Board Meeting Minutes: October 10, 2007

New Deal Cafe Board of Directors
Regular Meeting

Present: Peter May, president, Diana McFadden, Peggy Barott, Bill Wilkerson

Excused: Pat Brent

Others: Mike Mulhaney

1. Manager's Position

   Pat Brent had tentatively agreed to take over the manager's position as Joel Moodie transitioned back to other commitments. Pat notified the board this week that she will be unable to accept the position at this time. The board decided to advertise and hire a new manager, as Joel's role will be decreasing this Fall.

2. Cafe Finances

   The cafe enters the fourth week since the special membership meeting, October 11 - 14, with a positive cash flow. While finances are very tight, rent and payroll were covered, and overdue utility bills are being paid on installment for the time being. The cafe needs to improve its receipts over the next month. Member loans and donations, which carried the cafe over the past month and fixed summer's financial shortfall, have been used up. Directors Peggy Barott and Bill Wilkerson will work with other board members on cash flow projections for the next month.

3. Volunteers

   Volunteers have been doing a great job to help the cafe keep payroll expenses low, and to provide service during the cafe's shorter hours. The volunteer coordinators were out of town for several weeks, but other members are working to make sure the volunteer slots are filled for the upcoming week.

4. Loan Application

   Peter May reported that the loan application went to NCB Bank on October 7, and that the bank promised to provide an initial response within a week or two. In anticipation of potential approval of a loan, the board decided to proceed with preparations for renovation of the cafe.

5. Business Plan

   The board agreed to post the business plan online, except for any proprietary financial information or personal background information of board members as requested by the bank.

Respectfully submitted,
Bill Wilkerson, Secretary