11-21-23 Conrad Mansion Museum Board of Directors MinutesConrad Mansion Museum Board of Directors
Nov.21, 2023 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Conrad Mansion
1. Welcome- Members present: Gail Erickson, Natalie Robinson, Mark Schickendantz,
Mary Pat Murphy, Diane Medler, Chris Vick, Cate Webber, Teri Iwerson, Tia Robbin,
Carrie Nelson, and Museum Director Brit Clark.
2. Consent Agenda- Oct. meeting minutes and Treasurer's report accepted.
3. Grants/ Sponsorships -
a) FEC Student Tour Grant- Flathead Electric has awarded the Mansion $10,000
for school tours. This award is renewable for 5 years. Sue and Brit presented the
Mansion's application and participated in the interview process with the FEC
trustees. The FEC grant is for community education projects and is funded from
retired capital credits that have been unclaimed for five years. Tia shared that
the trustees were impressed with Sue and Brit's presentation and wanted to see
the Mansion's "'Wired for the Future" program have time to grow. The Interlake
and Flathead Beacon newspapers will feature future articles.
4. Fundraising -
a) Room Sponsor Holiday Open House- A Holiday Open House for room
Sponsors will be held at the Mansion on Dec. 14t" from 5:00-7:00. There was
discussion about the best way to recognize FEC which has a large staff. Chris
Vick proposed offering a free tour to FEC employees at the 4t" of July Open
House.
b) Room Sponsorships- The Dining Room and Garden Shed are the only rooms
remaining to be sponsored. Chris suggested to perhaps drop the rates. Chare
has joined the committee. Sales for the next tour season start in March.
Facilities-
c) New Venue Planning Committee report- Mary Pat shared that she did not
get the preliminary drawings today, but expects them soon. These will include
current and future phases.
S. Executive Director's report -
a) Tour Season and Christmas Tours- Brit reviewed her monthly Director's
report. The number of visitors for the 2023 season were very close to 2022. The
holiday decorating is completed. November will be a soft opening for special
holiday tours. The Mansion will be closed for a couple of days to get ready for
the Gypsy Theater Guild Radio Show performance. Valley Voices choir concert
will be Dec. 19t" at 7:00. Tickets for this concert sold out in a flash. Treats are
needed for both events.
b) October Tours- Regular Ghost tours went well. A new event, Murder at the
Devonshire" hosted by DI's Murder Mysteries was also well attended and a fun
event. Water's Edge Winery provided wine tastings and had a special Conrad
Mansion label wine available.
c) Great Fish Community Challenge- The Mansion received $25,516 from this
campaign.
d) Employee Handbook and Manual- Brit and Tia are reviewing the manual.
Any updates will be presented for board approval.
6. Other Business -
a) Holiday Party for Staff and Board members- Chris Vick will generously
sponsor the food for a holiday party. This will be held Dec. 12t" at 5:30 at the
Mansion. There will not be a December meeting.
b) Museum Assistant position- The position has been posted on Indeed,
LinkedIn, and Glass Door.
c) Staff Bonuses- A vote for staff bonuses will be sent via email.
d) Christmas Light volunteers- Appreciation to Nikki Sliter and the Glacier high
school football players who put up the Christmas lights in the yard.
7. Adjourn- 5:00. Next Meeting ]an. 16tn