In preparation of the big move to 149 Daniel Morgan, the board met for a tour of The Showroom, offices and apartments, then convened for lunch at Hub City Grille (and yes, they stole our name.) Betsy announced that Kerry was going part-time in preparation for meing a new mother and we would be looking for a full-time Showroom director.

Present: Mickey Pierce, chair; Paula Baker, Carol Bradof, Peter Caster, Linda Cobb, Gary Henderson, Eugenia Hooker, Max Hyde, Dorothy Josey, Angela Kelly, Stephen Long, Melissa Walker (B.G. Stephens and Tom Johnson at tour of The Showroom.)

Staff: Betsy Teter, Kerry Ferguson

After a tour of "The Showroom" and the new Hub City Writer's Project offices, most of the group reconvened at Hub City Grille for our board meeting. Carol Bradof organized our lunches since none of us could remember what we had ordered; thank heavens for Carol or we'd still be getting ourselves sorted out.

Mickey Pierce called the meeting to order and welcomed new board member Peter Caster. The minutes were read and approvedwith the correction that Mickey was indeed present for the April meeting in spite of your esteemed secretary's having overlooked him.

Betsy Teter reported that the Cottonwood Trail book went to the printer last week. The design on the Kirk Neely book is in process. Neely has already scheduled a large number of book signings.

The artists in residence will arrive on June 1. Betsy thanked folks who have donated furniture. Kerry Ferguson noted that we are still looking for four bar stools and a sofa/futon. Betsy also thanked the folks who have volunteered to work at the Dixie Hummingbirds lecture and concert and the Writer's Conference. She reported that registrations for the Writer's Conference have not been strong this year.

The board discussed the possibility of granting emeritus status to Gary Henderson and John Lane, our founding board members, once their regular term expires. There was some discussion about whether the board might want leeway to grant emeritus board member status to others in the future. Mickey noted that this change would require a change to the by-laws. Max Hyde will draft some language for a by-laws change that will allow the board to appoint emeritus members who do not having voting rights, but do have honored status as lifetime emeritus board members. We will discuss and vote on this action at the next meeting.

Betsy reported that due the impending arrival of her baby, Kerry Ferguson has requested the opportunity to go part-time. Funding for that part-time position has been secured until the end of 2007, at least. Kerry will remain a part-time employee with the title artist-in-residence coordinator. Meanwhile we are advertising for a full-time coordinator of Showroom activities who will manage the building, the activities, and the staffing of the venue. Betsy hopes to fill that position before the end of May. Related to that search, Mickey noted that being able to offer health insurance benefits might become an important negotiating item in securing a well-qualified candidate. Betsy has been investigating health insurance and thinks we can secure the same plan that the Arts Partnership offers its employees for a reasonable price. At Mickey's suggestion, the board authorized Betsy to spend up to $2,000 a year on a health plan for the Showroom Coordinator if need be.

Betsy reported that we are still pursuing some options for warehouse space for our books.

She is also working on the possibility of replacing our very popular newsletter with two issues of a magazine per year. This project is consistent with our long-range plan of moving towards publication of a literary journal, and it would also enable us to use some of the graphic design skills that our writer-in-residence brings. She'll have a proposal for us in the fall. Let her know if you might like to be involved in planning this new venture.

Betsy reported that she is preparing to apply for our ABC license to sell beer and wine in The Showroom. She asked Max Hyde to review our insurance policy to be sure that we have liability coverage for alcohol sales. He recommended that we purchase a liquor liability rider to supplement our current policy. Ben Correll is working on a price for such a rider. The board voted to authorize the purchase of the liquor liability rider, agreeing that it was a necessity.

Betsy reminded everyone to consult the calendar of upcoming events on the bottom of the agenda, and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Melissa Walker