Meeting Space Ideas: Board & general meetings to continue on Zoom until the pandemic is pretty much over.
9. Promotion/Advertising: Facebook ad for January meeting. Barb also put notes for the January meeting out on several Facebook groups’ pages.
10. Board Member Bios: Any chance we can copy these to the website?
11. COMBO Organization By-Laws:
ARTICLE VI
Standing and Special Committees
4. Proposed Clause: Individuals and/or Committees may present fund-raising events, such as a concert, using COMBO’s Not-for-Profit status but with the understanding that at least fifty percent of the profits will go to the general COMBO fund. The other fifty percent will remain with the individual and/or committee for their future use. This rule does not apply to other entities such as outside groups like Riot Fest or the Warped Tour whose agreements shall be on an event-to-event basis with the COMBO board.
5. Proposed Clause: Members wishing to run events under the umbrella of COMBO must first have the event approved by the Board. This would include open-mic nights, showcases, fund-raisers, and other musician-centric events. Potential income distribution would need to be decided before the event is held. Future discussion in case something else comes up.
COMBO license to apply for liquor license. Explained to Annette & Maurice. Fundraising in 1st clause. One clause non-profit. Events not under COMBO umbrella. Attorneys haven’t responded.
Vote tabled with further discussion on members and non-members running events.
ARTICLE VII
Office and Books & Records/Seal
1. The registered office of the corporation, required by the Colorado Corporation Code to be maintained in the State of Colorado, may be, but need not be, identical with the principal office of the State of Colorado, and the address of the registered office may be changed from time to time by the Board of Directors.
2. The principal office of the corporation in the State of Colorado shall be initially located at 1116 East 13th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80218, and thereafter at such place as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Colorado, as the Board of Directors may designate or as the business of the corporation may require from time to time.
3. There shall be kept at the office of the corporation correct books of account of the activities and transactions of the corporation, including a minute book which shall contain a copy of the Articles of Incorporation, a copy of these bylaws, and all minutes of meetings. Electronic accounts. Electronic unless audit requiring paper.
4. A seal for the corporation may be adopted and obtained at any time. In such event, the Board of Directors shall provide a corporate seal which shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the State of Colorado, and the words “CORPORATE SEAL”. (Take seal out)
ARTICLE VIII
Contracts, Banking, Fiscal Year, Etc.
1. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. All funds of the corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such bank or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
2. Only the Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the corporation any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the corporation.
3. The fiscal year of the corporation shall end on the last day of December in each calendar year.
There are 3 more to go…
* * * *
12. Acceptance of Sheena’s Resignation: Barb ended up sending an e-mail to Sheena after trying to leave telephone messages for her several times. Kept getting the message that Sheena’s voice mail box was full. Sheena responded on 1/23/22:
Thanks for your patience in my response. A lot of work demands and much needed downtime.
I had to think about your last note for a little while before responding. I’m flattered at your and the extended board’s response to my resignation, however I need to move on. I’ve enjoyed my time on the board and getting to know everyone. And I wish everyone well in the future. My long-term goals are very different from what I had been doing within the music industry and as much as I have found enjoyment in volunteering and participating in the community, I have reflected that my time has been well spent and is now happily concluding so that I can move onto a different journey. I have been trying to finish my permaculture certificate for some time now, and I really struggled to find the time to dedicate to it, along with some of my other beloved hobbies like bee keeping and cut flowers.
All good things come to an end, and it’s my time to go. But I thank you for the opportunity and lovely memories.
I hope you enjoy your retirement and know that COMBO will benefit greatly from your additional time.
Warmest regards,
Sheena
Motion to accept: Accepted.
13. New Board Member: Names of potential candidates will be greatly appreciated. Suggested: Steve Son, Rod Tanaka & Doug Bohm. Ask speakers to join board, i.e., Ean Tafoya. Bring in more Board Members at large. Tracey is a board member at large. A member should be able to help out. Barb mentioned a need for new board members at the January general meeting and Maurice Avatar and Meredith Salimbeni (not in Colorado) both expressed interest. Barb invited them to this meeting.
