Alaska State Fair Board

Minutes
Alaska State Fair Board of Directors
Board Room on the Fairgrounds
March 13, 2008

President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.  Present: directors Bonnie Quill, Bruce Bush, Pete Probasco, and John Erickson; members Larry Longenecker, and Mari Jo Parks; general manager Ray Ritari and recorder Kirsten Mason.  Director Charlie Willis was present via teleconference and Director Carol Kenley was absent.

Probasco/Quill/MCU: To accept the minutes and the consent agenda as amended with Katie Fosselman removed from Person To Be Heard, and the inclusion of adding executive session at the end.

A framed Fair poster was presented to former board member Mari Jo Parks.

Probasco/Bush/MCU:  To approve the financial report for February 29, 2008.

General Manager’s Update
Ritari reported that the last full-time employee, Margaret Hanson, has been hired.  She is currently working on securing day sponsors and grant writing.  The Fair is being careful how the sponsors are selected and the days presented to insure positive messages from sponsors.  The Marshall Tucker band that was supposed to play in Anchorage this Friday has been delayed until this summer so we are trying to encourage those ticket holders to attend the Saturday night Billy Dean concert here on the fairgrounds.  The Fair is in negotiations with E-tix ticketing company, and hopes to have a legal review of the contract completed to present at the April board meeting.  The parking contractor has submitted a new traffic control plan which has been approved by one branch of the Department of Transportation.  The plan expands use of the Rebarchek land and incorporates use of the Hamilton property, both of which will require fill work.  The orange lot is being expanded.  We are presently working with fill providers.  Activity on the Rebarchek demonstration farm will begin in May with application of Roundup.  The local Antique Tractor club would like to be involved in the actual soil turning in conjunction with Colony Days.

State Funding

Alaska State Fair was not on the legislature’s supplemental projects.   The State’s budget planner will be contacted to learn what we need to do to be included in the 2009 capital budget.

Director Name Tag/Business Card Update

It was reported that the name tags and business cards for the directors are on order.

Parking Update

The parking update was included in the manager’s report.

Entertainment Update

Securing entertainment for the 2008 Fair is progressing.  The Fair has put in an offer to engage Ralph Stanley, a bluegrass icon, as one of the 2008 Fair’s musical performers.  There was a discussion about the possibility of announcing the Farm Family of the Year in May rather than waiting until August.

Action Items

Committee appointments are as follows:
            Rules Committee: Probasco (Chair), Bush, Quill, and two ASF members
            Election Committee:  Willis (Chair), Kenley, Quill, and Meekins
            Finance Committee:  Bush (Chair), Harkey, Erickson, Mason, and Ritari
            Energy Sub-committee:  Harkey (Chair), Probasco, Erickson, and Ritari
A new committee was formed, the name and members follows:
            Government Relations Committee:  Harkey (Chair), Quill, Bush, Ritari

It was agreed to postpone setting the date for the energy sub-committee meeting.

Quill/Probasco/MC 5-1 (Erickson abstained):  To approve the Mission/Vision statement as prepared by the board of directors to read as follows:

Vision
Alaska State Fair Inc. provides a center for the statewide community to gather in a dynamic and safe atmosphere throughout the year.

Mission

Produce a traditional State Fair which educates and entertains Fairgoers;
Provide stable finances through good business practices, statewide outreach, partnerships and hosting a variety of community, cultural, and business events.

Member Comments

Parks suggested the Fair nominate a person for the state’s “Volunteer of the Year” program. 

Board Comments

Probasco appreciates President Harkey’s communication with the directors between the monthly meetings.  Bush questioned the process of getting set up for Etix. Quill has an admiration for people who apply for grants due to amount of work involved. Erickson expressed an interest in the demonstration farm project.  He wonders what can the Fair do technologically to interest youth.  Harkey expressed gratitude for last month’s concert and the good annual membership meeting.  He noted that the City of Wasilla donated funds to the Iditarod in reaction to the amount of revenue the city receives from that event.   

The meeting recessed at 9:02 pm.  The meeting returned to session at 9:10 pm.

Probasco/Bush/MCU:  To into Executive Session for personnel reasons.

Provisions of the General Manager contract were discussed; provisions of the contract will remain as written.

Probasco/Erickson/MCU:  To return to regular session at 9:21 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 9:23 pm.