Q1 Club Meeting Recap
We had amazing time at our first club meeting of the year held at Saluda Outfitters. The vibe was great and food was delicious. We saw a lot of new faces and old friends, all excited for what’s in store for this year.
Meeting Minutes
Adam welcomed everyone around 5:00
Membership Report
The Club has a total of 605 members, with 363 of those being active (current on dues).
A question was asked: “Should we purge inactive members from the role after a certain period of time?” Adam replied that we do not purge because we market to inactive members to encourage them to renew. He cited the Chattooga Fest renewal emails as an example
Annual Report
Adam stated that he has not ever seen an annual report since he has been a member the club.
The purpose of the Annual Report is to increase transparency so that members know what money is coming in and how it is being spent
Adam went over the high level numbers from the report. These numbers are available only to current active members and will be released in an email at a later date.
There was discussion about miscellaneous expense since that cost was higher than expected. Adam noted that this was due to a lack of good accounting practices and spending controls. Adam stated that this is an area of opportunity that will be remedied this year.
Adam stated that the full annual report will be released to current active members via email, within two weeks.
Board Update
Adam explained the board and their role in the club.
Board Members in Attendance at the meeting:
Adam Mobley, President
Joey Geiger, Vice President
Jason Burdette, Member at Large
Dennis Owens, Member at Large
Scott Schilling, Events Coordinator
Kevin Miller, Conservation Chair and Policy Director
Patrick Walsh
Janna Bankston
Chris Gray
The Treasurer for the club has stepped down, effective immediately, due to some personal matters. Adam has appointed Ross McSwain as the new treasurer and will be seeking approval from the members to make this permanent. A simple yay/nay/abstain online vote will go out to active members, via email, within two weeks. Adam noted that Ross has been a member of the club for many years and has a background in finance.
Goals for club:
Establish Annual Budget (2024)
Complete transition from 501(c)(7) to 501(c)(3) in 2023.
Conduct more outreach to the paddling community at large, instead of just its members.
Conduct more social events to bring paddlers together rather than solely relying on social media/internet
Q and A
Scott Bouchard asked if FPC has a gear [loaner program]. Adam stated that this something that we have looked into in the past but have yet to execute on. Patrick Walsh offered to run the program. Adam approved. Adam advised that we leverage gracious members to gear people up first, since that pool is a lot larger, rather than relying on a loaner program.
There was a question about our ACA involvement. Adam explained that we have a scholarship program with pays for members to get certified as instructors through the ACA and we would like to see the scholarship program expanded. Adam also stated that our education clinics are taught by ACA certified instructors and insured by the ACA.
There was a question asking FPC has any partnerships with conservation organizations. Adam advised that we partner with and donate to Save Our Saluda.
Events:
Adam reminded that events are listed on the website and sent to all members quarterly and registration is handled through the membership portal
Q2 Events
Foundations of Kayaking - Up to 10 people. 6 clinic series.
Next week’s 101 class is no kayaking- just gear. 101 is Preview, networking, gear. Free. Register online. Idea is zero to class 2. 2 step up to class 3 clinics a year if that’s their goal after going through the Foundations class.
102 April 15
103 May 20
104 June 3
105 June 17
106 July 1
July 2 grad trip Nanny (unofficial trip)
Wilderness First Aid at Croft (full) - March 25th
Step to Class III - April 1st
Spring Fling group camping - April 21-23
May 5-7 Chatoogafest
Open to public this time.
Members get discounted admission for $14 and
$25 nonmembers
Early access for members.
It’s a community outreach opportunity.
Ticket on sale now. Reg for admission and all the ad-ons.
Friday night event for 1st time- Humble Pie pizza party at no cost, 30 spots, limited.
Campground is Chattooga Sounds.
T shirt design pending.
Adam Mentioned that Chattoogafest 2023 will rely more on than donations for raffle
2023 Featured Events
Summer Social at Great Falls - June 10th
Pigeon Day
Class II-III+ paddling opportunities.
Free shuttle.
Working on event at Foxfire campground that night.
Ladies paddle - August 5
Whitewater Center Day - August 19th
East Tennessee Pilgrimage
At different campground this year which is more affordable to the club and its member, and more central to paddling opportunities.
No alcohol allowed. Forest service will fine you.
Capers Island Trip - October 27th-29th
Overnight Coastal trip
Minimum boat length is 12ft.
There are options to make it a day trip if you don’t want to camp overnight.
SC fishing license holders can harvest oysters for an Oyster Roast.
Low Country Boil - November 3rd-5th
Paddle through Sparkle Berry Swamp and participate in a traditional low country boil afterward.
Used to be regular tradition, and returned last year.
Conflicts with green race but Adam offered to purchase the pay-per-view and host a watch party at his house the week after. Sparkle berry Swamp- paddle thru it. Hosted by Cat and Tom. Nov 3-5
Adam Plugged Discord and encourage members to reach out if they have issues
Wrapped it up at 5:44