.  Meeting was called to order at 6:35 by Lisa Woodruff

Board members in attendance:  Lisa Woodruff, Larry Hinken, Kim Bernstein, Eric Best, Ruth Best, Mark Ladd, Ken Mertens, Ed Griffith, Anne Nicholls, Karin Albright-Coleman, Jim Jones.

II.  Opening remarks
None.

III. Consent Agenda Approval
A motion was made to accept the submitted reports minus the "Habitat for Humanity" out of PR/Marketing report. The following reports were approved and seconded. Motion carried to accept these reports:
     Treasurer's Report
     Play Nominations Secretary's Report
     Development Committee Report
     Marketing Committee Report

IV. Non Submitted Reports

April Minutes - Corrections were made. Motion was made to accept the minutes as corrected and seconded. Motion carried to accept the minutes as amended.

Musical Nominations Secretary's Report - Discussion that George M was added as a viewable show. Motion to approve, seconded and the motion carried to accept the Musical Nominations report.

Outreach Report - Motion to approve, seconded and the motion carrier to accept the Outreach report as submitted.  An update was given on the Gala and the opening number.

V. Old Business

a)   Website - Update on the responses received. Comments received were mostly positive but     several people miss the old calendar format. Little graphics problem that needs to be worked on.  Karin will look into. Request made to look for a site (FTP site) that can be linked to our website where these reports can be uploaded and reviewed by the board prior to the board meeting. This would be password protected and eliminate attachments to emails that some board members cannot open.

Bylaws and P&P Manual - Suggestions for revisions had been received for the P&P. After some discussion about how to refer to viewers/ members/ sponsors and committee volunteers? in the P&P, a committee of Ruth, Mark, and Larry would review suggestions prior to the next meeting.  

Calendar - Board calendar date changed for the mailing of a letter and the Gala calendar was reviewed and updated. Update given on the program cover. The cost for the cover may depend on the number printed. Also check on having it reproduced in the posters. Marketing committee is checking into the fees associated with this.

Viewing Percentages & Guidelines - In order for a play/category to be considered it must have 5 nominations and 3 nominations must be from non-participating viewers. Perception of the number of nominees in certain categories is low. Usually in the technical categories and in costumes. Idea arose to hold a small learning session at the first viewer meeting of the season. Depending on where the meeting is held hopefully the Member Theater could give a small seminar on lights, sound, costumes, etc. Motion made that the number of required nominations be adjusted based on the number of viewers at the start of each season. Moved, seconded and motion carries. Ken will work on a table based on maintaining the current percentages that would be used depending on the number of viewers and it will become part of the P&P.

Ethics Complaint - Subcommittee gave their report.

Board Books - An organization tool for current and incoming Board members. All Board members need to write a bio and submit it to Ruth who will compile the books. A brief history of NIETF also will be submitted

Crown Point Community Theater - Responded and will become a Member Theater at the beginning of the 06-07 season.     

VI. New Business
            a)  PR/ Marketing Report - Habitat for Humanity build - Week long project July 15-22, 6 houses in 8 days. Would like to recruit 20 volunteers. Each Board member was asked to bring a volunteer. The problem is a form must be filled out on line. Great PR for NIETF and getting the word out to the community.  OR volunteer at the Restore on various Saturdays. Coordinating either volunteer project will be the challenge. Difference - 1 day commitment, more visual in the community, rather than every weekend. Motion to attend Habitat build on Saturday, July 15th and seconded. Motion approved. Reminders will be sent to fill out the form on line. Question posed to Marketing committee as to how to go about getting a sign along a highway, NIETF has adopted this mile of highway? Will be researched.  

LaPorte Little Theater - Motion made that we send a letter to LaPorte stating because you chose not to do this we will rescind your membership. After discussion the motion was amended to read; Because LLT has chosen not to be dark on the night of the Gala your membership in NIETF will be rescinded for the period of one year. Amended motion seconded. Amended motion was discussed and the motion carried to send a letter to LaPorte rescinding their membership for one year. Letter to be drafted.

            * Approx. 3 weeks following this decision, the board raised concerns about it.  An e-mail conversation and vote took place.  The decision was modified and offered verbally to LLT.

December 3rd, Board Elections. Request made that Genesius Guild host this and Larry will check the date and confirm at the next meeting.

Marketing and Public Relations in P&P manual. This is listed as the Webmasters position. Creating a permanent position for the Webmaster rather than one that is voted in during elections. Maybe making this a designated or appointed position. The P&P committee will keep this in mind when making the changes.    

VII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by the President of the Board, Lisa Woodruff, at 8:55PM.

Next Board meeting 6:00 PM, 6/25/06 at Lisa Woodruff's Home

2006 Board Dates:
July 16th
August 13th
September 17th
November 19th