HOUSTON AREA ROAD RUNNERS ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting August 16, 2004

 Meeting called to order at 6:07pm

 

Attendance: 

Steve Shepard, Barbara Shepard, Audrey Christiansen, Jo Ann Luco, Sadie Greenman, Tom McBrayer, Roy Lira, Jay Lee, Lisa Ruthven, John Cody (Memorial Park Running Club), Barbara Crumpton, Doug Spence, Noah Matthews, Rachel Guenther.

 

1.  USA 10 Miler Race Review

            Steve and Jay Lee discussed the USA 10 Miler compliance with HARRA Race Requirements.  Everything is in good order.  Noah asked about on-line registration.  Jay confirmed this was through SignMeUp Sports.  As of Sept 1 the HARRA website will feature the USA 10 Miler and a link to its web site.  Steve recommended Jay organize a promotion at Party In the Park, and asked what HARRA can do.  Jay asked for volunteers.  Barbara Crumpton will follow up. 

  

2.  Koala/Luke’s 20K Race Review

            Barbara reviewed race requirements for the 20K.  Everything is in good order.  Keeping a volunteer list discussed. 

 

3.  Kid’s Run

            John Cody, Memorial Park Running Club.  John outlined last year’s race, which was a strong success.  The club received flat-fee of $500.  This year the club asked for a percentage rate instead, 25% of net profit. Steve agreed this was a reasonable incentive.  Roy emphasized that, based on the positive results of last year, the club wished to enlarge this race.  Barb proposed the Board endorse the 25% rate. Audrey seconded.  Board unanimously accepted.

 

4.  August HARRA Insert for ITR

            Roy provided a handout of articles summarizing August Footprints, the HARRA insert for Inside Texas Running.  Agreement with Inside Texas Running is indefinite. 12-14 pages allocated (8 oversize pages).  Roy noted Footprints has not filled its allotted pages previously.  Roy will send email reminders on the 20^th of each month ahead of the upcoming issue, i.e. August 28th for the October deadline.  Roy requested feedback from clubs for submissions.  Steve noted feature writing has been lacking and will request club newsletter editors for generic articles.

 

5.  Party in the Park

            Paperwork filed with city, as well as insurance.  High attendance expected.  Feedback has been strong.  Posters will be placed at Tennis Center.  

 

6.  Activity Updates:

 

a. Membership Update

            Barb said there were 147 new members thus far in August, in addition to renewing.  920 total current paid members. 3-4 memberships on-line per day.  Steve noted that last year at this time, membership was half this amount, and cites the success to HARRA Buys You Lunch program.  Barb said membership cards will no longer be sent out, as membership list is now on-line and new members/renewers receive confirmation via email within a day or two.

 

b. Club Dues Status

            Audrey reviewed club membership dues.  Response has been excellent thus far.  Steve asked Audrey for email reminder to remaining clubs in early September.

 

c. Web site Refresh

Website is current.  Kudos to Geoff Guenther for a great job! 

 

d. Student Run Houston

No news.  Unable to gain an organizer.  Project now inactive.

 

e. Member Discount Program

Steve moved to appoint Doug Spence as At Large Director.  Unanimously accepted.  Doug followed up with a discussion of the current Member Discount Program.  Steve asked about interest from new members.  Running Singles.com replied.  Doug said the ability to demonstrate a strong and interesting HARRA website is important to attract members.

 

f. Cross Country Relay

Insurance certificate received.  Publicity: Cross-country relay featured on HARRA website.  Tom will provide caution tape to mark the course, but emphasized he will not tape the course itself.

 

g. Power In Motion

Active.com will be sponsoring a test of Gatorade Hydration Endurance Formula at PIM based on contact through HARRA.  Lisa has sent in the required paperwork, and is waiting to receive confirmation.  Requirement: photos of runners drinking the Gatorade formula.  Gatorade will post a website with latest hydration research information.  Lisa will note when this is available.

 

h. Houston Fit Visits

            HARRA membership still small, suggesting a HARRA initiative to visit Houston Fit sites. Steve requested volunteers to help with site visits on September 25th. 

 

7.  HARRA Fall Series—Divisions, Team Sizes, Prize Money

            HARRA demographics are dominated by male masters who comprise nearly 50% of our membership.  Club scoring needs to be updated to reflect this.  Masters men underrepresented in prize money.  Steve presented a draft to create a new division of Veterans Men for men 50+ years old.  Masters Men would thus be 40-49.  Also number of people per team needs realignment.  Board discussed the possibility of a Veteran’s Women’s team also.  Steve proposed the Board pilot these category changes for the Fall Series.  Seconded.  Accepted.  Steve will email club presidents.

 

Meeting adjourned 7:55pm.

Submitted by Rachel Guenther