We had a meeting in Neds on Tuesday night attended by 6 of the committee. Paddy and Johnny were unable to attend.
Tax Exempt Status:
The first order of business was a presentation by Ed and Ray of their findings re the tax exempt possibilities for our society. I will try to sum them up as follows:
For NGS to be a 501C 3, tax exempt charitable organization we would need to be predominantly involved in charity, so we do not qualify.
The initial reason for evaluating this was for us to get sponsors to donate each month to enable us to lower the monthly fee to around $60. We also want to donate to charity.
NGS can become a tax exempt 501C 7 which will enable us to attract sponsors. Those sponsors then write that donation off as advertising. This is totally legal! So, if you talk to a potential sponsor you can tell them that we are a tax exempt organization. We will be installing Quickbooks and will be able to provide a formal receipt. The committee authorized the spending of $1600 to cover the expense of a company to complete this task. In about 4 weeks we will have a FEIN number and a bank account in the society's name. Glenn and George will be the signatories. The whole process will take about 9 months.
We had to follow certain procedures including the creation of a Board and the Appointment of a Registered Agent. The Committee voted the board to comprise Dave Lewis, President, Johnny Shields, Secretary and Ed Skelley Treasurer and Registered Agent. Ed kindly agree to let us use his offices at the location of the Registered Agent.
The committee stays the same with the exception that the position of Finance Chair is now a two year position. Glenn kindly agreed to continue through next year. The other positions will be voted on each January at the AGM with the exception that the Vice Captain becomes the Captain the following year.
Carl is working on the sponsorship plan and will report at the next meeting.
Many thanks to Ed and Ray for their input.
Finances:
Glen produced a report for the month and for the January tournament. We made a profit of $39 from the event and have over $3000 in the bank. Both of these reports will be posted under password protection on the website each month.
Renewals are coming in slowly with about 1/2 having paid. The $45 is due by 4/30. If it is not paid you will not be able to play and the renewal will go up to $65. Please get the money to Glenn.
Tournaments:
The calendar has been sent out and is final except for the overnight trip at the end of the year. The website will have the calendar along with a link to each course including those under consideration for the overnight.
It was raised that we should have an event in February for those not going to Charleston but it was decided that the weather might be too unpredictable.
Ned's Wall:
The trophy cabinet will be up at the weekend. Stevie took the two trophies and will be getting them engraved. He is also getting the individual names engraved to complete the boards we currently have on the wall. The lighting to display these boards will also be completed this weekend.
Website:
The website is almost complete. Mark has done a great job but has been too busy to complete it so he kindly passed it on to his partner. Mike has almost completed it. The members only section is there along with the calendar, a news section and a suggestion box. It will be finished this week and I will email you all with the password.
Shirts:
Wayne has volunteered to research shirts. We need to buy shirts to give to new members and to sell to the membership. Wayne wil report at the next meeting.
Stuff:
The handicap system, the social in April, the matchplay tournament and the sponsorship plan were all deferred until the next meeting. Stay tuned.
Dave Lewis, Captian
