Grand Cheminot Minutes - January 15, 2005

Grand Mid-Winter - Salina, Kansas

Call to order 10:30 a.m

Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by Prayer by Grand Aumonier Bill Christensen

Roll call of Officers. (See report)

Motion to suspend reading of previous meeting minutes was made and approved.

Grand Chef de Train Dan Roberson discussed membership and the fact that we are behind from 4 to 8 % across the board from last year at this time. He gave percentages for each area directors (see report) and encouraged all present to help the directors work membership in their area. Dan advised he and Roger are available and willing to help each Voiture if you let them know.  Dan advised Grand du Kansas needs 270 members to be at 100%.

Grand Chef de Gare Roger Bouton wanted to thank Gene Heiman for stepping in and taking on the job of Correspondant for Voiture 455, Roger stated he was doing a great job and things are going well at Garden City.

Ernie Cooper stated we should look into putting out a Grand news letter quarterly and have three or four of the Grand Directeur’s assigned each quarter to submit an article for that issue along with the Grand Officers.  He feels this could generate more interest in our organization and give each Voiture a vehicle to announce upcoming events of interest planned for their Locale.  Ernie said we would need to have someone volunteer to put the news letter together.  Anyone interested in serving on a committee to get this project moving forward was asked to see Ernie after the Cheminot.

Ernie advised everyone that Grand du Kansas would host the 2007 Promenade at the Overland Park Convention Center.  It was explained that we would need to set up a separate corporation to handle all aspects of this event and that the Grand Cheminot should recommend the appointment of a President and Treasurer to be voted on at the Grand Promenade to be held latter in the day.  Ernie Cooper was nominated for President and Bruce Kouba for treasurer, Bob Payne seconded the motion and it carried. Bob Payne stated he felt we should also appoint a secretary and Dan Roberson was recommended and approved.

There was considerable discussion on the presentation made to Nationale that eventually led to Grand du Kansas getting picked for hosting the convention, and everyone at the Cheminot agreed that those involved deserved a hand.  

Ernie advised that Monta Plank was not able to attend the Midwinter do to injuries obtained from a recent fall.  A get well card was signed by all in attendance and will be mailed to Monta.  Ernie also read a letter from Voiture 335 stating they would like to be included in the list of Voiture’s who are in the rotation for hosting the Grand Mid-winter or Promenade in the future.

Larry Banks advised the Wichita wreck has been moved a week to Feb. 19 and 20 do to a conflict with the American Legion Midwinter convention being held on Feb 12 and 13 at Post 153 in Olathe.

Grand Chef de Gare Roger adjourned the Cheminot at 11:30 a.m. and advised the Promenade would commence at 1 p.m.