Springport Area Growth Association
www.springportmi.com
General Meeting Minutes for January 20, 2010

The meeting was called to order by Lisa Mitchell at 7:12 pm at the Springport Township Hall.  Members and guests present included: Megan Merrill, Tim Griffith, Chuck & Susan Arntz, Jeff Mitchell, Maurice Randall, Sherry Binkowski, Dan & Jackie Merritt, and Bill Russell.
Motion by Bill Russell and seconded by Megan to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.
Motion by Megan to approve the minutes, seconded by Bill.  Motion carried.
For the Treasurer's Report it was reported that SAGA has a balance of $1,774.15 in the checking and $2,364.47 in savings as of 12/31/09.  Some of the activity in the account included cash for brochure donations for $530 and continuation of the PO Box for $24.00.  The CD has $6,000 and generated $211.09 in interest this past year.  Motion by Megan to receive the treasurer's report per audit.  Motion seconded by Bill.  Motion carried. 
Under committee reports, the Events committee, 8-80 Days 2010 was discussed at the end of the meeting. Jackie has volunteered to organize a 2010 8-80 Days Theme Contest with the winner receiving 4 adult tickets (valued at $48) to the Springport Motor Speedway and a $20 gift certificate to a restaurant in town.  SAGA would like to have ideas for 8-80 Days brought forth in February and March and a schedule finalized in April.  2010 Springport 8-80 Days will be June 18-20, 2010.
The Fundraising committee reported that the gift wrapping fundraiser went will and money raised was donated to the food pantry, but the event was low in attendance.  The Palm Sunday brunch was discussed and Jeff volunteered to talk to Shawn at the Centennial house to begin planning (which falls on March 28, 2010).  It was suggested that we talk to the VFW as well to help with a breakfast fundraiser too.  The scrapbooking fundraiser was also discussed to do that event again as well.  We are still interested in doing a Poker tournament again.  Maurice Randall from the Springport Motor Speedway discussed that the race track will open on April 17th for the 2010 season and will be running every Saturday.  He is looking for any organization that would like to sell adult tickets for a particular race at $12.00 each.  Profit for an organization would be generated by the organization being able to keep the $12.00 off of each ticket sold and billed for $6.00 a ticket if they are brought into the track for the race.  For more information go online at www. springportmotorspeedway.com or call 517-543-5202.
The Media and Public Relations Committee discussed the Springport brochures which will be sent to Gordon for printing (in collaboration with the Springport DDA).  Thank you letters will be sent out for the brochures with a reminder that donations can now be sent to SAGA for the 2010 8-80 Days.  The 2010 web page sponsorship was discussed and will be finalized by the Feb. meeting.
The Townships Committee reported that the Police committee meeting is Feb. 1, 2010 and the Neighborhood watch committee meeting is on Feb. 3, 2010.  Twelve signs have been purchased for $27.50 each for neighborhood watch, if you want to sponsor one, please contact Jeff Mitchell. Motion by Lisa, seconded by Megan for SAGA to purchase 2 signs.  Motion carried. The Jackson County Ag Council meets the third Wednesday of the month at Denny's in Jackson at 7:30 am in anyone is interested.  They discussed the opportunity for local famers who are growing for local markets to make an income.
The Youth Outreach Committee, didn't have anything to report.
Under Old Business, there were no items to report.
Under New Business, elections were held for 2010.  Nominations for President were Lisa Mitchell, Vice Presidents, Jeff Mitchell and Bill Russell, Secretary Megan Merrill, and Treasurer Jackie Merritt.  It was moved by Megan and seconded by Dan to unanimously elect the nominated officers.  Motion carried.
Under Open Forum, it was discussed that Springport Public Schools is holding a community forum on Thur. Jan. 21 at 7pm in the cafeteria to discuss budget cuts.  FFA is hosting district leadership contests on Wed. Feb. 3rd at 3:30pm, the public is welcome to check out contests that will be going on throughout the high school.
The next SAGA meeting will be Wednesday February 17, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Springport Township Hall.  Meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Merrill, SAGA Secretary