April 2005 Meeting Minutes

The meeting on April 7^th was called to order at 7:15pm. Guests Richard Noyes and his daughter Shelby were recognized in attendance. Richard will be working as the announcer for the show on April 17^th.

The minutes from the March meeting were read and approved. Jenni Dougan gave the Treasurer’s report. Of note was a change in HAT’s bank account that eliminates the $12 monthly service fees, saving the club $144 per year.

Sandra Shiver gave the Scholarship Committee report. To date no applications have been received, and efforts for increasing advertising and “spreading the word” were discussed.

Old Business:

• BOABH Trail Ride – Mike Scully participated and provided a brief report on the activities.
• HAT Promo Board – Sandy Holcomb has all the pieces to begin assembling her project.

New Business:

• Non-Profit Status – a question had come up previously regarding whether HAT was required to register with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization in order to operate as a non-profit. Sandra Shiver discussed the question with an attorney, and he indicated that HAT could operate as a “not for profit” organization without the need for federal registration. The only significant difference is that donations by private individuals could not be used as charitable contributions for tax purposes.
• Spring Show – Sally Thomason reviewed the last-minute items and decisions required for the April 17th show. These included: volunteer help; show judge; trail obstacles; office and concessions supplies checklist; high point awards; and “show bucks”. Added to this list was a question on offering a reduced entry fee for current HAT members. After some discussion, it was decided to waive the grounds fees for members, and offer non-members the opportunity to apply their grounds fees toward a HAT membership. Jenni Dougan will provide a list of all currently members to the registration desk at the show.

The meeting was adjourned and newsletters distributed.