03-19-19 Conrad Mansion Board of Directors MinutesConrad Mansion
Board of Directors Meeting
March 19, 2019
Members Present:
Diane Medler, Beth Collier, Rita Fitzsimmons, Chris Vick, Sue Corrigan, Teri Iwerson, Katherine
King, Carrie Nelson, Tia Robbins, Brit Clark, Assistant Director, Will Chippich, Executive Director,
and guest Natalie Robinson.
Meeting called to order at 4:00 at Kalispell City Hall.
President's Report:
• Board Members: Leah Lindsay has resigned from the board to attend personal matters.
Her resignation was accepted and a Thank You card for Leah was passed around. Regarding
other board members with expiration dates nearing: Gary Havens renewal paperwork has
been submitted to the City. Beth and Teri's terms expire on April 30t". (With avid renewal
support for all!) Courtney Sprunger will not be able to attend meetings for a short period of
time but still wishes to remain active on the board.
Treasurer's Report:
• As Everit was out, acceptance of the budget will be deferred until next month.
• Chris expressed that he would like to get materials a week before the meeting.
Committee Reports:
Marketing Committee
• Diane shared that the committee is fine tuning goals. They are looking at target
audiences and have added schools. Events will be evaluated on a matrix consisting of
organizational goals, fund raising capacity, ease of wear and tear on the house, long
term value, etc. Sue asked about differentiating marketing from fund raising. Board
members will be able to discuss and vote on a full marketing plan when it is ready. Chris
Vick affirmed concern about the continual gradual wear on the house. The office
flooring is showing wear and finishing floors is a huge expense.
Executive Director's Report:
• Tisch found where the leak was happening above the Billiard Room and has put in new
flashing. There was no damage to the paint, plaster, or floor.
• The window frame painters would like to start on March 25tn
• New Gardener- Will shared that the Gardener position will be offered to Kerry
Thompson. She worked at Bibler Gardens for 11 years and is highly recommended.
Kerry will be under the supervision of the Mansion. Tisch will still do general
maintenance and lawn mowing. A crew chief and two laborers will be hired for the
Garden Restoration Project. Tyler will be involved and bring down equipment as
needed. Tia recommended hiring the laborers through a temp. agency rather than
hiring through Mansion directly.
• Cindy Connor will be returning to the Mansion as a Guide. Marlene will continue to
manage the Gift Shop.
• Will shared a budget which separated promotions and recurring events as requested.
Questions and discussion followed. Katherine shared that including the narrative where
changes are happening was very helpful. (wedding rental price increase, increased gift
shop projections from branded items, etc.) Diane invited the Budget committee to the
next Marketing Committee meeting. Will had some questions to ask Everit regarding
the Insurance line items, etc.
Assistant Director's Report:
• Brit shared current membership renewals and "Meet us in the Garden" donations.
Board members were asked to submit five businesses to reach out to and there was
discussion regarding marketing input and ways to best approach businesses.
• Sue shared some information from a "How to Make the Ask" webinar. (80% of
donations are from individuals/ 20% from corporations).
• Will and Brit will both be taking Qu ickBooks classes at FVCC. Brit has been training on
Past Perfect.
• Website: The new website which will emphasize beautiful/interesting features and
details. (Think opening scenes of Downton Abbey.) Will has talked to wedding
photographers and some are willing to grant permission to use their photos as long as
the photographer is clearly noted. Brit is helping provide Mansion photos. Eric
Maldonado from Glacier Web Solutions is working on the site.
• The Mansion's new Facebook page is live. It can be found at The Conrad Mansion.
Please check it out and "Like" it.
• A "class" photo of the Mansion board will be at a future (warmer) date to be set. Please
send a brief bio on why you like the Mansion and serving on board.
• Brit gave an overview of Death By Chocolate ticket sales and weddings and school tours
booked so far this season.
Other Business:
• Mark Norley asked about the particulars of when the West side of the house was
painted a few years ago. It is in need of paint again on the upper story where the sun is
hard on it.
Meeting Adjourned 5:14
Next Meeting: April 16t" at City Hall