Minutes of 10-04-2020 Board Meeting

MINUTES

Colorado Music Business Organization Board of Directors Meeting

Sunday, October 4, 2020 – 7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order at 7:05 p.m.

Present: Barb Dye, David Barber, Annette Cannon, Johnnie Johnson, Jamie Krutz,

Alex Teitz, Angela Whaley

Absent: Sheena Morgan (excused); Lee Bagby (excused); Clark Hagan

Guests: (none)

2. Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of September 12, 2020: David so moved, 2^nd – Alex. Approved.

3. Treasurer’s Report:

Income received:

Sept. Memberships: $ -0-

Interest on Savings: $ .02 (September 30, 2020)

Total: $ .02

Expenses paid:

Bank Fees for Sept. $ 2.00 ($2 for checking)

Facebook ad for Sept. $ 20.00

Mailchimp for Sept.     $  31.28 (e-mail list: $30 + $1.28 local tax)

                                Total: $ 53.28

Yet to be paid: $324 for the masks which are ready to be picked up. Barb will do this sometime in the coming week.

Checking Balance: $ 1,412.51 (as of 09/30/20)

Savings Balance: $ 1,823.17 (as of 09/30/20)

PayPal Balance: $ 576.04 (as of 10/02/20)

Grand Total: $ 3,811.72

4. Membership Report:

Current Paid Members: 21

New Members:

Supporter: None

Individual: None

Band: None

Business: None

Sheena reported that these members have not renewed for September yet: N/A

Sheena reported that the following memberships are up for renewal in October: N/A

(Please note that the board voted at the March meeting to suspend renewal notices until a later date due to the coronavirus shut down. These names are for reference only.).

Membership “Welcome Surveys”: Sheena reported that we received 2 new surveys in September.

Someone noticed that Miles Marlin had very prominently listed on his Facebook page that he “worked” for COMBO (LOL!!!) So Barb sent a PM to Miles. This is what she wrote:

Hey, Miles! A mutual friend mentioned that you had worked at COMBO. Could you send us your member number or other info as to when you helped us out? We lost our records pretty much when one of our former board members moved and took everything with him. We are trying to reconstruct the records and it would be nice to have your info since we can’t find anything on you. We may want to put your info in our website resources, too. Thank you so much! ~ Barb, Colorado Music Business Organization President

So far, Miles has not responded to my note!

5. Unfinished Business:

1. 1. • 1. Bar code requests: None

1. 1. • 2. Upcoming Programs:

a. October 26, 2020: Brittney Walker talking about taxes since tax season will be approaching. Sheena has confirmed that Brittney will be speaking. Barb knows a lawyer who does tax law. She will contact him to see if he would be willing to join us.

b. November 16, 2020: We will plan a “Songwriters Showcase” via Zoom or on Facebook. Barb will contact some of the high scoring songwriters from our Songwriting Contests to see if they would like to participate.

c. December 2020: We will hold off on any plans for this until Nov. to see how the pandemic is going.

4. Web Reports:

1. Current Email Subscribers: David reported that, as of 10/04/20, COMBO has 2,574 subscribers which is down from the 2,586 reported at the 9/13/20 Board Meeting. As of the 10/01/20 newsletter, we had _____% opens and _____% click thrus (David had not looked this info up).

 

2. Twitter Account Followers: David reported that, as of 10/04/20, COMBO has 7,732 followers which is down from 7,746 followers as of the 9/13/20 report.

3. Facebook Account Activity: David reported that, as of 9/03/20, COMBO received 1,483 “likes” which is up from 1,468 “likes” as of the 9/13/20 report.

4. Facebook Analytics – Angela Whaley: Page Views up 27%; Post Reach up by 186%; Post Engagement up 428%; Page Likes are up 33%; Page Followers: 1,476 up from1,468.

5. Google Analytics Report: David reported that, in September 2020, there were 2,409 “Sessions” which is down 48% from September 2019 when it was 4,659. The most viewed article in September 2020 was a January 24, 2019 story regarding “1How a Stroke Turned a 63-Year-Old Into a Rap Legend”. David thought these weird reports might have been due to our SSL problem.

