Western Tea Business Association
Minutes of the Meeting
September 22, 2008
Hosted by Christopher and Amy Dean
The meeting was called to order by Babette Donaldson at 4:25 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions: Babette Donaldson
In Attendance:
Babette Donaldson The Emma Lea Books, Nevada City, CA
Yoon Hee Kim TeaClassics, Beverly Hills, CA
James Norwood Pratt Tea Enthusiast and author of “New Tea Lover’s Treasury”
Jennifer Sauer Tea Enthusiast, photographer,and author of “Way to Tea,”
Valerie Turner Tea Enthusiast
Amy Lawrence An Afternoon to Remember, Newcastle, CA
Dave Randall The Gilded Rose Tea Room, Northridge, CA
Pandora Randall The Gilded Rose Tea Room, Northridge, CA
Nan Taylor Tea Graces, Santa Clarita, CA
Dave Wyatt The Aubrey Rose Tea Room, La Mesa, CA
Christopher Dean Crown and Crumpet
Amy Dean Crown and Crumpet
Colleen Shipler Pearl's Tea
Carrie Case TeaClassics, Beverly Hills, CA
Nez Tokugawa Chado En
Donna Tokugawa Chado En
Tai Tokugawa Chado En
Approval of Minutes:
Dave made a motion to accept the minutes.
Seconded by Pandora
Vote was taken-Unanimous
Motion passed, minutes approved
Treasurer’s Report by Pandora Randall
-7 paid members to date
-as soon as we have an approved name for the bank account, we’ll proceed.
-waiting on filing before we can open a bank account
Babette’s Report
-waiting on Roger to report about the attorney to see if documents have been filed
-application will be reviewed by Babette
-Babette explained the purpose of our association
-explained that we will establish a certain standard for members, sponsored by other members
-501 C 6 association, non-profit business association
-creating an identity-website, logo, education,
-logo presentation designed by Roger and Betty Rule
Discussion of logo, website, member benefits:
-group discussed the need for the logo to be cleaner and sharper
-group discussed the need for the logo to look good when it’s smaller
Pandora made a motion to table the decision to vote on the logo.
-Babette seconded the motion
-all in favor
-Dave suggested that we don’t delay.
-Norwood suggested that we get samples from as many as people as we can by a certain date.
-Christopher could have his logo designer design a sample for us.
-Babette could post all logos to a website and everyone could view them.
-Babette suggested that we have all logos submitted by February 20th.
-Yoon Hee will gather all the logos and post on website.
Dave made a motion that the logo be approved by the executive board.
-Colleen seconded motion.
-unanimous vote approved
Colleen made a motion that everyone be allowed to view and comment on the different logos.
-Christopher seconded the motion
-All in favor
-Vote approved
-Anyone having a submission, send to Yoon Hee
-Executive committee will review all comments and make a decision.
Pandora made a motion that all submissions be submitted by February 20th and decision made by March 1st.
-Nanette seconded
-all in favor
-vote approved
Discussion of Budget
-based on 100 members
-anyone who has paid dues, the dues will start for calendar year 2009
-discussion of charter membership, anyone who paid in 2008 will be carried forward, designation for a charter membership, anyone who joins in 2009 will be a charter membership
-Yoon Hee recommended that anyone who has their membership paid before the World Tea Expo, will be a charter member
-one of the charter membership benefits would include “charter member” on the logo
-discussion of $100 of not being enough for membership
-Yoon Hee discussed that we review tiered membership
Babette made a motion to table the discussion at the expo about tiered membership
-Jennifer made suggestions about company sponsors-have sponsors and member rates
-Babette explained that voting on a budget does not mean accepting the policies
-Yoon Hee made a correction that it will be STI association and US Tea Association be corrected
-Babette will send out budget for final approval
Website Guidelines
-geographical directory
-tea central to other websites
-educational articles written by members
-promoter of tea festivals
-Next meeting will be in Las Vegas, date and time to be determined.
Pandora calls the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
-Colleen seconded
-all in favor
-vote approved
