Combined Board and Business Meeting for May
Agenda for Board Meeting May 1, 2021
Gulf Coast Stamp Club
Called to order at 1:42 pm by President Rob O’Dell Board members attending 5 with 4 other Club members attending. Quorum requirement met and meeting is Official (See Attachment 1 – list of attendees)
Old Business:
1 Report on availability of Library Meeting Room – Bob
As of the end of April, the library is open but the Library Meeting room is still closed for an undetermined time. Tabled until change in Library Status
2 Contact organizers of Cruising the Coast to see if our October show can be added to their calendar of events - Rob
Numerous calls have been made but not returned. There is no way to contact the organization via their website. Closed
3 Question on Club Library
After discussion a suggeston was made that Club Liberian Gordon Nelms will review and research the books (not the Scott’s Catalogs) and price them so they can be put on Club table for sale at the next show (October 1 & 2, 2021). With further discussion it was decided that Club members should review the list of books (it is on Club website) and determine if there are any they want the library to keep. Discussion to continue next meeting. Open
New Business Items
Fred Brafford’s Gift to the Club (not to be sold)- Bob
Long time GULFPEX dealer Fred Brafford donated a container full of packets of stamps hinges to the Club with the provision that they are not to be sold. Members were encouraged to take a packet. The extra packets will be used to give to new members and kids.
Date for GULFPEX 2022
Available dates (Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
After reviewing the available dates, the Board decided on April 1 & 2, 2022 (Friday and Saturday) for the show with March 31, 2022 (Thursday) for set up. Bob Marousky will confirm dates are available and make the reservation.(Note: on May 3rd a $375 deposit was paid to reserve the Community Center)
GULFPEX 2021 Report
Dealers – Rob
The feedback from dealers has been good. One dealer sent a very nice email expressing how much he enjoyed the show and plans to be back.
Registration – Gordon
54 individuals signed in at the Registration table. That number does not include most Club members or dealers. There were individuals that might not have signed in or with a collector who did sign in. The most effective methods of Contact were mailed postcard (11) and referral by club member (6). Least effective were the APS and Coastal Mississippi magazine with 1 each. (See Attachment 2 GULFPEX 2021 Spring Show Attendees)
Facility – Bob
A summary of the written facility’s report was presented by Bob Marousky. (See Attachment 3 – Facility’s Report for GULFPEX 2021).
Set Up, Tearing Down, and Cleaning Contract – Bob
The frames were moved safely using Steve Hanshaw’s trailer. He was also the individual who did the setup, tear down and cleaning. St. Martin Community Center manager, Sandra Seymour inspected the cleaning and found it satisfactory. The $200.00 deposit was returned via a voiding of the personal (Bob Marousky) check that was used for deposit.
Covid Protocols – Tom
A written report on the success of the Covid Protocols was submitted by Tom Adams. Included in the report is a list of his expenses. (See Attachment 4 – Covid 19 Measures at GULFPEX 2021)
Hospitality – Cathy
Cathy Marousky gave a summary of what she did to provide hospitality for dealers and Club members. The Club provided donuts, coffee and some snacks. For lunch on both days she took orders and picked up the food at Fayard’s on Washington Ave. Discussion was held whether we want to go back to providing the components for sandwiches at the October show. When individuals are provided the supplies to make their own sandwiches, it is easier and can be done at each ones convenience. How we proceed for the October show depends somewhat on the covid protocols in place at that time.
Exhibits – Tom
A written report from Tom Adams was summarized. The exhibits were great, the quality of the exhibits at the show has improved every year. Our judge, Jay Stotts was not only a good judge, he was an excellent teacher. On Saturday he gave a seminar to members who wanted to learn more about exhibiting. Ray Cartier from Houston with his Apollo 13 exhibit won the best of show and was presented with the silver Apollo 13 medallion. (See Attachment 5 – GULFPEX 2021 Exhibition Committee Report)
Silent Auction – Dr. John –
Dr. Barrett gave a summary of the Silent Auction. We were blessed with a large donation which helped make the Silent Auction a financial success. Depending on what donations we received from public and members, we should consider holding this event again at the October show. Left over items were on display in the dining area of Mercy Housing where members attending the meeting could bid on them. Any items left might be donated to schools.