14. Membership Chairman: Barb has [hopefully temporarily] taken over the Membership Chairman duties. Again, this includes recording new members, sending them a “Welcome” letter, and keeping track of members whose renewal may be coming up. These duties seldom need to be done more than once a week – although we do have a bunch of people who join during the Songwriting Contest in the summer months. Sheena created an Excel spread sheet which can be accessed through our Google e-mail and is easy to keep up
- New Business:
1.Barb is interested in doing video interviews. Clark Hagan has agreed he can do interviews with people he works with. Questions to include how did they get signed.
2. David sent the following Meeting Attendance Summary for 2020/21 for reference:
Avg Meeting attendance for 2021 was 21.2 (11 Meetings)
Avg without counting Virtual Happy Hour (April) and Holiday party (Dec) = 27.3
Avg of only Zoom events = 23.5
Avg of live events was 23
Most at Zoom event was 40 for Artist mgmt in Feb.
Most live was 50 at the songwriters showcase in Nov.
Lowest Zoom event was 6 at Happy Hour in April.
Lowest Live event was 5 at Holiday party in Dec.
Avg meeting attendance for 2020 was 23.5 (8 meetings) [Pandemic ongoing]
Avg meeting attendance for 2019 was 25.875 (8 meetings)
3. Discussion on Memberships – Annette Cannon & Maurice talked about the possibility of a Membership drive. Targeted committees or specialty group – Specialty Interest Groups (SIG) – Focus on getting specific type of members like business groups, tour managers, etc… Discussion of a Volunteer Coordinator for recruiting and organizing member or non-member volunteers for events. Focus on finding more Judges? Possible ways to help drive memberships and volunteers including a button on newsletter and adding questions on the newsletter. Barb & Annette will meet to discuss.
4. Colorado original music radio station (Maurice) discussion.
G. Reports
1. Monday, January24, 2022: The Program Committee planned a program on
“Summer Festival Booking – Do It Now”. Kyle Hartman (from the UMS), Greta Cornett (from FoCoMX), Craig Ferguson and Brian Eyster (both from Rocky Mountain Folk Association) agreed to speak.
Attendees were Board Members Barb, David, Annette, Jamie (good job on the MC’ing again, Jamie), Johnnie and Alex; Speakers Brian Eyester, Craig Ferguson, Greta Cornett, Kyle Hartman; and general attendees were Maurice Avatar, Meredith Salimbeni, Sonia Kiva, Laurie Dameron, Wendy Alfredson, Alison Hamly, Mark Friedman, Dave Perlowski, Jenn Cleary, Rachel Eisenstat, Karen Current, Anthony Pechkov (The Lull Band), Bob Cannistrano, Matt Gray, Brendan Zuner, Sam X, Raray (?) Ayres, Matt X, Ed McIlwain, John Lensing, Stewart Moody, Walt Niccoli, Wynn Dungy, Wendy Clark, Chris Coward (with Wendy Alfredson), Rick Lobato, Stanley Platt (?), Nick Reginicke (?), Robin Jo Leady, Michelle Castillo, Will Whalen, Leslie Tom, Ariadnee Zudy, Cody Culver, Saam Golgoon, Rod Tanaka, Travis Daudert, Christopher Ryan, Phil Rader, Phone # U.S. – 995, totaling 50 attendees.
2. Book, Movie, and Featured Member(s) for January 2022: None. Black girl groups documentary.
3. Denver Balanced Breakfast: Meetings continue on Thursday afternoons by Zoom only and based out of San Francisco. Taking applications for Balanced Breakfast SXSW March 17 & 18
4. Denver Open Media: Nothing at this time. https://www.denveropenmedia.org/
5. Women’s Groups:
- Women in Music: Women In Music Summit – January 19-21
Anyone attend that can give us a report?
b. Womxn Crush Music: They are going to hold off until 2022 to do anything.
H. Items for Newsletters/Announcements:
I. Next General Meeting: Monday, February 28th at 7:00 p.m. General Discussion of Venues paying bands – business models [Note sign in time of 6:50 p.m.!]
J. Next Board Meeting: Sunday, March 6th, 7:00 p.m. Sign in time 6:50 p.m. via Zoom.
K. Meeting Adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
/s/ Alex Teitz
___________________________________
Alex Teitz, Secretary