Minutes of the September 14, 2020 Board meeting

MINUTES

Colorado Music Business Organization Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, September 13, 2020 – 7:00 p.m. – via Zoom

1. Call to Order at 7:10 p.m. (Zoom meeting; confusion in calling in)

Present: Barb Dye, David Barber, Lee Bagby, Annette Cannon, Tracey Chirhart, Clark Hagan, Johnnie Johnson, Sheena Morgan, Alex Teitz, Angela Whaley

Absent: Jamie Krutz (excused)

Guests: None

2. Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of August 2, 2020: David moved, 2^nd – Annette. Approved with minor corrections per David.

3. Treasurer’s Report:

Income received:

August Memberships: $ 180.37 (3 Individual/1 business: PayPal charge – $4.63)

Interest on Savings: $ .01 (August 31, 2020)

Total: $ 180.38

Expenses paid:

Bank Fees for August: $ 2.00 ($2 for checking)

Possibility Promotion: $ 25.00 (renewal of COMFORT names)

Mailchimp for August:     $  31.28 (e-mail list: $30 + $1.28 local tax)

                                Total: $ 83.04

Checking Balance: $ 1,414.51 (as of 08/31/20)

Savings Balance: $ 1,823.15 (as of 08/31/20)

PayPal Balance: $ 574.81 (as of 09/13/20)

Grand Total: $ 3,811.84

4. Membership Report:

Current Paid Members: 21

New Members:

Supporter: None

Individual: Jim Seeley, Rob Roper, Norma Pfaff

Band: None

Business: Tom Chelston (Tom Songs)

Sheena reported that these members have not renewed for August yet: Scott Fitzke, Esq.

Sheena reported that the following memberships are up for renewal in September: Wendy Nolting, Niya Music, and Douglas Lipke.

(Please note that the board voted at the March meeting to suspend renewal notices until a later date due to the coronavirus shut down. These names are for reference only. We did suggest, at this meeting though, that a “hint” be sent to Scott Fitzke since he signs up his law firm as a “business membership”).

Membership “Welcome Surveys”: Sheena reported that we received 1 new survey in August. David discovered that the “Survey button” was not working so maybe now we’ll get a few more.

5. Unfinished Business:

1. 1. • 1. Bar code requests: John Reed Austin requested 16 new bar codes! Barb called to let him know that there would be a $10 charge for each code (an amount suggested by the Board in an e-mail vote). However, upon discussing the matter with him, Barb found out that he was just having 25 CDs & DVDs made of personal recordings and home videos of him performing his Christian songs to pass out at various church events. Barb hated to lose the money but told John that he would not need a bar code unless he was planning on selling the CDs at Twist & Shout, etc. He thought he might sell a few at an upcoming church conference but not enough to register with SoundScan, nor were these going to be registered with ASCAP, his PRO. So John did not need the bar codes after all. He was glad for the further information.

1. 1. • 2. Upcoming Programs:

a. September 2020: Depending on the situation with the coronavirus, we may want to reschedule those meetings that got cancelled in March and April. Suggestions were Chris Kresge in September; Sheena’s friend Brittney on taxes on October 19^th; maybe some sort of a songwriters’ showcase in November; and business Side Door on ticketing. We also may want to consider meetings with more of a “teaching” side such as on radio airplay, management, or on house concerts.

Many people are trying to “stream” or Zoom their “shows.” David suggested that maybe Rob Roper would consider doing a simple tutorial for our September 28^th meeting. Other suggestions were Megan Burtt and Cary Morin as both of these musicians have been doing shows using those methods. [After the meeting, Rob Roper confirmed he would be willing lead the discussion; Megan is on the fence, and Barb has not yet heard back from Cary].

Sheena sent a lovely “Thank you” note to July’s speakers. Barb thanks her so much!

b. October 26, 2020: We will still plan on having Brittney talk about taxes since tax season will be approaching.

c. November 16, 2020: We will plan a “Songwriters Showcase” via Zoom or on Facebook. Barb will contact some of the high scoring songwriters from our Songwriting Contests to see if they would like to participate.

d. December 2020: We will hold off on any plans for this until Oct. or Nov. to see how the pandemic is going.

4. Web Reports:

1. Current Email Subscribers: David reported that, as of 9/13/20, COMBO has 2,586 subscribers which is down from the 2,954 reported at the 8/02/20 Board Meeting. As of the 8/27/20 newsletter, we had 31% opens and 5% click thrus.