Reminder – Our Facebook address is:

http://www.Facebook.com/ColoradoMusicBusinessOrganization

4. Songs on the COMBO Website Player for October 2020: Lee Bagby:2

● “Nobody Gotta Know” – Cary Morin

● “Diamond in the Mud” – Justin Faye

● “Something in the Water” – SYCDVK

● “You Only Live Once” – Hold Me Hostage

● “Too Loose” – Steve Glotzer

http://www.runawayexpress.com/

4. COMBO YouTube Channel Uploads: David uploaded the video of last month’s ZOOM meeting.

4. Ombudsman Program – Annette Cannon: Nothing at this time.

4. Meeting Space Ideas: On hold for the time being.

4. Designation for Funds: Payment of bill for mask order ($324 – includes tax).

4. Purchase of Promotional Merchandise Items: Barb ordered 100 face masks at $3.00 each in black with the white logo.

4. Promotion/Advertising: Facebook ad on the September meeting.

4. Girls & Science Expo: On hold until ??? [… the pandemic is over ???]

4. Posting on Facebook: Sheena posted articles

14. Secretary: We still need a secretary! Minutes being taken by Barb.

15. Board Member Bio’s – David & Sheena: Sheena was waiting for Barb to approve her bio and photo. She will send it to Barb. (As of this writing, Barb has still not received it – but then her mailbox is a mess due to going on a trip with her sister!) Sheena discovered that the e-mail was still in her draft box so she sent it to Barb who approved the bio and photo!

16. Website Update. David has been testing out the “members only” section. We have had inquiries from a couple of members about how to “get in!” David is thinking about moving “The Network” to the “Members Only” section which would encourage “joining” in order for members to be able to have access to that information. Also, people could not access the website thru the newsletter articles; Barb had noted that the photos she posted did not show. Turns out our SSL needed to be renewed. People were receiving a “Security Issue” notice which several people, including Ann Blonston of AirShow Mastering, let us know about. After a whole lot of headaches, David got the SSL issue resolved. Cost will be $70.00 per year.

17: Storage for COMBO Stuff: On hold. Barb still has it on her “To do” list!

18. COMBO Organization By-Laws: We approved changes to the first two sections. Barb read the following into the Minutes of October 4, 2020, per Roberts’ Rules of Order requirements. We did made changes as noted in bold and italics:

3

ARTICLE III

Board of Directors

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors, as follows:

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15) members who shall be individuals. A director’s terms shall be one year but no more than five consecutive years. Directors shall be elected or reelected by the members or appointed by the current Board of Directors at each annual meeting, and each Director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and thereafter until that director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until the Director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. If directors are elected or reelected by the Board of Directors at or subsequent to each annual meeting, and each Director shall hold office for a term of two (2) years or as set by the Board of Directors, a simple vote majority of present or proxy-voting members shall suffice to elect directors. The number of directors and the tenure of directors may be otherwise determined by Board action, but in no instance shall there be less than one director. Perhaps we should just delete the “5 consecutive years” since so many of us have served that long. David so moved, Alex seconded. Change approved by the Board.

2. The duties of the Board of Directors shall be to manage the affairs of the corporation and to transact the necessary business of the corporation, including the appointment of officers. Each director shall perform his or her duties in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the corporation and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use in similar circumstances. Should we replace the word “corporation” with “organization”? Technically, under the CO Secretary of State rules, we are a “corporation.” No, after discussion. David moved, Alex seconded; Motion to not change approved by the Board.

3. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held monthly, the time and date of each to be fixed by the Board. A majority of the Board of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of the Board of Directors are present at said meeting, a majority of the Board of directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Board upon notice duly given. At such meetings the Board shall elect officers and conduct such other business as may come before the meeting. The Board may act without a meeting if each member of the Board shall consent in writing thereto. No change after discussion. David moved, Alex seconded; Motion to not change approved by the Board.

4. Any member of the Board or any committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee by means of a telephone conference or similar communications equipment and/or electronic means by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting. If no changes are suggested, let’s approve this clause to save time. Clause approved as is.

5. Any vacancy occurring in the Board, whether caused by reason of an increase in the number of Directors, by removal, death, mental or physical incapacitation or any other reason, may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, or by a sole remaining director. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office. Any director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, in the manner provided in the Colorado Corporation Code. No meeting shall be necessary to remove a director who misses three (3) consecutive meetings without a reasonable excuse, and in such event, said director may be removed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. We have been moving directors who miss 3 consecutive meetings to “Consulting Status” unless they say they want to remain as an active member. Should we write this into the By-Laws? [“Directors” being defined as the members of the board; “Officers” are the positions of president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary. We might want to clarify this in the clause.] No change per a vote of the Board.

6. Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the president or secretary of the corporation and such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of notice thereof or at such later time as shall be specified in such notice. No changes suggested; Board approved as is.

7. Notices of meetings shall be given at least three (3) days previous thereto by any reasonable means, including e-mail messages and/or telephone notice. Any director may waive notice of any special meeting. The attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. Add in “other electronic methods” or leave as is? Board approved “as is” since the wording “reasonable means” would include any future methods.

8. No Director of the corporation shall receive any salary, compensation or emolument therefore in his or her capacity as a Director. Reimbursement for expenses incurred shall be permitted. Nothing herein shall prevent a director from serving in some other capacity and being compensated therefore. No changes suggested; Board approved as is.

19. California Law on Sub-Contractors: While this is a California law, our DL&E is watching to see what happens and Colorado will probably follow their rules. A deal has been worked out for “gig workers” like Uber and Lyft drivers. Due to the pandemic and so many musicians and related jobs being out of work, nothing has been “set in concrete” for them. Alex forwarded a note from PBS on this which is now Proposition 122 on CA’s ballot. One thing to note is that 122 would offer some benefits to delivery drivers.

20. Reopening of Bars, Clubs & Theaters: Gov. Polis made a deal to let the Broncos have limited people at their games. What’s up with that??? Nathaniel Rateliff will be presenting 6 concerts at Red Rocks but with 175 people only each night. Previous discussion: There is some percentage formula being used. The game attendees will be in “pods” of no more than 175 each. This has to do with the number of entrances and restrooms available to each pod. The stadium is easier to “watch” while Red Rocks and Fiddler’s Green do not have those amenities. Alex noted that a webinar was presented by Music Cities, together with Save Our Stages by NIVA.

Note from Cory Gardner (like as if this says anything relevant):

Dear Ms. Dye,

 

Thank you for contacting me regarding the entertainment industry. I appreciate you taking the time to write. It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate and I hope you will continue to write with your thoughts and ideas on moving our country forward.

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live event venues were among the first to shut their doors, and even as the country starts to re-open, music venues will likely be the last to do so. Live entertainment is a strong economic generator and an important piece of the social and artistic fabric of the community. It is imperative that these venues and their employees have access to the resources they need during this crisis. 

 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, provided important relief for businesses and workers, including in the entertainment industry. For instance, it offered an entirely new pandemic unemployment insurance benefit for self-employed workers. It also established the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses, including independent contractors, to have the financial capacity to bridge the acute public health crisis. These programs have been essential lifelines for many Americans, but more must be done.

 

On May 21, 2020 I signed a letter to Congressional leadership asking for consideration for live event venues in additional economic relief legislation. On July 2, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced S. 3814, the RESTART Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. This bill will provide longer-term relief for businesses in need and is supported by live entertainment groups like the Broadway League, the National Association of Theatre Owners, the National Independent Talent Organization, the National Independent Venue Association, and the Recording Academy. Rest assured, I will keep your concerns in mind as relevant legislation comes before me in the Senate.

 

Again, thank you for contacting me, and do not hesitate to do so again when an issue is important to you.

 

Sincerely,

Cory Gardner
United States Senator

# # # # #

After thoughts: Annette Cannon said that Sandra’s venue has been shut down due to violations of the COVID rules. Update: Sandra complied with whatever change the dept. wanted so she was allowed to reopen a couple of weeks later.

21. Google Account: David fixed this and all is well. David also set up e-mail accounts for Lee and Annette. Lee can now get songs sent to him directly for the website player, and Annette can get messages from people that deal more with the Ombudsman issues. Both eddresses can be used by future people filling those positions. Since this problem has been resolved, we will delete this subject from future agendas. David set up an e-mail account for Lee and future song people of Spotify@coloradomusic.org and will delete Mark’s e-mail account the end of December.

22. Songwriting Contest for 2021: Rob Roper volunteered to run the Songwriters Contest in 2021! We will need to keep our eyes out for potential judges – which became a serious problem in running the contest. Judges need to be willing to make a short critique on each song, preferably “positive” ones. Because the songs are uploaded to Drop Box, the judge can listen on their own times. Suggested judges: None at this time.

23. Damage/Vandalism at the Elvis Estate, etc: Camille Brightsmith took exception to the article about the damage done to the wall around Graceland as well as to the Levitt Shell (although Barb did not write the article). Barb posted Camille’s comments with her permission in the Sept. 10^th newsletter. Barb reposted Camille’s letter in the Sept. 18^th newsletter due to the SSL glitch. Camille felt that the article focused too much on the value of the property damage and not on the Black Lives Matter movement.

