Call to Order -Brad Eike

Lane called the meeting to order at 7:01pm and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Brad was absent, so Lane was filling in as President for the Meeting.

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Andy called the roll. There were 7 directors, and 27 members and guests present.

Secretary's Report -Charlie Kestel

Andy asked if everyone had received their minutes, and if there were any additions or corrections. He filled in as Secretary while Charlie and Jeannie were out sick. There were several copies available. Jack made a motion to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Jay and passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported income of $3374.70. A generous donation amounted to $3000, dues brought in $175,and the Flea Market brought $320. Our expenses amounted to $2499.02. We paid $110 for advertising, $120.30 for the Pedal Tractor umbrella’s, club expense of $2389.02, which included $300 to Ken Goodwin for renewing our 501C3 filing, $125 to Manhattan Chamber of Commerce for our membership renewal, Lane $100 & Brad $180 for Club lunch at Symerton Tap after the Local 150 Training center tour, and paid Jess Crane $1684.02 for advertising and website work. This leaves an overall total of $875.68. A motion was made by Russ Jacobs to accept the report as presented. It was seconded by Jack Toepper and was passed by all present.

Old Business

Lane reported the trip to the 150 ASIP Training center was a success with a good lunch at the Symerton tap after, and the tour got new members and old membership renewals for the club. After the tour, many members went with John Kestel to the Abraham Lincoln cemetery. Thank you to Jack, Lane, John, Jim, & Andy.
Peotone FFA Auction went well, we donated two Minneapolis Moline toys. We sold 114 IH Raffle tickets and 114 Minneapolis tickets. Thank you to Russ & Craig.
Fred and Brad went to national MM Winter convention in davenport. They talked up our show and handed out fliers. Also, the show chairman said he would hand out our fliers at their Banquet. Fred added that it was a small show.
The Manhattan Irish Parade went well, and we were recognized by many of the parade goers. Great Job to Bob, Bev, & Jeannie for building and decorating the float. Thank You to Henry & his Wife for furnishing kids to ride on the pedal tractors. Thank You to Alan, Bob, Bev, Jeannie, Ron, Russ, Jay, Lane, Henry, Brian, & Andy for passing out fliers and Candy.
At Serena FFA Toy Show we sold 135 IH Tickets & 170 MM Tickets. Thank You to Lane, Fred, Russ, & Andy for helping Brad.
Dralle Ford is still interested in having a member display a Ford Tractor from Mr. Heinz to advertise our organization and show. Pearl Dodge is interested as well. May 1 is the target date to get tractors set out.
Lane reminded everyone that the show is only 3.5 months away.
July 2nd is the Manhattan 4th of July Parade, we want to have the Cook & Fairbanks engines there. John Kestel added that the Vietnam Memorial wall will visit Abraham Lincoln Cemetery from June 30th - July 3rd for viewing after the parade.

New Business

The Sublette toy show is March 18 & 19 and anybody looking to help should call Brad or show up at our table in the main building to help. Saturday more help is needed than Sunday.
Seneca FFA Toy Show is March 26 and Brad will need help at this show as well.
Brian & Colleen Kestel are still looking for pictures to use in our club calendar to sell at the show. Please send photos to CKestel@systemicwell.com. At least 10 more submissions are needed. An email blast and social media post looking for pictures will be sent out. It is estimated that they will cost $6-8 each.
Many Show items are in need of repair; the Avery threshing machine needs a new wrapper on the fan housing; Electrical panels need covers; & the office trailer is in need of some new tires and floor repairs. We are looking for new volunteers and not just the usual crew. Please call Lane if you would like to volunteer.
Brian spoke to 98.3 WCCQ about a live broadcast from the show and advertising. It was not cheap but included lots of exposure. The cost and broadcast would be rain or shine, and we are not sure if the price is worth the risk if we get rained out again. We did not see the full effects of last year’s advertising and there are concerns that the showgrounds may not be able to accommodate a larger crowd.

Open Discussion

Brain asked how we look for donations for this year. Last year the Tractor Pull was sponsored by Ozinga, do they and other sponsors plan to donate again? Brad & Terry have the sponsor lists from 2022. It was suggested that a sponsorship committee should be formed. Brain volunteered to be on it, Brad and Terry were absent but it was suggested that they may be interested in being on the committee.
Jess reported that the website was switched over to focus on the show and that the photo gallery was updated.
Maps for the Tractor Drive were printed and shown. The Drive starts at the Local 150 ASIP Center in Wilmington, where a group tour was just held. It is a scenic route, we are still working on confirmation on the stops. A Signup sheet will be coming, possibly next month. A price has not been set yet, although it was suggested that the price last year ($75/ tractor) was too high. We want to keep up our donation to the Sheriff’s Auxiliary, as the ride would not be possible without them.
We have been trying to sell two of the toys Mr. Quigley donated to raise funds for the club.
Mr. Stagmeister suggested that we should donate a few trees to Steve and Cindy Spiess for hosting us in what will become their front yard. Dave Karl believes he knows where we may get some trees if the Spiess’ are interested.
Fred received an email from the Wilmington Lions Club, they will be hosting a Wizard of Oz themed fest on October 15. They wanted the names of our Food Vendors and would like to see some engines and tractors at the event. She has been invited to the April Meeting to present.
The show directory had a mistake with our artwork, we will be contacting them about a price adjustment for next year.

Adjournment

Alan and John made a motioned to adjourn the meeting. It was passed by all present.

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