----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Phillips, 2007 FSA President
To: Jerry Jacobs, FSA Secretary/Treasurer
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 5:35 AM
Subject: revised Meeting Minutes- Fall 2006Minutes of the Mid-Winter meeting of the FSA, Sept. 25, 2006
Ill. Sir Ed Phillips, P.P. and President of the FSA opened the meeting with greetings and salutations to all. Introductions proceeded.
Invocation was given by Rev. Don Collins of Sahib Temple.
Colors were posted by the Sahib Legion of Honor.
The Director General was excused as he was in the hospital with his wife who is ill.
President Phillips continued his remarks by outlining the many trials and tribulations that we have faced this past year.
Pres. Phillips stated that the recent change in By-Laws requires each Unit Assn. to have two representatives at each meeting of the FSA. The delegates will have full voting rights in all FSA matters.
Pres. Phillips requests input from all members indicating their suggestion for improvements in the way we operate today and our direction for tomorrow.
Pres. Phillips advised that we must have a deposit on the rooms at the time a reservation is made. FSA cannot reserve a room without the deposit.
Ill. Sir Homer Cranmer, Potentate of Sahib Temple gave an inspiring greeting and welcome to all. He stated that if we needed anything, all we had to do was to let him know and he would have it taken care of.
Pres. Phillips introduced Imperial Sir, Jack Jones, Imperial Recorder, Imperial Sir, Chris Smith, Imperial Outer Guard, and Ill, Sir Gary Bergenske, P. P. Candidate for Outer Guard.
The meeting was opened for Business and Pres. Phillips stated that the most important project during the current year will be to become an active and exciting organization. With the help of all Nobles this can be accomplished.
Pres. Phillips then introduced Dr. Jerome F. (Jerry) Jacobs.
The acting Sec. Treasurer then took roll call and determined that there were sufficient members in attendance to conduct business.
Pres. Phillips stated that the By-Laws change requires 2 voting members from each Unit Association at all future FSA meetings.
Pres. Phillips then introduced Chief Rabban of Sahib Temple Dale LaBell, he stated that he is impressed with the turnout and foresees a good annual meeting.
Ill. Sir, Joe Hill, P.P. and 3rd V.P. of FSA reported on the progress of our meeting in Jacksonville for 2010. He assures us that all is in order and coming along nicely.
Ill. Sir, Stan Mykytka, Potentate of Mahi’s report was given by Jerry Jacobs. Stan has met with several hotels down in the Keys trying to arrange for our meeting but so far he has not been able to find something affordable. He is concerned about trying to find something affordable and he is also concerned about the distance from the various Temples to the Keys. He is waiting to hear from additional Hotels in the Keys and if nothing materializes, he will have to look elsewhere, i.e. the Ft. Lauderdale area. Stan invites all to attend his Potentates Ball.
1st Vice Pres. Doug Tomlinson talked about our meeting in 2008 in Orlando at the Sheraton Hotel, there will be plenty of rooms available for this meeting.
Unfinished Business was called for but there was none.
New Business: By-Law Change was presented stating that the Sec. Treasurer need not be a Past Potentate, discussion ensued and a vote was called for, the results were unanimously in favor of the amendment.
Dr. Jacobs was then nominated for the position of Sec. Treasurer with no opposition and was unanimously approved. Imperial Sir Jack Jones then did the installation of Dr. Jacobs for the office of Sec. Treasurer.
It was then reported that March 31st, 2007 would be State of Florida’s SHRINE DAY.
Marzuq would be the host Temple for this event in Tallahassee; all Shiners are invited to attend. It is suggested that you arrive on the 28th and participate in the parade called, “Spring Time In Tallahassee”, Marzuq will have its Potentate’s Ball that weekend as well.
President Phillips then asked for a discussion of what is right and or wrong with FSA. A very interesting discussion followed with many good ideas for improving FSA.
Gary, our Web Master asked that we all become members of Yahoo and register and use our web site. All information will be posted on the Web site by the various units and FSA for our annual meeting etc.
Discourage putting two conventions together in the future as it was in 2006 i. e. the Imperial and the FSA. President Phillips agreed.
FSA is about the Units and we should get away from the emphasis of FSA Past President and Officers.
Imp. Sir Jack Jones agreed that it was not a good idea to have FSA and Imperial at the same time. He also stated that there was a need to have an Association Officers Seminar and that it will be initiated in 2007. This was approved by the Imperial Divan and this seminar would have as its objective to exchange ideas and to try to determine what the Organizations do well with their meetings, such as Winter Business meeting and Summer meetings with competitions. It is important that the entire Divan of the competing Units be present at the competitions so as to generate a feeling of pride. It is suggested that at least 2-3 officers of each association attend this seminar. Imp. Sir also stated that the best use of the office of Sec/Treasurer is if it is a permanent nature, not just a one year Sec. Treasurer. The Seminar will be held at the OG/AR seminar but at the Imperial Headquarters.
