Date: April 2, 2014
Time: 1:00pm
Place: Tourism Board Room
Attendees: Howard Green, Lori Napper, Trentsie Williams, Ann Mendelsen, Cynthia Drakeford, Lindy Meece
Special Guests: Graham Cox and Graham’s Assistant
Minutes Approved
Minutes from 1/25/2014 approved unanminously.
President’s Report
Ware Shoals and Hodges Elementary Schools have received tennis equipment in 2014. An anonymous individual donated $724.00 towards funding tennis equipment for 2 more schools – Woodfields and Merrywood. There may also potentially be another donor for tennis equipment, which would mean 5 schools would receive equipment for 2014. Graham Cox mentioned USTA has a curriculum available for the schools. The information is available online, but if the schools wanted to receive hardback books then the cost is $35.00 for membership. Rebecca Martel, who works in the SC USTA office, can provide additional information regarding the curriculum.
“Friends of Tennis” are individuals who sponsor kids for JTT. Howard is actively recruiting individuals to be sponsors.
Lindy is working with the GHS league to target some of the players on the tennis team to participate in a 4 week tennis program in the summer. Lindy has contacted seven players and has a positive response from 4 of the students.
Treasurer’s Report
The balance as of 3/31/14 is $1629.41. Graham mentioned the marketing grant which is a reimbursement of marketing expenses incurred while advertising tennis activities.
Website Coordinator’s Report
Our website is www.gata.usta.com
If there is information which needs to be added to the website, please contact Marsha Lunsby.
Adult League Report
No formal report. Howard will be talking with Charlie Barrineau, Greenwood City Manager, regarding adding 2 additional hard courts at the Civic Center. We would also like to look into possible grants for the new courts. Lori Napper mentioned lights missing on the courts and the nets on Courts 6 need adjusting.
Volunteer Report
We are in need of a volunteer coordinator. Howard suggested Lindy would be a great fit in the position. Graham mentioned the possibility of Landers students assiting with our JTT program. The volunteers are needed on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00am while JTT is in session.
JTT Report
The kick-off will be Saturday, April 5th starting at 10:00am. There will be pizza and JTT registration during the kick-off. Two GHS players will also provide an exhibition for the kids. The Friday clinics will be 5:45pm-6:45pm and matches will be played on Saturday, 10:00am - 11:00am. The goal is to have 35-40 kids participate.
Old Business
None to report
New Business
Cynthia is working on gathering information regarding 501(c)(3) status. This will open a lot of opportunities for CTA to apply for grants. Graham pointed out that the 501(c)(3) status is an extensive process and he would recommend hiring an accountant/tax lawyer to help with the process. He also noted the cost associated with applying for a 501(c)(3) status. Graham noted Barbara Jones(St. George) has been through this application process and she would also be a great resource.
Howard is working on a summer player appreciation gathering. The Adult League will cover the costs associated with this event.
Graham talked about the new allocation method for the local leagues receiving a percentage of dollars based on members. He also talked about different grant opportunities. Usually program grants are due in May.
Trentsie suggested contacting the Index-Journal to highlight the JTT kick-off event. She will contact the Index to see if they could provide coverage. Graham also mentioned contacting Jonathan Braydon, who handles coordination with press about coverage of tennis events.
No date set for next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 2:20pm
Submitted by,
Trentsie Williams
Content here