MEETING OF THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Date: Tuesday September 22, 2009

Time: 6:00-7:00 pm

Location: University Club of Nashville

President Elect Robert Feldman called the meeting to order at 6pm and welcomed the membership. Fifty nine members attended.

President Elect Feldman provided an update on the health of President Norman Worrell who suffered a stroke in August and asked all to sign the get well card in the lobby. Members were also invited to send their best wishes via email address to normanworrell@comcast.com.

The President Elect introduced and recognized the Board for their commitment and service. He extended special thanks to Richard Frank for his service as Treasurer and recognized Past President Bertram Chalfant in the audience. He further recognized the senior Club staff.

Treasurer Frank presented the financial report. He outlined the bottom line as “we are still here” citing many clubs that had gone out of business. Through cost cutting by senior management, the Club had less attrition of gross income. In September/October he projected a very favorable operation that was expected to continue in 2010. He stated that the Club had not cut areas that made it a pleasurable environment.

Member questions: 1). Were any employees laid off ? Response: Some staff were furloughed but that is temporary; 2). What was the year’s loss/gain? Response: Do not have final figures due to (Frank) being hospitalized in Canada and just returning home this week. Michael Bittle, Chair, finance committee, commented that the club had about $36,000 profit which was remarkable since Vanderbilt cancelled many activities last December. 3). Will membership get a more traditional financial report? Response: The financial summary will be made available to members very shortly.

Membership Chair Mimi Klein announced the Club had 865 members. She encouraged members to propose members & collect the incentive of a free dinner at a club event of their choice.

Member questions: 1). How does the current number compare to last year? Response: Last year had 889 members. Klein noted that last year’s number was misleading because the Club had cleared the membership roster of people who had not paid and participated for a long time. 2). Is specific recruiting of younger members occurring? Response: yes, the Club is making a concerted marketing effort. Board is currently discussing ways to reach out strongly to alumni of different institutions. It is starting with Vanderbilt alumni. 3). Why did the Club fail to show the recently advertised Vanderbilt/LSU televised game? Response: Had extensive talks with Comcast . Their equipment had been installed in the Club & the signal worked initially. On Saturday night, when the Club tried to access the station, they received a “no authorized signal” response & no Comcast technology person was available. Board member Tom Turk stated that the Comcast people had not imputed the proper code but Comcast has resisted taking responsibility for the error. The Board & Comcast are still in discussions. The Board has taken the following steps: The Club’s advertised televised games will be shown . No minimal number of members & guests will be required for the event to occur. President Elect Feldman and General Manager Richard Watson sent a letter to participants of the non event with a refund of food charges and a coupon for free food at the next televised game. If the situation cannot be resolved with Comcast, the Club will negotiate with DirecTV.

General Manager Watson thanked members for supporting many events such as Spanish tapas night and Govriks. He stated October would have many smaller events including Friday night catfish specials and Tuesday night $5 cheeseburgers in the grill. In November/December, the Club would host many larger events and January would have more dinner dances & special events.

Member questions: 1). Is there any member input to programs ? Response: We welcome input from members. There are a number of standing committees and there are plans to expand them to include non board members. Members are encouraged to contact the Board to identify their interests.

Bylaws Chair Hamilton Gayden presented the proposed amendments to the bylaws. Article 1:Membership and Membership Categories proposed change stated, “Application for Associate Membership will be open to individuals who have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from any accredited institution of higher learning in the world and recommended for membership by at least one members in good standing. Approval of application for Associate Membership must be recommended by the membership committee, and approved by the Board of Directors.” This category will never exceed 40% of the total membership.

Member questions: 1). What is the current percentage of associate members? Response: do not know at this time. 2) Is the price different for non Vanderbilt members? Response: no. 3). Are there reciprocal agreements with other clubs? Response: yes. There is a

list of reciprocal clubs in the lobby.

The amendment was moved, seconded, and unanimously adopted.

The other proposed amendments which changed the time of dues collection and changing membership year to coincide with the fiscal year were moved and unanimously voted to defer for one year. The Board urged deferral because the Club staff are currently being trained to utilize the new CountryClub financial accounting system.

President Elect Feldman thanked Gayden for his many hours of work on the bylaws proposal.

Past President Chalfant introduced Robert Feldman as the new Club President . After thanking the members, Feldman expressed sadness that Norman Worrell was unable to attend.

Two board nominees, Dr Ashwath Jayagopal and Michael Bittle, were announced and approved by acclimation. Nominee Kasey Dread was deferred. The two new board members stood up to be recognized.

In response to a member question, Feldman stated that any board vacancies were filled by the board. A suggestion was made to have several candidates for each slot in the future and have an election. Feldman reiterated that the Board was interested in broader input from members and encouraged people to volunteer.

President Feldman outlined his plan for the 2009-2010 year. The top priority will be to broaden the membership. He cited the benefits of membership as the fee being low, the excellent quality of food, and outstanding special events such as Govrik’s. He pledged that the Board would continue to monitor finances carefully. The Countryclub accounting system will enable closer monitoring by having only one internal computing system. He invited members to come to the uniquely well done club programs and enjoy the bargain priced evening lounge menu and specials.

President Feldman cited the need to reconfigure the bar area to meet needs of the younger members who enjoy beer bars. He pledged that all televised Vanderbilt games would be open with no minimum number of participants required. He stated that the Board wanted as many events as possible and wanted people to feel able to afford to come.

President Feldman introduced the upcoming Executive Board: Betsy Hay, President Elect, Richard Frank, Treasurer, and Tom Turk, Secretary.

The members were thanked for coming and a moment of silence was observed in memory of Chancellor Alexander Heard and Dr Roger Des Prez. The Club table in the dining room will be renamed in memory of Chancellor Heard.

The meeting adjourned at 7pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Betsy Kerr Hay, Secretary