Sunday, December 12, 2010

ISA NOVEMBER MINUTES




Date: 21 November 2010

The meeting began with prayer by the Treasurer Crystal Johnson.    There were a total of 14 callers who participated on the call.  A total of 90 minutes were recorded for review. Members are encouraged to call in each week to take care of the business of the ISA in an efficient manner.

Roll call produced the following member activity.

Members present:
1.      Timothy D. Wilson, President – Washington DC **
2.      Anissa L. Guyton, Vice-President of Membership – Romulus, MI **
3.      Crystal Johnson, Treasurer - Virginia Beach, VA **
4.      Mary Laidler, Secretary, Atlanta GA (Chicago IL) **
5.      Zakeeyaw Toney, Vice President of Public Relations - Las Vegas, NV (Chicago, IL) **
6.      Andrew W. Smith, Sergeant of Arms - Miramar, FL (Chicago IL) **
7.      Buford Collins (Education and Training) - Ferndale, MI *
8.      Donna Crite (Education and Training) - Odenton, MI
9.      Deborah Hunt (Business Development) -  Virginia Beach, VA
10.  Seanta McClendon (Scholarships and Awards) - Melbourne, Florida **
11.  LC Henderson (Education and Training) -  Chicago, IL
12.  Victor James, Sr.  – Indianapolis, IN

Members absent:
1. Bonita Williams (Education and Training) – Detroit MI **
2. Sarah Teagle – Atlanta, GA **
3. Samuel Parker – Los Angeles, California 
4. Tracey Sisco - Boston, MA *
5. Demaris Wooten, Upper Marlboro, MD **
6. Anthony Dunn - Olney, MD (Chicago, IL) **
7. Darryl Wilder - Miramar, FL **
8. Jim Berry – Miami, FL (Chicago, IL)
9. Pamela Dunn – Olney, MD (Chicago, IL)
10.  Patricia Alexander - Detroit, MI *
11.  Oswald Cooper – New Orleans, LA

Guest callers:

1.      Nicola Thompson – St. Louis, MO

* Charter Member
** Life Member

Officers Report:

Treasurer’s report (pre-written):

Operating Fund Balance:  $422.89*
Scholarship Fund Balance:  $485.00

The Treasurer submitted $300.00 to the IRS for the ISA non-profit application for 501(c)3 exemption.  The remaining balance is $122.89.

ACTION:  Treasurer

Membership report: Sis Anissa Guyton conducted roll call and acknowledged ISA members on the phone call.  The ISA had a quorum in an effort to conduct ISA business.  Members are encouraged to join or volunteer to participate in a committee.

Membership fees to the ISA are as follows:

General membership:  $50
Lifetime membership: $300

Mail payment:

International Steppers Association
404 Investors Place, Suite 106
Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1171

Or

Paypal is www.paypal.com send payment to email isa.treasurer@yahoo.com (there is a nominal fee automatically charged to customer by using Paypal) 


ACTION: Anissa Guyton, VP of Membership

Public Relations report: No report was provided. 

 ACTION: Zakeeyaw Toney, VP of Public Relations

Education and Training report:  Bro. Collins reported the Education Committees progress on the ISA Training Manual.  The process is ongoing and the first draft was submitted on 2 December 2010.  He is also requesting that if other ISA members have figures or inputs that can be included in the manual to please contact the Education Committee to be a part of the manual which will be published accordingly. 

ACTION: Buford Collins, Bonita Williams, Donna Crite, Lloyd Henderson and Darryl Wilder

Committees:   There were no committee reports due to time constraints. 

Old Business:

The meeting was a special effort to vote on the pricing of the upcoming ISA Conference in Chicago.  The final voting results are captured in the official registration letter from President below:

Letter from President to all ISA Members:

ISA Members,
Congratulations!  The excitement is beginning as we prepare for the 2011 ISA International Convention, 24-26 June 2011.  The ISA has logged its 25th member in just under 11 months.  The momentum is building as we have many critical issues to address concerning our social and professional community.  We will continue this process in June with a robust agenda supported by all of you.
Members are now able to make reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn.  The ISA obligation is for at least 10 members to make reservation before 31 December 2010.  Please join the officers of ISA by making your hotel reservations before 1 January 2011.  All ISA members must register for at least one night.
The convention registration fees are as follows:
ISA Members: $50.00
Non-ISA Members:  $60.00
ISA members who do not register for at least one night:  $60.00 (via Proxy by Board of Directors)
All members will receive the tax deductible group rate of $129.00 until 31 January 2011.  You will receive further savings by receiving your tax deductible letter from our Treasurer for your records.  Members who are not registered for at least one evening will be assessed an administrative fee accessed by the Board of Directors.  This will ensure that all members are contributing equally (please refer to the November ISA minutes).  Only ISA members who reside in Chicago permanently are exempt and will not be assessed an administrative fee.  As of this date, we only have one (1) ISA member who is exempt that resides in Chicago, IL.  The hotel rate will revert back to the market rate as of 1 February 2011 so please make reservation as soon as possible to ensure you receive the ISA rate.
Please contact:  Hilton Reservation,
9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Tel.: 708 425 7800   Fax: 708 229 8858
Reservations: www.hilton.com or 1-800-HILTONS

All associated registration data will be posted on the upcoming ISA website not later than 1 January 2011.
In order to reserve your room please reserve by mentioning:  International Steppers Association.  Please ask for Gabriela if you have any questions with the Hilton hotel staff.  If you have any questions, you may contact me directly.    

