Buffalo Niagara Leadership Committee Meeting

July 8, 2008, 6:00 p.m. in Lyons Hall 203

Members present: Nick Fiume (President), Celeste Scarrozza (VP), Mark Manuele (Secretary), Rachel Voerg (Ast. Director Alumni Relations), Lisa Pollak, Maria Frisina, Todd Salansky, Jennifer Farrell, Tracey Marchant

Points Discussed:

1)      Nick opened the meeting with the announcement that Mark Manuele has been elected to the Alumni Association Board of Directors, leaving open the position of Secretary.

2)      Elections were held and Lisa Pollak was elected to the position of Secretary and accepted the position.  Lisa will begin her new duties at the next meeting.

3)      Nick discussed Chapter growth and planning and encouraged current members to personally recruiting a new member to the committee.

4)      Nick reviewed past events.  The Ride for Roswell on 6/28/08: 13 people rode and over $6000 was raised.  This is an increase in both the participants and the funds raised.  The Spring Happy Hour at Soho on 5/2/08 is an event that continues to go well although the attendance was slightly down from last year, it was still well attended.  Approximately 90 people attended and it was well received.  The Alumni Tent Party on 6/6/08 had approximately 600 people attend, which is comparable to last year.  The revised Hawaiian theme was well received.  Some concerns were raised with the $35 price.

5)      Future events: Buffalo Bisons Game 7/11/08, only 35 people are registered but more are expected.  The past several years this event has been very well attended nearly selling out.  Several Committee members stated that they were planning on attending.  The Wine Tour – no date scheduled, Maria has attended this bi-annual event several times in the past and offered to provide the Alumni Office with planning assistance.  Bills Training Camp – 8/19/08 – A motor coach bus will leave at 4:00PM.  Events at St. John Fisher College will be from 7 – 9 PM.  The cost will be $45 or without transportation the cost is $25.  Last year this event sold out and was very well received.  Treasures of the Vatican – 8/27/08 – Cleveland, OH, the Alumni office will be sending an e-mail with details.  Soho Fall Happy Hour – 9/19 was a possible date, Rachel will follow up to see if that date is available at Soho.  Alumni Christmas Party – 12/10 possible date at the Saturn Club.  Details are still being worked out.  Holiday Valley Ski Trip a possible date of 2/28/09.  Last year 120 people attended and a lot of positive feedback was received.  Rachel will contact Holiday Valley to see what accommodations can be procured.  Suggestions were to have a dedicated space, heaters, inside vs outside.  Having the Committee (Nick) grill vs catered.  A point was made that having the committee set up the food adds a personal touch to the event. 

6)      Nick continued the discussion about the Chapters involvement with the basketball program from an e-mail discussion.  This discussion will continue at future meetings on how to increase attendance and what events the Chapter could sponsor to help facilitate more Alumni and the general community of all ages attending basketball games.

7)      Maria suggested adding a dinner / Shea’s Alumni event.  This will be discussed further once the production calendar is out for the next season.

8)      The next meeting will be a strategic planning meeting, food will be served as this may run longer than usual.

9)      Next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 8/12/08 at 6:00 p.m. in Lyons Hall 203.