Metro Atlanta Association of Grant Professionals

Meeting Minutes from August 28, 2007 (approved September 25, 2007)

Present: Paula Swartzberg, David Bridges, Amanda Day, Michael Surma, Danny Blitch, Mac Sudduth, Cathy brown, Michelle Epstein, Patricia Duboise, Jessica Pater, Tanikia Jackson, Sonja Fillingame, Jo-ann Lawrence, Teresa Crosby, Nell Patterson, Deborah Smith, Annette VanDevere, Victoria Gunther, Nancy Smallwood 

Next meeting:   September 25, 2007; 10:00, GTRI

I.  Old Business

1. The minutes from the July meeting were discussed; discrepancies were highlighted to be corrected by the September meeting.

II. New Business

1. Welcome new members/guests:  Deborah Smith, Annette VanDevere, Victoria Gunther, and Nancy Smallwood!
2. David gave us a status report about what was happening with the National Office, certification testing was discussed, and he brought everyone AAGP goodies.
3. MAAGP Member of the Month
1. A new distinction that Amanda came up with to be given to a member each month for their contributions to the group or to the discipline.  The recipient this month:  Jessica Pater
4. The Conference and the Certification Test were discussed at length.  It is still not too late to sign up for either. 
1. The conference is being held in Washington D.C. November 7-10.
2. Last day for cheaper rate is August 31^st.

            i.      Before August 31^st:  Members - $425 Non-Members -$525                               

            ii.      Regular Registration:  Members - $500 Non-Members -$600                

                               iii.      Register after 10/5:  Members - $600  Non-Members - $700

1. Credential test date is around the same time. 

1. Logo Issue
1. Amanda informed us that our logo we use on the website is in violation of the National Office.
2. We have to use the AAGP logo, which is almost exactly like our logo.  But how are we going to signify Metro Atlanta?
3. Jessica was going to check into Creative Commons and ask a co-worker if they could look at the logo for us.
4. Others in the group were going to do the same.
2. Sub-Committee Reports
1. All committees were asked to denote a chair by the September meeting

 Programming:                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

 i.              Amanda spoke to this because no one from the committee was present.  We discussed the Congressman Gingrey Grants Supermarket and ideas about topics that our members might like to have guest speakers speak to.

1. Professional Development

1. Membership Growth

i.      Foundation Center connection (letter/flyer that they might distribute to patrons)                          

ii.      State agency growth of membership         

 iii.      Letter to superintendent              

iv.      Letter/Flyers for training sessions

1. Website/Funding

i.      Danny walked us through the functionality of the website 

ii.      All approved minutes are available online                                               

 iii.      Presentations of members available through the website

1. AAGP is moving to a new website
1. We have a couple of options

i.      We can be hosted through them for free (need to check with Sandy about the cost for GPB hosting our site)                                                                                                           

ii.      We can maintain our site through GPB, but have a link on the AAGP website (CONCENSUS AT THE MEETING SHOWED PRELIMINARY SUPPORT FOR THIS OPTION)  

 iii.      Have no affiliation with the National website

1. Danny alerted us to a consumer alert, National Grants Conferences scam
2. Parking at Meetings
1. The parking is changing!  GTRI has been in negotiations with the GT Parking office and have worked out a compromise.  As more information is obtained, Jessica will report back.  Parking should be free for meetings from here on out, or at least only $1 instead of $5.
3. Meeting adjourned.
4. Meeting minutes prepared by Jessica Pater, MAAGP Secretary.