Club Sales
Gordon Nelms, who manned the registration table most of the show, reported that there were no recorded Club member sales. The Club did sell its older Scott Catalogs for reasonable prices. The Club members’ sales area was lacking for space with Karen Cartier using part of a table for the sale of her books. For the October show we need to have more space for Club members to display their items. A way to better account for Club members sales needs to be developed
Finances – Mike
Treasurer Mike Kayes reported the show was a financial success. The silent auction and raffle were among the best revenue streams. (See Attachment 6 – Gulf Coast Stamp Club Monthly Financial Report for May 1st 2021)
Security Overnight
Bob Marousky reported that the side doors were chain locked on Friday night. It was difficult to use the chain with the padlock. Using the bicycle lock with the chains was easier. A recommendation to buy an addition bicycle lock was made by Dr. Marousky. Rob O’Dell called the Jackson County Sheriff’s department requesting additional surveillance of the Community Center on their patrols.
Raffle
The raffle was a big financial success due to the desirable item being raffled. Everyone seemed to like the Apollo 13 plaque, especially with it being signed by Fred Haise who was on that mission. Special thanks to Dr. John Barrett who purchased the plaque, had it signed by Fred Haise and then framed. See Attachment 6 – Gulf Coast Stamp Club Monthly Financial Report for May 1st 2021 for details.
Show Cachet and Cancel - Mike
Since we didn’t have the post office support, an envelope with a cachet and the show cancel for our canceled April 2020 show was printed. These were given out for free with the welcome packages.
Publicity Effectiveness of:
Community Center Sign – only one person mentioned the Community Center sign as the way they knew about the show. Other years this was a successful means of drawing attendance. What may have been part of the problem was the closing of the Washington, Street Fort Bayou bridge in Ocean Springs. Many individuals who would normally drive past the sign were taking different routes to and from work. Special thanks to Sandra Seymour, Community Center coordinator, for getting the sign up early.
Mailing – This year we purchased a list of APS members within reasonable driving distance to the show. Using the addresses from this list to mail postcard notices was one of the most effective strategies in getting attendance.
Show Posters – No one indicated they came to the show because of seeing one of our show posters.
WLOX – This year they were not doing in studio/on air interviews due to the Covid 19 protocols. They were scheduled to come to the show at 1:30 pm on Friday so the interview could be shown on Friday evening’s news. Sadly they were not able to come on Friday due to breaking news stories (local flooding due to heavy rains) that needed to be covered. A reporter with camera did come to the show on Saturday afternoon and interviewed Club President Rob O’Dell.
Linn’s Ad – Only one person mentioned seeing the show information in Linns
Signs – Rob O’Dell modified the large sign we normally place at the intersection of Washington St and LeMoyne Blvd. Unfortunately the flooding from heavy rains washed the sign away. It was not recovered.
Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce – Only 1 person mentioned seeing information on the show in Coastal Magazine. (For a complete breakdown of information See Attachment 2 – GULFPEX 2021 Spring Show Attendees).
Both the Huntsville Stamp Club and the Memphis Stamp Club gave us excellent publicity. We did have one individual from the Huntsville Stamp Club attend the show. Special thanks to Rod Henderson who provided information and reported on our show in their newsletter. (See Attachment 7 – Page from Huntsville Stamp Club Newsletter)
Childrens table – Felix
Felix Luis Perez-Fouch had an excellent display of topical material selected to attract young individuals’ interests. He also had many give away items for young visitors. There were only three young men with their teacher who attended the show.
Taking exhibit judge out to eat Friday
Friday night Tom Adams, his wife and a other members of our Club took show judge Jay Stotts and his wife out to eat. Club paid Tom for the Judge and his wife’s meal.
Other GULFPEX 2021 Items?
None
Open for other New Items
Allow time at the Business Meeting for members to talk about the show.
