Meeting start time 6:00pm.
Present: Jason Gill, Rebecca Gill, Kim Les, Kris Lynch, Kathy Aksten, Gabrielle Feighner
Per last meeting follow-ups:
Gabrielle- no date for new owner’s class
Faith- would like to offer members $20.00 coupon if the send fiber to Alpaca Fleece Mill
Jason- Stil speaking with Llama people. As of now, show is Labor Day weekend but they are open to moving the date and location. Also, still working with other regional states for joint operations.
New topics this meeting:
Rebecca- Sent notes prior to meeting for members to review and start thinking about ideas moving forward when it comes to the website and social media campaign.
Website- Current website is dated. Because of the background template and coding we are unable to update, add, or change many features. By updating to a word press build we can have more abilities to stay relevant. Rebecca has found a freelancer that is capable, reliable, and trusted.
Unanimous vote from the board to get an estimate for updating website.
It will not be “new” just moving background information to allow for continuing updates. Board members also talked about small changes they would like to see as this would be the time to have the hired person make adjustments.
- Adjust directory so it is not just farms
- Newsletter sign up
- Membership benefits
- Event plug in availability
- E-commerce
Secondly; Outside hosting would be something needed so that multiple people could have access to maintain site information. Cost would be about $30-40 monthly. With the current yearly memberships, the cost would be affordable.
Unanimous vote from the board to hire hosting for website.
Social Media Campaign – There is a committee tasked with members form around the USA. This campaign as stated before is not to focus on specifics but for the board whole of the alpaca industry! The committee is looking to kick off more this March. Currently, working within the indication of interest stage, will AAM pledge?
Unanimous vote from the board to donate $1,000 to this campaign.
Triple Diamond and Alpaca Fleece (current AAM members) have also pledge amounts.
Board discussed ability to work alongside the independently run MI alpaca show. Great PR opportunity, and more ‘events’ to bring in public interest to the show and the industry. AAM would not share part of the show, but rent a space for possible seminars, crafts, photos, and joint operation opportunities with regional states.
Meeting Closing Time 7:13pm.