Board Meeting Minutes: August 13, 2007

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.