The President of the Motor Corp. discussed needs of the Motor Corp and was quite positive of the FSA and its future, he was pleased that he was asked for his remarks.
Dale LaBell stressed the importance of being at the competitions. Further discussion i. e. Breakfast at 7 a. m. is too early. All Temples must go through housing Chairman and not directly to the Hotel.
Question: are we permitted to have a cooperate sponsor in a parade. Answer: In a Civic parade there can be other interests but in a Shrine parade there can only be Shrine members.
A suggestion was made that we have one banquet for all units at the same time. Another idea was that there be several hospitality suites.
Break for lunch.
Ill. Sir Gary Bergenske, P. P., candidate for Imperial Outer Guard was introduced for his presentation. Gary was the innovator of the Fez Head Fred costume which has been so popular in parades, etc. Leadership development is one of the most important
priorities. We must maintain our Masonic relations. We have to strive for membership growth. Strive to turn negatives into positives.
Imperial Sir Jack Jones was then called upon to discuss Membership. Noble Steve Masey was there to aid in his presentation. Jack emphasized that we have had a tremendous loss of membership throughout North America. In fact if has been the largest loss since the Great Depression. It is still true and we have to emphasize the fact that “Keep them happy and they will stay”. We need new programs to keep everyone happy. We have to promote relationships with the Masonic family.
Jack reported on the 2005 Membership Hall of Fame, 14 Temples had an increase in Membership. Mahi was the only one in Florida to achieve that distinction. Ill. Sir Ed Light, P. P. led the way in 2005.
Jack announced that Temples can borrow Fez Head Fred, just contact the Imperial Office and make a reservation.
There are other materials that be ordered from Imperial i. e. personal letters from the Imperial Potentate to be sent to those who are about to be suspended.
A new membership video is available from Imperial. It starts with Masons at the George Washington Memorial Shrine exhibit. A copy will be sent to all Shrine Temples.
Membership Seminar will be 12-14 of Feb. Scottish Rite, York Rite and Grand Lodge members will be invited.
Chief Rabban , Dell LaBell talked about membership retention, he also talked about the Shrine Savers website, which is available on the Imperial Web site. Trucks, Motor Homes discounted, also Dell computers, Hotels, Rx drugs etc are examples of items available at a discount for all Shriners.
Pres. Ed Philips requested active participation of elected Divan’s and unit leaders Presidents and Secretaries as all are voting delegates at all FSA meetings.
Retention was continued by Chief Rabban of Sahib who suggested that a retention committee be set up to call those who haven’t renewed their membership.
Jerry Jacobs discussed Mahi’s approach under Ill. Sir Ed Light. Go to the various Blue Lodges and socialize with the members. Participate with the Scottish Rite and put on an initiation after the Scottish Rite induction. Have a sit down steak dinner for the candidates as well.
Bahia presented their unique method of retaining the new inductees, i.e. The have a unit called the Sheiks which each neophyte to their Temple is made of a member of, it is important to give the new inductees something to do. Take the new Nobles to the Hospital so that they can see what we do. Invite their families to go along.
Virtual Tour of our Hospitals will be coming out soon from Imperial.
Another way of promoting the members to pay their dues in a timely basis was presented by another Temple who put up a “Hall of Shame” naming those who have not paid their dues. Peer pressure works. Consideration is always in order for those with financial or other hardship situations and who are unable to pay their dues.
Egypt suggested that they have success with this approach, I .E. here is your dues card for present year fee if you promise to pay in the future.
President Ed Phillips then called us back into session and Imp. Sir Jack Jones made a presentation on our up-coming Imperial Session in Anaheim California. The Headquarters Hotel is the Anaheim Hilton, which is within walking distance of the expo center. Registration starts Sat. June 30th. The parade will be 7/3. Monday Imperial Session will be at 8:30 a.m. There will be a special evening with Disney.
Noble Mort Steiger, our Housing Chairman gave us a report on the FSA upcoming Annual meeting at the Hyatt Hotel, Sarasota, Contact Mort for your reservations. Mort went over the registration form.
Imp. Sir Chris Smith spoke on the EAST-West Shrine game in Texas, Jan. 20.
Candidate Ill. Sir Gary Bergenske, P.P. spoke on his candidacy for Imperial Outer Guard.
Pres. Phillips adjourned the meeting.