General Monthly Meeting Minutes for March 21, 2023

Meeting Location –

Motohio European Motorbikes, 5936 Scarborough Blvd, Columbus, OH 43232.

Members in Attendance –

Attending the March meeting were Mike Allen (President), Henning Carlsen (Treasurer), Rich McCoy (Activities), Al Holtsberry and Mike Akers. 

Call to Order –

Mike Allen called the meeting to order at 7:59 P.M. 

Secretary’s report –

In the absence of Larry Laskorski, Mike Allen read the minutes of the February 21, 2023 meeting.  Mike Allen moved to accept the minutes, as written, and that they be entered into the organization’s records.  Rich McCoy seconded the motion.  All members in attendance voted in favor, with no objections, and the motion was carried.  

Treasurer's report –

Henning Carlsen provided a short financial report that indicated the treasury balance and that the club is solvent.   

A discussion was held regarding what the club could do with the funds on hand.  A couple of suggestions were made:

• Contribute to Smile Train as the club has done many times in prior years.

• Utilize some funds to offset the expense of future club outings.

It was decided to discuss this topic more at future meetings. 

Mike Allen moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, as provided, and that it be entered into the organization’s records.  Al Holtsberry seconded the motion.  All members in attendance voted in favor, with no objections, and the motion was carried.  Should any members not in attendance for the meeting need information on the current financial position of the club, please reach out to Henning. 

Membership report – 

With the club currently searching to replace Cory Samuell as Membership Director resulting from his move out of state, no membership report was presented. 

Activities Report –

Rich advised the members in attendance that the “Covered Bridge” contest has commence and that, as of this meeting,  he has personally submitted two pictures.  Rich also stated that he has updated the activities on the club’s website. 

Other potential activities –

• Participation in the 4 Winds Rally.

• Camp out at Rich’s property.  Members discussed that the club would pay for the rental of a porta potty for the camp out.  Further discussion and planning will take place at a future meeting. 

Mike Allen moved to accept  the Membership Report, as presented, and that it be entered into the organization’s records.  Rich McCoy seconded the motion.  All members in attendance voted in favor, with no objections, and the motion was carried.  

Old business - 

At the last meeting, Rich suggested that to increase awareness of the club and attract new members that we could purchase some business cards with the club’s name and website information to provide a BMW rider that might express interest in joining the club.  Rich took the lead on this initiative and created a draft of the cards.  After discussion and review of the draft, it was decided to move forward with ordering the cards. 

With the resignation of Cory Samuell as Membership Director, the club is now seeking his replacement.  Any members interested in filling this role should contact Mike Allen.  Mike stated that he has updated the club’s Facebook page with this information. 

In addition to being Membership Director, Cory also functioned as the webmaster for the club’s website.  Any members interested in filling this role should contact Mike Allen. 

As stated in previous meetings, Mike Allen will pay the first year’s membership dues for anyone that purchases a new BMW motorcycle from Motohio and expresses an interest t0 be involved with the club.  He and Henning Carlsen agreed that, in an attempt to cut down on the time devoted to administrative activities, Mike would provide Henning with the new member’s information when they purchase their new BMW motorcycle.  Mike would then forward all dues for those members added each quarter in one payment at the end of the quarter rather than having to send multiple checks to be deposited during the quarter.  Mike confirmed that this strategy to attract new members to the club will continue. 

In past meetings, Mike has requested that members submit their interesting ride stories and pictures to be posted on the club website.  Mike reiterated his request to all members to submit and post a story on the website. 

New business – 

The following new business topics were discussed: 

• Motohio had 14 bikes (12 BMW’s, 1 Ducati, and 1 Triumph) at the Columbus Auto show for four days last week.  It was a great turnout with lots of people interested in motorcycles.

• Motohio has ordered the BMW Demo truck to come again to both dealerships this year.

  • As soon as the dates are confirmed, Mike will communicate them to all.  

• Like last year’s Demo Truck Event at Motohio, Mike would like to set up the membership tent to attempt to recruit additional new members.  Please let Mike know if you would like to volunteer to staff the tent and what availability you may have?

• Mike will contact the BMW Motorcycle club of Cincinnati’s President and see if we can piggyback and jointly attend an overnight outing with them this year.  He’s sure it would be a fun time.   

• Motohio has free tickets to the Columbus Home and Improvement Show, (March 31st to April 2nd) for any BBMC member that is interested in going to the show.  Interested members should contact Mike.    

Questions raised – None. 

Next Meeting –

The next regularly scheduled club meeting will be, Tuesday, April 18th.  Location: The Paddock Pub, 1005 Richardson Rd., Groveport, OH, 43125.  Website:  The Paddock Pub. 

Adjournment –

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mike Allen at 8:32 PM which was seconded by Henning Carlsen.  All members in attendance voted in favor, with no objections, and the motion was carried.  Meeting was adjourned.