Clan Campbell Society (North America)
Annual General Meeting
August 24, 2013
Quebec, Canada
Meeting called to order at 8:45am by President Robert St. John and Rev. Thomas Campbell gave the invocation.
The roll was called: Present, President Robert St. John, Vice-President David Stedman, Secretary Michael Fisher, Trustees Kenn Campbell, Carl Guilford, Sharen St. John, and Linda Ransford. Excused were Walter Campbell, Eric Campbell and Jerry Campbell.
President’s remarks: President St. John welcome all to the meeting and gave thanks to the hosts for the job well done on the location and gathering as a good way for all to get to know each other.
Concern was raised regarding the attendance issue at the AGM’s and mid-year meetings and ways to over come this.
Committee reports were sent out and available the president stated.
Two commissioners were present, Bill Burk from Region 2 and Jeff Campbell from Region 7. Thanks to Duncan Beaton and Diarmid Campbell for attending.
Minutes from the Mid Year meeting in Ft. Worth were read. David Stedman moved they be accepted, seconded by Michael Fisher, approved.
Remarks were made that the Society is on solid ground. There was a $4500 dollar shortfall from the 2012 budget and currently running at $600 from the first of the year to current.
Concerns regarding payment to commissioners for games were also raised and have been addressed.
Election results: Walter Campbell, Cynthia Coffey Campbell and Linda Ransford were elected for new terms.
The amendments to the by-laws were passed.
Games committee: Concern over falling attendance at the games, burn out by games committees a number of games have folded. Encourage members to become active on the various committees and provide new blood.
IT Committee: The website will be redone after budget approval for the funds. The company to do the work has a good reputation; it will be updated to reflect current websites. The goal is the have it ready by the AGM in April.
Membership Committee: The Society currently has 1500 paying members, 177 life members and 17 complimentary members. We are currently ahead of last year this time by 132 new members.
Discussion on how to attract new members to the Society and keep them interested. Suggestion was to organize from the bottom up. A committee will be appointed to look at this.
Duncan Beaton commented on the need to bring in and keep younger members. Congratulation to Region X for the largest increase in new members.
Genealogy report: Ruby reported that is has been a banner year so far. Mail is up with lots of inquiries.
2012 - 296 Inquiries
As of July 2013 – 277
$515 in donations received in 2012.
$810 as of July 2013
Expenses in 2012 were $433.71 and are currently $687 for 2013.
$300 is paid to Ancestry.com for membership.
Database currently has 187,440 Campbells listed and 18,000 seats.
The goal is to have an index on the website with access for members.
Finance Committee: Jay Higle presented the finance committee report. It was reported as earlier mentioned that a small deficient has been ran for the 2012 year and current 2013 year. No harm seen currently but could cause harm if the trend continues.
Largest expense is membership services, however cutting services to the membership could hurt the society.
The Society also has a large postal expense. Need to look into ways to do more electronically to save money.
Genealogy is a large expense but is self sufficient generally.
Games are smaller, not as large of crowds. Membership chances are down as a result.
Renewals are not consistent. Need to find ways to encourage members to renew. Make mention of Scottish Heritage 10% discount to members and other organizations that provide the same type of discounts.
Need to look at renewals and retention in restructuring of Society.
Standardize emblems and find way of electronically distribution membership packets.
Engage social media more as a way to attract younger members, suggestions were the Facebook page and Twitter.
Sharing of expenses between the CCSNA and CCEF at AGMs. CCEF will continue to pay for the lunches and the CCSNA will continue to cover general expenses.
President Robert St. John announced Carl Guilford as Commissioner of the Year and the Clansman of the Year as Duncan Beaton.
Report on COSCA meeting at Grand Father Mountain. Robert St. John and Sharen St. John attended the meeting on behalf of the CCSNA.
Dues for membership are $25.00 for 2013 and will rise to $50.00 for 2014. They have asked permission to put a link on their website to our Games Calendar as they feel we do an excellent job with it.
Robert St. John asked that we maintain our membership in COSCA. Kenn Campbell so moved and Carl Guilford seconded. Motion carried.
David Stedman reported that their had been a resignation in Region XII, but Robert St. John worked with the region and the resignation has been rescinded.
David also reported that there is new excitement in Region IV and that they will be hosting the AGM in in Charlotte N.C. in conjunction with the Loch Norman Games.
Jack Campbell is the deputy commissioner for Region II.
Steve and Alicia Campbell are the commissioners for Oregon.
Randy Seale is looking at a way to accept credit cards at the games through Regions Bank; currently they are using a similar method for processing them when received.
Tent mangers will be advised of the steps.
Robert St. John appointed Chad Smith, David Caimbeul II, and Barton Campbell as Trustees.
Robert thanked everyone for their support and help during his two terms as president of the society and looks forward to seeing everyone in 2014.
Meeting adjourned at 10:58am
Respectfully submitted:
Michael Fisher