Sincerely, 

T. Dweylan Wilson
President 
International Steppers Association

Update:  The Board of Directors voted via Proxy (see attached letter to Board of Directors) to charge a $60.00 ISA non-reservation fee for all ISA members who are registered by 31 January 2011 for a minimum of one (1) evening.  The reservation fee is in an effort for all ISA members who do not reside in Chicago to support  equally the ISA Convention and fees associated with the ISA.

New business:

Chicago native Lloyd Henderson volunteered to provide administrative assistance to help defray cost for last minute printing.

The meeting adjourned at 9:15pm with closing prayer lead by Crystal Johnson. The call was recorded and can be heard by dialing: 218-862-1099 307375# , #.   Please use *1 (rewind), *2 (fast forward) and *5 (pause/resume).  There are 134 total minutes recorded.

The next ISA meeting will be on Sunday, 30 January 2011 at 7pm Eastern Standard Time.  Please dial in by 6:45pm so that we can start on time. The dial in number is 1-218-862-1000 ACCESS CODE: 307375#.

Sincerely,
Mary Laidler, ISA Secretary

Attached: 

Letter from President concerning ISA Non-reservation fee (Proxy by Board of Directors)

Links: 
http://mim.io/d5fa7?fe=1&pact=2407949206





Mon, December 6, 2010 8:04:12 PM
Re: ISA Board of Directors Vote required
From:
President President  
View Contact
To:
Crystal Johnson ; Andrew Smith ; Zakeeyaw Toney ; Anissa Leigh ; Mary Laidler


The vote on this referendum carried in the affirmative.  I will show the vote as an attachment to the meeting minutes. 
Thank you for your assistance in advance,

Timothy D. Wilson
President
International Steppers Association
Skype: InternationalSteppersAssociation




From: President President
To: Crystal Johnson <
isa.treasurer@yahoo.com>; Andrew Smith <isa.sergeantatarms@yahoo.com>; Zakeeyaw Toney <isa.vpprzakeeyawtoney@yahoo.com>; Anissa Leigh <isa.vpofmembership@yahoo.com>; Mary Laidler <isa.secretary@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sun, November 28, 2010 3:33:58 AM
Subject:
ISA Board of Directors Vote required

Subject:  Administrative Fee for Non-reserved ISA Members       
           27 November 2010
ISA Board of Directors,
ISA Officers, we failed to establish the associated fee for ISA members who fail to make a reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn Hotel.  During the ISA meeting we did not vote on a critical issue of assessing ISA members who did not register for at least one night.  As you know, each member must register for one evening except for ISA members who reside in Chicago.  At this time, only one (1) ISA members is exempt for reserving a room of one night.  Given that we do not meet until 30 January 2011, the Board of Directors will have to vote by proxy on the administrative fee for not reserving with the Oak Lawn Hilton.    It is recommended that we assess a $60.00 fee (50% of room rate) to ISA members who decide not to reserve a room with the Hilton.
The total bill to date is $4,716.00.  The fees include:
·                  Publishing material
·                  Banners                                                                
·                  Education and Training reimbursement 
·                  Hotel Contract
·                  T-shirt design
·                  Souvenir designs
·                  Entertainment expenses
·                  Award and Scholarship material

The Board of Directors will vote for this effort via Proxy only.  Your non-response will be in the affirmative of this recommendation.  If there is any dissension we will have to arrange a teleconference for discussion and vote.
This referendum will concluded on 5 December 2010 at midnight.
RECOMMENDATION:  Approved administrative fee of $60.00 per ISA member who does not make a reservation of at least one night at the Hilton, Oak Lawn under the ISA Reservation code.
Any questions or comments, please contact me at 202-549-3021.
Sincerely, 

T. Dweylan Wilson
President 
International Steppers Association

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

ISA Newsletter - December 2010


Volume 1 Winter 2010                                                     10 December 2010



President’s Corner:

