Minutes of the Executive Council and Commissioners’ Meetings
of the Clan Campbell Society (North America)
Annual General Meeting
Thursday, July 10, 2005, Rush Creek, Minnesota, USA
President Edward V. Cattell, Jr. called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m. and asked Past President David R. Campbell to give an opening prayer. In his invocation David returned thanks to the Almighty for our many blessings and opportunities for service, and remembered the people of London, England on the occasion of the terrorist attacks, which were reported that morning.
The roll indicated the following in attendance:
Officers:
President Edward Cattell, Jr.
Vice President Walter Campbell
Secretary David Stedman
Past President David R. Campbell
Trustees:
Ann Campbell Jackson, Region 4 Commissioner
J.A. Barton Campbell
Jack Campbell, Region 2 Deputy Commissioner
James R. Campbell, Finance Committee Chairman
Kenneth B. Campbell, Louisiana Commissioner
Robert Campbell St. John, Jr., Region 12 Commissioner
Charles M. “Tommy” Thomson, Region 10 Commissioner
Members and Commissioners:
CCEF President Joseph McD. Campbell
CCEF Vice President John W. Campbell
CCEF Secretary Donald D. Campbell, Virginia Deputy Commissioner, and Beth Campbell
CCEF Trustee Clyde “Bill” Campbell, Region 6 Commissioner
Laura Boykin, Region 5 Deputy Commissioner
Elizabeth Thompson Campbell, Region 7 Commissioner
Jack Campbell, Minnesota Commissioner, and 2005 AGM Host
Jerry and Laura Campbell, Michigan Commissioners
Dr. Ruby Campbell, Librarian and Genealogist
Joellyn Cattell, Member
Junny Jackson, Region 4 Deputy Commissioner
Jim and Marcia Hofstetter, Nebraska Commissioners
Linda Ransford, Missouri Deputy Commissioner
Mark and Sue Pelletier, Illinois Commissioners
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS:
In his welcome, the President thanked “Minnesota” Jack Campbell for his efforts and noted that the venue for our meeting, the Scottish-themed Rush Creek Country Club, is a particularly appropriate surroundings. The President echoed the invocation in reminding the CCSNA members that our organization is a positive force, dedicated to building relationships and doing good, and in marked contrast to those who strive to do harm with senseless goals of death and destruction.
MINUTES AND SECRETARY’S REPORT:
- The minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held February 5, 2005, in Greensboro, NC, which have been posted on the website, were approved.
- The voting turnout was disappointing this year, due to several factors.
After discussion, it was moved by Walter Campbell and seconded by David R. Campbell that a proper paper ballot be sent out to all members to serve as a reminder for voting, and that a ballot committee consisting of the Secretary, Kenn Campbell, and Randy Seale be formed to work out the logistics. This was unanimously approved.
- A letter from Diarmid A. Campbell stressing the difference between Clan Campbell membership and Clan Campbell Society membership was read.
Laura Boykin requested that this reminder be put in the JOURNAL. So ordered.
TREASURERS’ REPORT:
In the absence of the Co-Treasurers, who submitted a complete written report that is filed with the permanent copy of these minutes, the report was given by Finance Committee chair, James R. Campbell. The account summary indicated assets of approximately $38,000. In operating expenses, we have a surplus of $639.47. Graphs and a table indicated a comparison of the 2004 Regional expenses.
REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE:
James R. Campbell, chair of the committee, submitted the results of the committee’s virtual meeting on July 2. These included many “ways and means” topics. His written report is filed with the permanent copy of these minutes.
- Funds are available for the Clan Campbell Society Membership Drive Project, and the results should be available in August 2005.
- The budget is on target.
- There is a need to purchase an updated web calendar.
A motion by James R., seconded by Ed, to authorize purchase of an updated web calendar for approximately $250 was passed unanimously.
- There was discussion on proposing that The Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, Inc. (COSCA) should take the initiative in obtaining support from all the member clans to support the purchase of a university-sized website calendar program that would be useful to the entire Scottish-American community. This calendar would list all games and events, would be continually updated, and would be searchable by category. It would have an initial cost of $10,000 (for software and licensing fees) and $2500 a year for updates and maintenance.
A motion proposed by Kenn Campbell and seconded by James R. Campbell authorizes Ed Cattell and Randy Seale to ask COSCA for authority to solicit its member clan societies for funds to establish a calendar program for the use of the Scottish American community. This motion was passed unanimously.