24. Songuard: Barry DeVorzon of Songuard (and Master Writer) wrote a note disagreeing with our assessment of his business. You may recall that Songuard will “register” your song to protect it from someone “stealing” it. However, this is not an approved method through the Copyright Office so basically you’ll just be throwing away $3.95. Barb re-ran the article but noted the lawyers’ comments at the end of the article.

Barry did send a listing of many songs whose “writers” were sued for plagerizing them which Barb published as a segue into the Songuard matter. Barb reposted this in the Sept. 18^th newsletter due to the SSL glitch.

25. Election of Board Directors & Officers for the Year 2021: It is time for us to re-up the board and to ask for new members or if anyone plans to leave. Barb ran an “ad” in the newsletter asking if anyone would like to join the board and that they send a note to her via e-mail if interested.

6. New Business:

1. Time of General Meetings: Due to rushing Angela to “get” from one meeting to the next, Jamie suggested that we move the general meetings (via Zoom) from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. After a short discussion, Jamie so moved, Alex seconded, and the motion was approved. We will now start the Zoom general meetings at 7:30 p.m.

7. Reports

1. Book, Movie, and Featured Member(s) for September 2020: None. Barb has several bios ready but needs to put them in “article” form for the newsletter as people tend to send only basic info, not a “press release”. She’s working on those now.

2. September 28, 2020 General Meeting: We ended up going with David’s suggestion of asking Rob Roper to speak about streaming or Zooming your live “shows”. Barb asked Cary Morin to also speak. Both confirmed. Board members who joined in agreed that both Rob & Cary had some valuable information. About 19 people signed on. Barb was on vacation and missed it due to her being in the middle of nowhere with no cell signal available.

Angie Dickenson Mickle sent this note via Facebook: It should be noted that in the latest version of Zoom, the option to disable background noise suppression has been removed. I have been recommending choosing “Low”. It is also now located on the main “audio” preferences page.

Sheena sent a lovely “Thank you” note to July’s speakers. Barb thanks her so much! We didn’t get to mention this at the September board meeting.

3. Colorado Springs Meeting: Tabled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

4. Denver Balanced Breakfast: Current Facebook posting refers to the BB San Francisco headquarters which has no meeting listings but does refer to applying for a virtual SXSW next spring.

5. Denver Open Media Open Music Sessions: No show in September due to the Labor Day weekend! They will be moving to their new studios at 20^th & Arapahoe on November 7^th and are having a big moving party. They are still posting videos of previously taped bands’ performances. https://www.denveropenmedia.org/

 

6. Mental Wellness Discussion Group Meeting – Angela Whaley’s report: Meetings are still being held on Monday early evenings.

Mental Wellness Meetup now meets weekly every Monday, 6-7pm via Zoom.

7. Women’s Groups

a. She.E.O.: Last post Sept. 21^st by Rachel Eisenstat: Who are our recording and mixing engineers in the group? Can you drop any web sites you have? I have some voice students (adults) working on their first recording projects, and I’d love to connect them with someone in this group if/when they are ready to record a track. TIA!

b. Women Crush Music: No current posts or updates.

c. Setting the Stage with Julie Gellar: Julie has a new album out and continues to send out encouraging notes to her group.

d. Mountain Mamas Music: “This group is for women who have attended a Mountain Mamas Music Camp or workshop.” Last post dated Oct. 2^nd advertising a workshop for “clawhammer” banjos.

G. Items for Newsletters/Announcements: Sheena posted this article directly to Facebook: (no report)

Johnnie Johnson will be holding a Zoom show on Saturday, October 10^th. It was originally scheduled at the Mercury Café; Annette’s band “Gaia Rising” will be holding a “Folk Up The Vote” event at the Mercury on Friday, October 16^th which, at this time, will be broadcast via Zoom as well. And Congratulations to Angela for her new position with Youth on Record!

8. Next General Meeting: Monday, October 26^th, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via ZOOM. Subject will be on good accounting practices with Brittney Walker, guest speaker.

 

9. Next Board Meeting: Sunday, November 1^st, 2020 | 7:00 p.m. Zoom conference.

10. Meeting Adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

/s/ Barb Dye

_________________________________, Acting Secretary