This was covered by discussion during the meeting.
Club Elections – They should have be held this month. We deferred them until after April show.
Deferred due to time constraints.
Because of the extra time the Board Meeting took and having the same members present for the Business Meeting, the Board voted to make the Business Meeting a continuation of the Board Meeting.
Attendance – See Attachment one.
Approval of April 2021 minutes for Business meeting.
Motion made and carried to accept the Minutes as read.
Treasurer’s Report
A complete breakdown of club finances was reported by Treasurer Mike Kayes. A motion to accept his report as read was made and carried. See Attachment 6 – Gulf Coast Stamp Club Monthly Financial Report for May 1st 2021 and Attachment 8 Gulf Coast Stamp Club Treasurers Report FY2021.
GULFPEX 2021 - Rob
Summary of show
Chance to give members input about show and what they learned at the show
Standard Agenda Items
Website Update– Gordon
May site is now up for members to view. Webmaster Gordon Nelms noted some good ideas for the website from the discussion in the Board Meeting. He also needs some new contributions for the Dollar Box webpage.
Circuit Update– Bob
Sales in the April circuit were down a little. The May circuit is doing much better. Circuit Manager Bob Marousky reported that he has been asked to add 3 new categories to the circuit.
Southeastern Federation Update– Gordon
The only activity from the Federation is publicity for their January 2022 show in Atlanta. A comment was made that maybe we could rent a bus or van to take members to the show. Individuals would be responsible for the cost of their hotel/motel and food. The Club would cover the cost of renting a vehicle. After discussion it was decided to examine this idea further.
Old Business
None
New Business
Members were asked to start thinking of a theme for GULFPEX 2022.
Members were also reminded to look over the list of books in the Club library (listed on Club website) so a decision can be made concerning the material. The Scott Catalogs are not included as part of this discussion.
Announcements
None
Volunteer for June Educational Program
Felix will present the program originally scheduled for this month.
Show and Tell by Members
Eric White brought in notebook that contained several interesting items. One was a book about the first rocket airmail between USA and Mexico. The book also contained two miniature sheets of rocket stamps.
Gordon Nelms showed an album of British material from Stampless to Victorian to semi modern items. It contained covers, stamps, wax seals and much more.
Bob Marousky showed a notebook in which he had several unusual covers purchased at the show. Of special interest was one with a label that went through the mail and a cover with a penny attached for part of the postage. There was a cancel mark that could be seen on the penny.
Cathy Marousky show her “Dressed Chicken” postcards found at the show. They are postcards showing baby chicks (or peeps) wearing articles of clothing. She also showed some 1908 Leap Year postcards.
Mike Kayes showed two signed Canadian covers from the Olympics held there. He was able to trace the signature to the person who organized the event they celebrated.
Dr. John Barrett showed an example of Civil Censored mail from Germany to Switzerland.
Adjournment
Meeting Adjourned at 2:48 pm.
Educational Presentation
Rob O’Dell “Collecting Quality - Cherry Picking on a Budget"
Rob began his talk reviewing with members what makes a stamp a “gem”. He then talked about going through dealers stock to find the best example of stamps you can find. Another good place to find gem stamps is in dealers sales from their store on Hipstamps. The presentation was ended by him showing stamps he had just purchased from a Hipstamp dealer’s stock. Stamps were gems that he purchased for a fraction of catalog value. This is a way to make your collection more valuable with “Cherry Picking”.
Robert T. Marousky (official copy signed)
Robert T. Marousky
Secretary Gulf Coast Stamp Club
Attachment 1 List of Attendees
President Rob O’Dell
Vice President Dr. John Barrett
Secretary Bob Marousky
Treasurer Mike Kayes
Board Member Gordon Nelms
Member Cathy Marousky
Member Tim Simmons
Member Eric White
Member Mary Ann Graczyk
Attachment 2 GULFPEX 2021 Spring Show Attendees
Attachment 3 – Facilities Report for GULFPEX 2021
Facilities Report for GULFPEX 2021
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