THE STORE:
In his report on the Clan Campbell Society Store, Ed indicated that the Dunedin Scottish experiment is a failure. After a rehash of the history of the vicissitudes of the store, Ed proposed the following motions:
- That the contract with Dunedin Scottish be terminated, the inventory packed and collected, the owed money turned over to the CCSNA, and all items currently held by commissioners in the field be itemized and recovered.
- That the store as it currently exists be terminated.
- That Ed and John W. Campbell are appointed to a committee to find a vendor who will serve as the “official” CCSNA store, stock the normal requisite items, and buy an advertisement in the JOURNAL to give them publicity. The committee is given flexibility in locating such a vendor and reporting to the Executive Council.
- That quality “approved graphics” be placed on the CCSNA website or other suitable media, and that commissioners be encouraged to use these graphics themselves (for tee-shirts, etc.) to benefit their local programs.
These motions were seconded, respectively, by Walter, John W., Kenn, and Clyde Bill Campbell. They were discussed extensively, voted upon individually, and each passed unanimously.
THE JOURNAL:
Resuming the report of the Finance Committee, James R. reported that the change of printers to United Graphics has resulted in a net savings of 20% ($2,200) and the complaints concerning the cover color and quality of paper are being addressed. Another firm has been identified by Randy Seale, which could serve as a replacement printer, and can also provide similar savings.
ON-LINE PAYMENTS:
James R. reported that after surveying at least 20 on-line payment options, Treasurer Neil Thompson has narrowed the field to 3 or 4 prospects. As on-line payment is essential for the membership drive sponsored by the Society, it must be in place before membership invitations can be sent out. The IT Committee has developed a new membership kit that can be distributed electronically and will allow for an immediate response (materials in a PDF format).
BUDGET:
James R. indicated that a conference call would be arranged in the near future to develop the 2006 budget. He noted that the costs of attending an AGM might be a factor in the level of attendance and might be worth consideration in future planning. James R. expressed his pleasure in working with the other very creative and analytical “ways and means” Finance Committee members and noted that the present committee dissolves on the expiration of the term of the appointing president.
INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY: Authorized activity is proceeding. Randy Seale, Chairman submitted a written report, which is filed with the permanent copy of these minutes.
MEMBERSHIP: Randy Seale, Membership Information Services, submitted a written report, which is filed with the permanent copy of these minutes. With respect to the membership, Ed explained that the roll of the CCSNA having been purged, we have reached a plateau of about 2500 loyal members and have not declined further. He called upon all present to make the most of our traditionally effective ways and means of recruiting and retaining members.
JOURNAL:
The JOURNAL production manager Kenn Campbell reported that the summer issue of volume 32 has just been released. In the future we will try once again for the buff cover color. Kenn encouraged receipt of material for the Society’s JOURNAL.
2005 AGM REPORT:
“Minnesota Jack” Campbell outlined the program for those attending the AGM on Friday, the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Games in Farmington, MN on Saturday, and the Society’s banquet on Saturday night. He also made suggestions for places to visit and dine while in the area. President Ed thanked Jack for the superb arrangements.
2006 AGM REPORT:
Ann Campbell Jackson reported that preparations are underway for an October 2006 AGM at Stone Mountain, Georgia.
2007 “YEAR OF HIGHLAND CULTURE”:
Junny Jackson reported on an opportunity to have a reunion of our Society’s members during the 9 days of the “World Highland Games” at Inverness, Scotland.
- It is understood that more than 160 pipe bands will be participating, and Inverness will be host to the World Championships in both Highland athletics and piping.
- It would be our goal to bring as many members of the Clan Campbell as possible into this traditionally “Jacobite” area of Scotland, and we might expect our chief, MacCailein Mor, his lady the Duchess of Argyll, and their son Lord Lorne to attend as well.
- As early planning will be essential, a report on the matter written by Junny will be forthcoming in the JOURNAL.
- It was stressed that this reunion would not be a Society-organized trip.
GAMES REPORT:
Clyde Bill distributed a report that tabulated attendance, costs, and new members obtained at the various Highland Games.
- There was a discussion on the history of charging fees for clan societies to set up tents at the games and the impropriety of charging outrageous fees to these societies. Actions taken locally were also shared.
