MINUTES FROM THE HOUSTON AREA ROAD RUNNERS ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING

APRIL 21, 2008

 

The following people were in attendance: Jon Walk, Annie Hadow, Anna Helm, Roger Boak, Bob Hoekman, Steve Schroeder, John Mendez, Bill Dwyer, John Phillips, Erin Foley, Jen Brown, and Randy Carlson.

 

Anna called the meeting to order at 6:10 PM.

 

Spring Series Races:

 

Bayou Bash Relay: Annie demonstrated that the Bayou Bash is prepared to meet the HARRA race requirements.

 

Law Week Run: All appeared to go smoothly. It was noted that the race winner went off course briefly, which is most likely the result of new police staff on duty that day.  

 

Bellaire Trolley Run: Went well also. The cardiac arrest victim was defibrillated rapidly and is doing well.

 

Park to Park Run: Bob noted that there were no age group awards for the 75+ age group. Annie will let Scott Dorfman know.

 

New Business:

 

Member Appreciation Picnic: Anna announced that the planning is going well and that Mark needs volunteers. The HARRA Buys You Lunch program will start on Thursday April 24th at midnight. Roger asked about the award plaques. The Board decided to present them at the Bayou Bash instead of the Member Appreciation Picnic.

 

Activity Updates:

 

Footprints: Jon reported that the May/June proof is complete. Ron Morgan’s first person account of his assistance with the cardiac arrest patient as a HARRA AED team member at the Bellaire Trolley Run will be in the May/June issue.

 

Membership: Erin updated that we have 1650 members. This is the same number as last year. The Board discussed some issues surrounding having a live database rather than working off of an aging spreadsheet. Erin said that she will include better instructions about where to go for current numbers.

 

Treasurer’s Report: No report

 

Website: No report

 

Tour de Bayou/ Trails: Roger announced that the Tour de Bayou is going well. Stage 1 had 88 runners; Stage 2 – 109. Stage 3 – 116. The next 2 will be held at Ho Chi Minh. Roger advised that the Spring Runner of The Season preliminary results will be available in early May. We will present the Fall Club awards at the Bayou Bash. Roger mentioned that there is an upcoming Trails Committee meeting on April 30.

 

Bob noted that a boardwalk over the muddy area between Crestwood and the maintenance facility is due to be built in June.

 

PIM: No report

 

Bob noted that the PIM numbers have gone down, which is natural, especially given that a lot of this session’s new PIMsters were beginning runners. Bob also observed that core groups exist within PIM, so he sees it as a solid entity since there are groups of people who continue to train together etc.

 

VVIP: Anna reported for Bruce. Bruce requested $2,500 for HEB gift cards which will be the VVIP awards to be presented at the banquet. Bruce is still missing volunteer forms from the 30K and Law Week Runs.

 

Member Discount Program: Anna reported for Gloria. Gloria is looking for someone to pick up the HARRA membership cards to have them available at the Bayou Bash and the Member Appreciation Picnic.  Jen offered to pick up the cards.

 

John Mendez from Texas Running Company, a new member discount program partner, introduced the store. It is a new specialty running store near the Whole Foods in Sugar Land. It is one of 12 stores mostly in the Northeast and is owned, operated, and staffed by runners who will perform gait analysis as well assist with shoes and apparel. Texas Running Company will be starting a running club on May 15 and will offer training programs in the future.

 

Club Updates:

Pavers: Randy researched the efficacy of us bidding the production of the pavers ourselves. He found that there is some instability in that industry, so the price that Rick gave us is a fair one. This is for the pavers along the Seymour Lieberman Trail. The Infantrymen’s Trail is being considered for additional improvements so the addition of pavers will be considered at a later date.

 

Anna moved that the Board approve providing larger pavers to replace the existing small ¼, ½, and ¾ mile pavers. The new pavers will be the same size as the existing mile markers. Annie seconded. The Board approved.  

 

Bill announced that The Woodlands Running Club has a new Board of Directors. They are promoting HARRA membership to their members and plan to have a competitive team for future seasons.

 

Tom advised that the Bayou City Classic is scheduled for the first Saturday in March of 2009. This is the same day as the Stride 4 Stroke and Texas Independence Relay, so the date may be worth reconsidering.

 

Anna mentioned that she researched having Dick Beardsley as guest speaker for the Banquet. He is not available. Anna is looking for ideas for a speaker as well as food selections and music.

 

Anna announced that it looks like most of the 2008 Board members will be continuing through 2009. Jen Brown has offered to run for VP – Road Race Management.

 

There was no additional business to discuss. Anna adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM.