New Deal Cafe Board of Directors
Regular Meeting
Present: Peter May, Diana McFadden, Bill Wilkerson, Michael Cooney
Others: Joel Moodie, Natalie Hughes England, Leslie Brothers
Peter called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm.
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Financial Report
Natalie England reported that technical problems have prevented her from completing
the financial report, but she promised to have the report by August 18. She noted that
the cafe taxes are due by the end of the month. -
Loan Proposal
Joel Moodie proposed that the cafe apply for a loan from the NCCB for $100-150,000 in
order to consolidate debts of over $65,000 (credit line, credit card, and GCC).
The remaining amount is proposed to pay for improvements that will establish avenues of
revenue such as for the coffeehouse operation (brewer, grinder, multi-port espresso machine),
an ice machine, counter tops, new or renovated floor, lighting, ceiling improvements, exhaust
fan, stoves. Joel also identified city grants and loans after a discussion with Konrad Herling,
and Joel promised to investigate.Leslie emphasized the need to insure that the loan be used only for improvements and
debt consolidation as opposed to operating expenses. She suggested that the treasurer be
required to approve any expenditures from the loan. -
Marketing Report
Leslie reported the elements of the marketing plan now underway: 1) Advertising – weekly GNR ad,
monthly Diamondback, Beltsville News, and City Paper ads; 2) Customer Feedback – Review of survey
data and preparation of response; 3) Website – Karen Wallace is working on the new site and needs
music information. -
Michael Cooney’s Appointment
Michael stated that he feels qualified to be a board member based on his experience in
restaurants, non-profit business, and executive personnel training. He is working 1½ jobs and
will be teaching grad school this fall. He stated appointment to the board is contingent on
purchase of liability insurance for the board. He is willing to take on the following tasks:
improvement of restaurant operations, by-law changes, restructuring the board and committees,
solving volunteer issues, creation of a standard scope of practice, and spokesman for the cafe.
The meeting was suspended at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Wilkerson, Secretary
These minutes were approved at the Board’s meeting of August 27, 2007.
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