- Ed reminded everyone that any attempt to get an easing of the costs and fees should not keep the CCSNA from participating in the games themselves.
A motion framed by Kenn and seconded by John W. Campbell recommended that the issue of escalating games’ fees be placed on COSCA’s agenda and that an overture be made on this matter to the other large clan societies. The matter of games’ fees should also be brought before the annual meeting in Chicago, IL of the Scottish American Leadership Conference. So ordered.
- Clyde Bill underscored the disparity of the games’ recruiting results and sometimes the absolute absence of recruits (new members) though thousands attended the games. Games workers must be active in recruiting, he reminded. He also presented his “recruiting guide,” samples of which would be available to help efforts of the tent managers at the games.
On the motion of John W. Campbell, a prize would be given annually by the CCSNA for the person who recruited the most members. This was seconded by Tommy and, on the amendment of Walt, John W. himself would be responsible for determining the method of choosing the prize winner, selecting and procuring the prize, and determining who the prize winner might be. So ordered.
GENEALOGIST AND LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
Dr. Ruby Campbell submitted a written report, which is filed with the permanent copy of these minutes.
- Ruby indicated that as of June 30, 2005 she had written 181 letters in response to queries and/or for Society business.
- She noted that donations ($85) were down from the previous year ($275).
- She listed her itemized expenses of $260.17.
- She reported on her special project, the computerizing of data that has been gathered over the last 30 years. Ruby hired a part time assistant to help with the data entry. 10,959 individuals have been entered into the database since February 2005. Ruby requested additional funds to help with the typing. She also renewed the Ancestry.com genealogy subscription to aid in genealogy research and to have access to online census records.
- Ruby indicated that most requests today are for more information about an individual and not for tracing ancestors (which can be done on the internet).
During the discussion it was suggested by Joe McD. that donations to the genealogist might be made through the CCEF and thus be tax deductible. Jack stressed the value of this service to the Society as a recruiting instrument. There was also discussion of making the position of CCSNA genealogist a paid position.
A motion entertained by Ed and seconded by James R. called for an additional $500 to be appropriated for this project in 2005 and a budget line item of $1000/year (or whatever is deemed necessary) be recommended for the future to the Finance Committee. So ordered.
The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12:55 and resumed at 2:10 p.m.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
Walt shared his concerns and comments on several topics.
- Officers and commissioners who have not paid their dues despite efforts to contact them.
- Dues for Canadian members remain at $28.00CD, which should be sent to Randy. The Vice President traditionally sends a personal letter to each Canadian member.
- The medallion for “Commissioner of the Year” must be returned. It was suggested that a permanent insignia should be given, but the present procedure is to present a certificate, a silver bowl, and the use of the medal for the year.
- The “Commissioners’ Manual” is still in progress but should be ready for the 2006 mid-year meeting.
- The mid-year meeting will be held in January 2006 in New Orleans, LA.
- There is a need for additional medallions. Mark Pelletier recommended Gordon Campbell as a resource.
- Games reports have not been forwarded in a timely fashion. Fewer than 10% of the reports from tent managers have been received. There was considerable discussion on this matter and the council was reminded that being a tent manager required travel, on site work, as well as paperwork. Ed expressed the thoughts of many when he stated that it is still probably better to have someone who manages the tent well, even if that person does not do the paperwork, especially as this means the manager is paying all expenses himself. A checklist form for reports was suggested for paperwork abatement
- The guest register from each of the games is important. Whatever information is gleaned is sent to the Vice President and forwarded to Donald D. Follow-up is essential as only 10% of those given an application to take off site return it. The response to a potential member packet is better, usually 20-35%. The tent manager could help greatly by a personal letter of follow up to all those who showed interest in CCSNA.
- Membership applications that have been filled out must be sent on in a timely fashion to avoid embarrassment for the Society.
COMMISSIONERS’ INPUT:
- Elizabeth Thompson Campbell, Region 7 Commissioner applauded Illinois Commissioners Mark and Sue Pelletier and Missouri Deputy Commissioner Linda Ransford who have taken care of the games in the Mississippi River area and always submit “impeccable” reports.
- It was noted that John Albert and Donna Campbell have retired after 30 years of continuous service and a letter of thanks with certificate to honor them is appropriate. A motion to that effect was proposed on behalf of Dan Campbell by Ed Cattell, and seconded. So ordered.
- As urged by Laura Boykin, Dorothy and Edmund Campbell, former Michigan Commissioners and members from the early times of the CCSNA, also merit the Society’s appreciation. This was then proposed by Walt and so ordered.
- Minnesota Jack Campbell suggested both that a standard of perhaps 20 years of service should be set to recognize our members in this fashion and that the “Commissioner of the Year” award should carry a name and have a plaque on which the names would be inscribed.
- Ed took the opportunity to appoint a committee of past presidents of the Society to study the matter of appreciation for those who have served the CCSNA long and well.
- Mark Pelletier raised several issues, including a notice that the CCSNA website address is not mentioned in our ad in HIGHLANDER. In response to another question it was noted that the special edition of the JOURNAL, as a guide for commissioners of the CCSNA, should be made available to all new commissioners.
- Elizabeth Thompson Campbell reminded the officers and commissioners that CCSNA nametags are available for $7.00US, and the site that manufactures them will be mentioned in the JOURNAL.
- Ed reminded the commissioners that the Society intends to make resources of all kinds available to the commissioners, and that they must be encouraged to use their own initiative.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. and was followed by the meeting of the Clan Campbell Education Foundation.
Respectfully submitted,
David A. Stedman
Secretary
Clan Campbell Society (North America)
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
of the Clan Campbell Society (North America)
Friday, July 8, 2005, Rush Creek, Minnesota, USA
Following luncheon, the meeting was called to order at 12:55 p.m. by President Edward V. Cattell, Jr. and an invocation was offered by David R. Campbell. There were 48 members present.
The president in his remarks on the “State of the Society” thanked the Minnesota Commissioner, Jack Campbell, for the work he had done to make our visit to the Minneapolis area so pleasant and gave a synopsis of matters that had been discussed and voted upon in the Executive Council and Commissioners’ meetings.
- He summarized the treasurers’ report and noted that we have a money market balance of approximately $24,000 and an account balance of more than $11,000.
- He noted that our membership has reached a plateau and is no longer declining.
- He explained a change of concept for the Clan Campbell Society store, which will in future be run by an authorized professional vendor.
- He indicated that the Society would make available quality “authorized graphics” for the use of commissioners who should take the initiative in making and selling merchandize to benefit their local programs.
- He announced that information would be made available concerning the July 2007 “International Gathering of the Clans” in Inverness, Scotland, and hoped that many CCSNA members would be able to attend what may become a worldwide Clan Campbell reunion.
The minutes of the 2004 Annual General Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, were approved.
The secretary attested to the election of the officers and trustees proposed by the nominating committee:
President: Charles M. “Tommy” Thomson, FSA Scot
Vice President: Robert Campbell St. John, Jr.
Secretary: David Alonzo Stedman
Co-Treasurers: Sandra Thompson Moore and Neil G. Thompson
Trustees: Bruce J. Campbell, J.A. Barton Campbell, Walter J. Campbell, Michael J. Fisher, Walton R. Haddix, and James Campbell Quick.
The secretary also attested to the affirmative vote on the Delaware incorporation merger and Bylaws issues.
The treasurers’ report was approved.
A surplus of $359 from the 2004 AGM has been turned over to the CCSNA treasury.
Although awards would be formally presented at the Society’s Banquet on Saturday, July 9, the following individuals were recognized at the AGM:
- The Vice President announced the “2005 Commissioner of the Year Award” went to Kenneth D. Campbell, West Coast Florida Commissioner.
- The President announced that the “2005 Clansman of the Year Award” would be presented to Illinois Commissioners Mark and Sue Pelletier.
- The president made the “2005 President’s Award” to outgoing Vice President and newly elected trustee Walter J. Campbell, in recognition for 31 years of service to the CCSNA.
- The president recognized and honored Elizabeth Thompson Campbell who is retiring as Region 7 Commissioner after seven years in office. She will be succeeded by “Minnesota Jack” Campbell.
A “Snowball in July”—the legendary tribute of the chief of Clan MacIntyre to MacCailein Mor, the chief of Clan Campbell—was brought from the Northern Highland Games and presented to the president.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. and was followed by a presentation on “The Campbells in the Fur Trade in the Upper Mississippi River Region” by Duke Addicks. This talk highlighted the life and careers of Archibald “John” Campbell and his offspring in the lands east of the Mississippi in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Respectfully submitted,
David A. Stedman
Secretary
Clan Campbell Society (North America)