Travel Media Association of Canada National Board meeting, conducted by video conference call
Minutes – October 28, 2020, 12 noon EST
Present: Jerry Grymek, Tracy Ford, Dale Dunlop, Guy Thé©riault , Monica MacNeil, Darcy Rhyno, Jami Savage, Katrin Duncan, Paul Knowles, ED Elizabeth Kerr
Minutes recorded by PK.
Meeting called to order by DD at 12: p.m.
Agenda: Approved
DD welcomed Katrin Duncan to the board, and thanked her for her willingness to become involved in the National PD committee.
Minutes of Sept. 30: Moved by JG, seconded, GT, carried.
Financial Report: DR presented the following financial report:
Because of the impact of the coronavirus on our activities, our members and on travel generally, these third quarter financial statements for 2020 include a revised budget which forecasts a net loss of $53,957 for the year. At the same time, TMAC's savings in GICs and other deposits totals $130,007.
As of September 30, 2020, TMAC revenues were $97,222. This figure is comprised mostly of membership revenue ($72,925) and award sponsorships and entry fees ($20,880). Compared to the same period last year, revenues are down sharply by $113,154 (from $210,376 as of September 30, 2019) largely due to the cancellation of the conference. Membership was also down, but only from $76,374 in 2019 to$72,925, a drop of just $3,449.
Total expenses were $114,063, down sharply from $163,095 for the same period in 2019. Expenses were comprised nearly entirely of administration expenses. Management fees ($58,406) accounted for about half of administrative expenses.
Net income for the period is sharply down year-over-year. As of September 30, 2020, we were in a net loss position of $16,841, a decrease of $30,440 from year to date last year.
EK reported that efforts to reduce expenses should mean the net loss will be closer to $43,000, a $10,000 gain over the current projection.
Organizational Chart: DD noted that our Org Chart, as updated by EK, shows a “pretty solid” organization.
It was agreed that anyone joining TMAC from now through year end will have their fees waived, and that membership rates will be maintained at the current level for next year.
Chapter Liaison Report – PK reported that BC & Yukon had asked some questions about membership recruitment, which have been forwarded to EK and JS. Two November events are planned by the chapter. Ontario reported a successful Oct. Virtual M&M hosted by Ottawa, with 65 people in attendance; plans in place for Nov. Virtual M&M; Atlantic raised a question about the change in National PD leadership; PK to respond.
Awards: TF reported that surveys concerning awards are being sent to all members.
Media membership: JS reported that the media membership committee has formulated approaches to membership recruitment, onboarding, and retention, and that a launch of a new campaign will take place in the new year.
Industry Membership: MM reported that the committee will meet in November.
2021 Conference: GT announced that Yashy Murphy will be conference co-chair.
Ethics committee: TF reported that the current media code of conduct needs to be re-written and expanded, and should be more front and centre on the website.
EK left the meeting.
Executive Director: After discussion, it was moved by PK, seconded by DR, that a two-year extension of EK's contract as executive director be approved. Carried. JS, TF and DR will draft an announcement of this decision.
Next meeting: Wed. November 25, 2020, 12 noon EDT.
DD: Declared the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.