 

2. Twitter Account Followers: David reported that, as of 9/13/20, COMBO has 7,746 followers which is down from 7,778 followers as of the 8/02/20 report. David commented that no one has been actively posting on Twitter so that would account for the drop in followers.

3. Facebook Account Activity: David reported that, as of 9/13/20, COMBO received 1,468 “likes” which is up from 1,462 “likes” as of the 8/02/20 report.

4. Facebook Analytics – Angela Whaley: Page Views up 28%; Post Reach down by 88%; Post Engagement down 52%; Page Likes are down 29%; Page Followers: 1,468.

5. Google Analytics Report: David reported that in August 2020 there were 3,464 “Sessions” which is down 1.3% from August 2019 when it was 3,509. The most viewed article in August 2020 was a Buyer Beware story regarding Songuard and what our lawyers thought of their program (“waste of money”, not “legit”, “misleading”).

Reminder – Our Facebook address is:

http://www.Facebook.com/ColoradoMusicBusinessOrganization

4. Songs on the COMBO Website Player for September 2020: Lee Bagby:1

● “No Use in Crying” – Cass Clayton

● “Alone is My Home” – Mad Dog Blues

● “Damage Control” – Isabelle Stillman

● “Bye, Bye June” – Brett Longnecker

● “Watch This Bird Fly” – Jeremy Facknitz

http://www.runawayexpress.com/

https://www.jeremyfacknitz.com | 2020 Grassy Hill New Folk Songwriting Competition Finalist

Photo: Jeremy Facknitz (photo from his website)

NOTE: Barb sees that David is still listed on the website as the administrator of the “Featured Songs” section. Should this be changed to Lee’s name? We are using David’s Spotify account to find the songs. David will check into setting up a “COMBO Playlist” on Spotify so that whomever is administering it, can be listed in the credits on the COMBO website. Right now, Lee picks the songs and David uploads them.

4. COMBO YouTube Channel Uploads: No new videos but we do have 2 subscribers!

4. Ombudsman Program – Annette Cannon: Nothing at this time probably due to the closing of so many clubs due to the pandemic/COVID virus.

4. Meeting Space Ideas: Still need to check on the Roxy on Broadway which looks like it has reopened. On hold for the time being.

4. Designation for Funds: Payment of bill for mask order (about $324 with tax).

4. Purchase of Promotional Merchandise Items: Barb ordered 100 face masks at $3.00 each in black with the white logo (similar to the t-shirts we had before). The logo is to be offset to the side of the face and will be no larger than 2 ½”. The supplier said the face masks had arrived and he was in the process of getting them printed up.

4. Promotion/Advertising: None.

4. Girls & Science Expo: On hold until ??? when the virus is knocked out.

5. Posting on Facebook: Sheena posted an article on “2Visa Fees for Foreign Artists Touring the US to Increase by Over 50%”. General comments by board members was that this was NOT the way to further good-will with other countries whose artists tour the U.S. such as the K-Pop bands from Korea and so many groups from Europe.

Visa fees for foreign artists touring the US to increase by over 50%

14. Secretary: We still need a secretary! Minutes for this meeting being taken by Barb.

15. Board Member Bio’s – David & Sheena: Sheena was waiting for Barb to approve her bio and photo. After some discussion – Barb said she couldn’t remember getting the note — it was discovered that Sheena had sent the note to David only! She will send it to Barb this week!

 

16. Website Update. David has been testing out the “members only” section. We have had inquiries from a couple of members about how to “get in!” David is thinking about moving “The Network” to the “Members Only” section which would encourage “joining” in order for members to be able to have access to that information. Also, people could not access the website thru the newsletter articles; Barb had noted that the photos she posted did not show. Turns out our SSL needed to be renewed. People were receiving a “Security Issue” notice which several people, including Ann Blonston of AirShow Mastering, let us know about.

17: Storage for COMBO Stuff: Barb has moved some of the COMBO boxes to her neighbor’s unit but she’d like to get them out of there. Lee has volunteered a space in his garage. Barb had hoped to do this over the Labor Day weekend but she didn’t get to it, and Mark was out of town so she couldn’t get the stuff he has anyway.

18. COMBO Organization By-Laws: We approved changes to the first two sections. Barb did read the following into the Minutes of September 13, 2020, per Roberts’ Rules of Order requirements. We did not discuss any of the clauses but Barb made a couple of comments which are in bold and italics:

3

ARTICLE III

Board of Directors

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors, as follows:

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15) members who shall be individuals. A director’s terms shall be one year but no more than five consecutive years. Directors shall be elected or reelected by the members or appointed by the current Board of Directors at each annual meeting, and each Director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and thereafter until that director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until the Director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If directors are elected or reelected by the Board of Directors at or subsequent to each annual meeting, and each Director shall hold office for a term of two (2) years or as set by the Board of Directors, a simple vote majority of present or proxy-voting members shall suffice to elect directors. The number of directors and the tenure of directors may be otherwise determined by Board action, but in no instance shall there be less than one director. [Perhaps we should just delete the “5 consecutive years” since so many of us have served that long.]

 

2. The duties of the Board of Directors shall be to manage the affairs of the corporation and to transact the necessary business of the corporation, including the appointment of officers. Each director shall perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the corporation and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use in similar circumstances. [Should we replace the word “corporation” with “organization”? Technically, under the CO Secretary of State rules, we are a “corporation.”]

3. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held monthly, the time and date of each to be fixed by the Board. A majority of the Board of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of the Board of Directors are present at said meeting, a majority of the Board of directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Board upon notice duly given. At such meetings the Board shall elect officers and conduct such other business as may come before the meeting. The Board may act without a meeting if each member of the Board shall consent in writing thereto.

4. Any member of the Board or any committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee by means of a telephone conference or similar communications equipment and/or electronic means by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

5. Any vacancy occurring in the Board, whether caused by reason of an increase in the number of Directors, by removal, death, mental or physical incapacitation or any other reason, may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, or by a sole remaining director. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office. Any director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, in the manner provided in the Colorado Corporation Code. No meeting shall be necessary to remove a director who misses three (3) consecutive meetings without a reasonable excuse, and in such event, said director may be removed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. [We have been moving directors who miss 3 consecutive meetings to “Consulting Status” unless they say they want to remain as an active member. Should we write this into the By-Laws?]

6. Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the president or secretary of the corporation and such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice.

7. Notices of meetings shall be given at least three (3) days previous thereto by any reasonable means, including e-mail messages and/or telephone notice. Any director may waive notice of any special meeting. The attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. [Add in “other electronic methods” or leave as is?]

8. No Director of the corporation shall receive any salary, compensation or emolument therefore in his or her capacity as a Director. Reimbursement for expenses incurred shall be permitted. Nothing herein shall prevent a director from serving in some other capacity and being compensated therefore.

19. California Law on Sub-Contractors: While this is a California law, our DOL is watching to see what happens and Colorado will probably follow their rules. UPDATE: Alex sent the following article for inclusion in the newsletter. The full article will be there:

4https://celebrityaccess.com/2020/09/08/new-ca-law-offers-critical-independent-contractor-law-exemptions/

20. Reopening of Bars, Clubs & Theaters: Quite a few have reopened at 50% capacity and with special guidelines. Several of those that have outside options have started having live music again. Sandra Holman-Watts (formerly of Live at Jack’s) has found a venue with a roof top and has started presenting jazz groups there. NOTE: Gov. Polis made a deal to let the Broncos have limited people at their games. What’s up with that??? Nathaniel Rateliff will be presenting 6 concerts at Red Rocks but with 175 people only each night. We need to let Gov. Polis know that music people do not like the discrimination! Discussion: There is some percentage formula being used. The game attendees will be in “pods” of no more than 175 each. This has to do with the number of entrances and restrooms available to each pod. The stadium is easier to “watch” while Red Rocks and Fiddler’s Green do not have those amenities.

After notes: Annette Cannon said that Sandra’s venue has been shut down due to violations of the COVID rules.

21. Google Account: We’d like to upgrade it but it will cost around $12-$18 per month. Turns out that after David did a whole lot of research and rigamarole to find out our secret passwords, etc., that we are grandfathered in and that there will be NO additional charge for the upgrade! David noted that there were a couple of “eddresses” that we were not using so he wanted to delete those. He will kill off “Talent Scout” but we will keep “SongContest” for Rob Roper and the songwriters contest in 2021. We also suggested that we set up an e-mail for Lee and Annette so they don’t have to use their private, home eddresses for COMBO business. That way Lee can get songs sent to him directly for the website player, and Annette can get messages from people that deal more with the Ombudsman issues.

22. Songwriting Contest for 2021: David ran into Rob Roper who asked about the annual Songwriting Contest. David told him that we needed someone to run it so Rob volunteered! We will need to keep our eyes out for potential judges – which became a serious problem in running the contest. Judges need to be willing to make a short critique on each song, preferably “positive” ones. Because the songs are uploaded to Drop Box, the judge can listen on their own times. Suggested names for judges: None at this time. Keep thinking, please! Also, Barb suggested that we add to the rules that the song lyrics be presented in the same font and size. She has spent a LOT of time the last 6 years re-doing all of them not only for the judges but also for the lyric sheets that are handed out with the CDs to the professionals at the Durango Songwriters Expo and other places.

6. New Business:

1. Member Christopher Ryan’s Video: Chris sent us a link to his new music video for his song “A Little Bigger” – it is VERY funny and so clever! Called “The Quarantine Games”… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu-Ur6rAT4M

2. Damage/Vandalism at the Elvis Estate, etc: Camille Brightsmith took exception to the article about the damage done to the wall around Graceland as well as to the Levitt Shell (although Barb did not write the article). Barb posted Camille’s comments with her permission in the Sept. 10^th newsletter. Barb will repost this in the Sept. 18^th newsletter due to the SSL glitch.

3. Songuard: Barry DeVorzon of Songuard (and Master Writer) wrote a note disagreeing with our assessment of his business. You may recall that Songuard will “register” your song to protect it from someone “stealing” it. However, this is not an approved method through the Copyright Office and, basically, you’ll just be throwing away $3.95. Barb called him back and they had a nice discussion about the matter. Barb agreed to revisit the matter; however, she still thinks it’s a waste of money. Barry points out that his service will be legal if something comes up and will work until a person has the $45 to legally register his/her song with the Copyright Office. (Apparently Barry’s son was “surfing” the net and found our article and called his dad’s attention to it). Barry was quite surprised that Barb called him to discuss the matter!

Barry did send a listing of many songs whose “writers” were sued for plagerizing them which Barb will publish as a segue into the Songuard matter. Barb will repost this in the Sept. 18^th newsletter due to the SSL glitch.

4. Election of Board Directors & Officers for the Year 2021: Barb noted that it is time for us to re-up the board and to ask for new members or if anyone plans to leave. Crickets! She did run an “ad” in the newsletter asking if anyone would like to join the board and, if so, that they send a note to her via e-mail.

7. Reports

1. Book, Movie, and Featured Member(s) for August 2020: None. Barb has several bios ready but needs to put them in “article” form for the newsletter. She’s working on those now.

2. August 24, 2020 General Meeting: We were going to present a Part II to the July meeting but our guest speakers had other events come up so we canceled the meeting.

3. Colorado Springs Meeting: Tabled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

4. Denver Balanced Breakfast: No local live meetings; they continue to hold Zoom meetings from San Francisco, BB headquarters, on Thursdays at noon.

5. Denver Open Media Open Music Sessions: No show in August due to them moving into the new building at 20^th and Arapahoe! They are still posting videos of previously taped bands’ performances. https://www.denveropenmedia.org/

 

6. Mental Wellness Discussion Group Meeting – Angela Whaley’s report: Nothing new to report; meetings are still being held on Monday early evenings.

Mental Wellness Meetup now meets weekly every Monday, 6-7pm via Zoom. Consider doing a Netflix Party for a COMBO music watch party? We did not discuss this tonight.

7. Women’s Groups

a. She.E.O.: No report.

b. Women Crush Music: No report.

c. Setting the Stage with Julie Gellar: Julie presented a “concert” via Zoom on Friday, September 4^th. She is still in Israel due to the coronavirus hold on travel.

G. Items for Newsletters/Announcements: Sheena posted this article directly to Facebook: Visa fees for foreign artists touring the US to increase by over 50% (See #13 under “Old Business” above). Johnnie Johnson will be holding a Zoom show on Saturday, October 10^th. It was originally scheduled at the Mercury Café; Annette’s band “Gaia Rising” will be holding a “Folk Up The Vote” event at the Mercury on Friday, October 16^th which, at this time, will be broadcast via Zoom as well.

8. Next General Meeting: Monday, September 28^th, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via ZOOM. Subject will be on how to present a “concert” via Zoom and/or Facebook.

9. Next Board Meeting: Sunday, October 4^th, 2020 | 7:00 p.m. Zoom conference.

10. Meeting Adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

/s/ Barb Dye

___________________________________

Barb Dye, Acting Secretary