July 16, 2007

I. Call to order Janet Thomas called to order the regular meeting of The Heritage Network at 10 a.m. at The Learning Center after a meeting of the spring promotion committee (Janet Thomas, Grady Knight, Lorinda Travis and Karen Meyer).

II. Roll Call Those present: Jo Nullet, Lorinda Travis, Susan Dechant, Janet Thomas, Elaine Colby, De Pelan, Kathy Berrigan, Scott Hirsch, David Bull, Dianne Eppler, Ted Eppler, Karen Meyer, Grady Knight, Bill Sebright, Jael Regis, Joe Bareca, Dani Bull (Statesman Examiner)

III. Treasurer's Report Susan Dechant reported $2504.07 left in the bank account and two debit cards recently acquired at Key Bank with balance of $1077.90 after Elaine Colby's trip. Financial report approved. New members added: Cheney Museum, Roger May and Ms. Saffer.

Susan requested authority to sign checks. Karen Meyer moved that Susan be the primary signer as treasurer, with Janet Thomas and Scott Hirsch as back-ups. Seconded by Bill Sebright. Motion passed. By-laws allow bills up to $300 to be paid without prior discussion and approval of the board which would help with timely payments. The treasurer is responsible for producing financial statements each month for the board's review, plus a yearly review along with the bank statement. The treasurer would also handle grant money with Janet, subject to corporate laws Angie, the bookkeeper at Scott's office is helping with the accounting. She is doing Quick books on-line. For a fee they could be linked to Key Bank, which would be helpful for checking statements. Web sales and passports can also be tracked. It is good to establish procedures while the account is still small.

A tax form or letter signed by the treasurer, acknowledging receipt of $25,000 donation of software listing its serial number should be sent. Motion to approve treasurer's report by Lorinda, seconded by Jael, passed.

IV. Open Issues Minutes: Minutes of last meeting approved as read - motion by Susan D., 2nd by Jael, (passed). Today's agenda approved

Antique shops: Janet gave out lists of names and locations of area antique and secondhand stores.

Insurance: Elaine checked around and found insurance to cover camera equipment for $587.94/year with a $500 deductible. This covers theft/damage of the equipment we have now. There is a 30-day waiting period before the policy is delivered, but Elaine will check to see if the coverage begins immediately. As for liability insurance for board members, the risk is low. A video is available to educate board members on their responsibilities and liabilities.

WA Museum Association Workshop: Elaine Colby attended the workshop, staying with Philpotts in Wenatchee. After paying for registration, meals and a hospitality gift for her hosts, there was $80 left of the $250 allowed. This was an annual meeting, and she brought back reports and a financial report. A report is also on their Web site. Elaine went to 3 technical classes (including one on podcasts for tours) and one on community collaboration. One important point made was that a museum is, or can be, the hub of a community. Pierce County has outstanding educational support for its museum directors, and Elaine will get more info. A nicely done brochure includes museums of the Upper Columbia region. She noted that the recommended book was The Digital History Book.

Prestini: Grady Knight would like to do a documentary on Prestini, which might include a 9-minute segment done earlier. He would need to do research on Prestini and has names of people to interview. This could be followed up with a documentary on the brickworks at Clayton. This would be HD, since that is the trend. The goal would be 2-3 hours of video for TV, and more could be put on a CD. The Heritage Network could act as the host organization for applying for grants, once we have more concrete details on costs, needs and a time line. Prestini committee meeting to immediately follow this meeting.

Preserve America: Joe Bareca responded to a request to show the partnership between government and private sector. He cited the passport project, Vista, WSU, mixed types of memberships, tour map; these connections passed the test. Now he needs to know what kind of proposals to make based on needs of member organizations. Odds are very good of getting grant money, and Joe will e-mail forms to members to list their ideas.

Tourism Maps: David Bull got 20,000 maps printed with hotel/motel tax money and has distributed most already, including a batch that Cathy McMorris took back to Washington, D.C. He may get as many as 200,000 printed with federal funds. These include GPS info. The nearest gas station and cell phone coverage would be helpful for remote areas. David is also involved with promoting Rendezvous.

Spring Promotion: Committee met and offer these ideas: 1) Get Washington museum mailing list, send out brochure and ask them to send copies to their membership. 2) Regular press releases with help from a reporter that would "adopt" our group. 3) Public service announcements. 4) PBS profile of the passport tours. Look for grants for doing this. 5) Publicize digitizing equipment and the software donation. Dani Bull is willing to help us and can be reached at 490-1711 (cell) 738-6950 (home) or @statesmanexaminer.com.

V. New Business Banner: Elaine displayed the large grey Heritage Network banner with picture designed by Lynn at the Sign Shop (time donated), charging only for the banner and digital print (a $150 value for $40). It seems appropriate to give her a membership for donating her time. Since there was money unused from the Wenatchee trip, Elaine spent $40 on the banner. The question arose: How do we choose who gets a free membership for donating time? Should it be just the first-time membership, and they would renew if they want to continue? Think about it. The banner is to be stored at Elaine's office when not in use.

Other Museums: Ray Kresek (historic lookouts and Smokey the Bear collection), hopes to see that Stevens County gets his extensive collection sometime in the future. He has tour groups go through his place, and we might think about going down as a group. He loans items out by the year.

There is a museum at Cedar Cr. (Civil War era), and Mr. Henry would need to know in advance if people are coming. Note that the 100th anniversary of the US Forest Service is imminent.

Digitizing Photos: Scott and Elaine trained Barb Swanson in Chewelah, working on photos that were curling with age and moisture, and saving the label information. A clear sheet was used over the photos, but non-glare glass would provide more weight. Photo Shop can help restore faded or photos with deep shadows (a notebook of examples was passed around). .Grady Knight has experience with the technology on this. Pend Oreille wants to be next to be trained to use the equipment.

Visitors' Guide: New guides are being planned. Advertisers are welcome and there will be an ad for the Heritage Network next time. There is also a history page, and De may contact some members for a story.

VI. Adjournment Next meeting will be August 20, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Colville Museum