The quarterly general business meeting of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on March 18, 2013 at 7:21 PM.

23 members were present.

The reading of the December meeting minutes was waived.

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  Welcome

• President Frankenfeld (Paul) welcomed the members and introduced Board Officers and Trustees that were present.

II.  Constitution

• Paul provided background information on the process of the constitution revisions. Three years ago a committee was established to begin the revision.  The Board has completed their revisions.  In accordance with the current constitution the revised constitution must be sent to the general membership for approval.  To pass the revisions a quorum of 30 members would be required for a vote.  The new constitution would then be sent to the IEB for final approval.
• Discussion included questions from members Michael Meloy and Brian Deyo, who asked if we could receive a waiver from the IEB and do the voting through the mail.  Since the revised constitution can be found on the membership side of the website a hard copy could be provided to anyone who does not have an email address or those requesting a hard copy.  This would keep the cost down for printing and mailing.  Pat Nott pointed out that if the IRS can accept electronic submissions and electronic signatures that voting this way would make sense.  Paul explained that it was a Department of Labor issue that requires the in-person aspect but he was willing to seek a waiver from the IEB.  Dave Haldeman asked who does the audit for the organization.  Paul answered that John Layne is the current auditor.  Barb Lambert added that John Layne has requested we consider hiring a back up for Rhonda.

III. Convention

• Paul reminded the members that the AFM convention would take place in July in Las Vegas.  Paul Frankenfeld (President), Carol Dunevant (Secretary), and Rebecca Andres (elected delegate) will be attending.  Barb Lambert will be attending as an observer.
• The AFM is struggling with membership and is examining ways of increasing relevance. There has been a definite decline in the recording industry and smaller numbers of new members.  In addition it is consolidating smaller locals with larger ones.  Local 1 has absorbed Portsmouth and Hamilton as a result of consolidation done by the national office.

IV.  National and Local news

• San Francisco is on strike and both Minnesota and the St. Paul groups are locked out.  The CSO is working hard to have interaction between players and Board members to increase personal connections.
• Opportunities for freelance players are slim and in decline.  This is due to the increase of DJs and increase in electronics.
• Paul provided an update on the Horseshoe Casino and his hopes that it will increase opportunities for freelance musicians in the area.
• There are lobbying efforts going on in Washington that focus on radio rights.  It would affect large companies and not the smaller, non-profit stations.

OPEN DISCUSSION:

1. A heartfelt thank you was given that Local #1 was able to absorb the Hamilton Local.

Meeting adjourned at 8:23PM.