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year! As 2011 approaches the ISA looks proudly back at a very successful year for Steppers internationally. The ISA joins the ranks of a select few non-profit organizations who advocate for the continued education, training and standardization of dance. Additionally, the ISA is focused on helping build local communities through community based programs, scholarship and philanthropy. With the future development of local ISA chapters, the ISA will continue to grow in international advocacy, standardize structure and decentralized agenda at the local level. The coming 2011 year promises to be more prominent with the first ISA International Convention in Oak Lawn, Illinois. With over 14,000 urban dancers, 145 social instructors in over 33 cities Steppers are spending over $8,000,000 annually (2010 ISA survey) the ISA’s responsibility is necessary and timely. The collective economic strength is growing and the ISA will continue to provide leadership in centralizing and formalizing an international agenda that continues to benefit all Steppers. All ISA members should be proud of your accomplishments. Thank you kindly for your leadership, dedication and personal commitment on behalf of Steppers and the dance community internationally. If 2010 is an indication success, 2011 looks to be even greater.


ISA International Convention

Chicago 24-26 June 2011

Congratulations! The excitement is beginning as we prepare for the 2011 ISA International Convention, 24-26 June 2011. Members are now able to make reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn. All members will receive the tax deductible group rate of $129.00 until 31 January 2011. The hotel rate will revert back to the market rate as of 1 February 2011 so please make reservation as soon as possible to ensure you receive the ISA rate. ISA members who fail to register must pay non-registrants fee of $60.00 in addition to their convention registration.

Please contact: Hilton Reservation,

9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Tel.: 708 425 7800 Fax: 708 229 8858

Reservations: www.hilton.com or 1-800-HILTONS

Note: Wanted ISA Convention planners to assist with convention planning

                                        Officers

1. Timothy D. Wilson, President – Washington DC **

2. Crystal Johnson, Treasurer - Virginia Beach, VA **

3. Mary Laidler, Secretary, Atlanta GA (Chicago IL) **

4. Anissa L. Guyton, Vice-President of Membership – Romulus, MI**

5. Zakeeyaw Toney, Vice President of Public Relations - Las Vegas, NV (Chicago, IL) **

6. Andrew W. Smith, Sergeant of Arms - Miramar, FL (Chicago IL) **

                                  Current Members:

1. Tracey Sisco - Boston, MA *

2. Patricia Alexander - Detroit, MI *

3. Demaris Wooten, Upper Marlboro, MD **

4. Buford Collins (Education and Training) - Ferndale, MI *

5. Bonita Williams (Education and Training) – Detroit, MI *

6. Darryl Wilder (Education and Training) - Miramar, FL **

7. Donna Crite (Education and Training) - Odenton, MI

8. LC Henderson (Education and Training) - Chicago, IL

9. Sarah Teagle (2011 Convention Planning) – Atlanta, GA **

10. Valerie Morman (Website Maintenance) – Memphis, TN

11. Deborah Hunt (Business Development) - Virginia Beach, VA

12. Seanta McClendon (Scholarships and Awards) - Melbourne, FL

13. Samuel Parker – Los Angeles, California

14. Anthony Dunn - Olney, MD (Chicago, IL) **

15. Jim Berry – Miami, FL (Chicago, IL)

16. Pamela Dunn – Olney, MD (Chicago, IL)

17. Oswald Cooper – New Orleans, LA

18. Victor James, Sr. – Indianapolis, IN

19. Scott Freeman – Boston, MA



* Charter Member

** Life Member
                                  ISA Membership

Interested in joining ISA in the near future?

Membership fees:

General membership: $50

Lifetime membership: $300

Mail payment:

International Steppers Association

404 Investors Place, Suite 106

Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1171

Or

www.paypal.com send payment to email: isa.treasurer@yahoo.com


                                                   ISA 2010 Success!
1. Registered 25 fully paid members

2. Raised over $3500 by members

3. Signed international constitution and bylaws

4. Officially incorporated as ISA LLC

5. Nonprofit 501 C 3 status file pending

6. Organized and hosted an exclusive Steppers intensive with the Golden State Dance Teachers Association and Ms. Skippy Blair (World Swing Dance Council co-founder and Board Member)

7. Forwarded letter of support to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton National Dance Day initiative

8. Hosted ISA International Charter Ceremony

9. Over $475 for youth scholarship

10. Designed, developed and completed the annual comprehensive Steppers Climate Survey courtesy of the ISA


                              JOIN ISA TODAY- ENJOY THE BENEFITS

• 100% tax deductions of all Steppin related expense for ISA members (Education and travel expenses, competition accessories, professional services)

• Annual and Life membership discounts

• Support youth, adult and community based programs

• Gain creditability from professional and social participation

• Standardized Steppin curriculum and training methods

• Gain critical teaching skills that are proven

• Increase intermediate and advanced student retention

• Learn academic based dance methodology according to dance theory

• Improve your professional and social development by meeting peers

• Help document Steppin based books, DVDs designed by ISA members

                                       ISA website COMING SOON

                              http://www.internationalsteppersassociation.org/