PBlue Tide Aquatics
Annual Business Meeting
Sept. 5, 2008
Kingwood Country Club

Rob Scheuer opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. He noted that it was the first ever fall business meeting. He said that the next event is the Long Course Party will be Sat., Sept. 13 at ACC. All members and their families are invited.

He said that the fall registration brought Blue Tide’s membership to 200 including Typhoon and Masters members. He said the membership goal is to reach 250-300 swimmers in next two years. This will be accomplished through marketing to new swimmers and a high rate of retention of existing swimmers. The long term goal is to build or partner up to build a 50 meter pool. The cost is projected at $1 million to build plus insurance and operating costs.

He explained the make up of the Club. Blue Tide is one of 3,000 US Swimming Clubs nationwide. There are 60 LSCs in US Swimming: we are in the Gulf LSC. Blue Tide is a 501.c3 non-profit, parent-led club with a volunteer board of directors and
paid coaching staff.

Rob introduced the board of directors which meets monthly. He noted two other important volunteers: Ann Wehrman, website: www.swimbluetide.org and Marcia Gean, team emails.

Karie Sommers, Registrar, said that registration is ongoing for the team. She introduced the New Member Liaison Cheryl Berude. She will have two new member orientations:
Thurs., Sept. 11 and Tues. Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. at Kingwood Park High School pool.

Rick Alspaugh, Booster Club, recruited for his concessions team. He said that the Boosters were adding more items. A new swim suit is now available to order. It’s navy blue with the Blue Tide logo available at Swim Shops.

John Hazle, Fundraising, said that money raised through fundraising goes toward team trips and team building events. He thanked the Vitarius Foundation for their ongoing
donations to the team. He noted that Blue Tide will meet with the new chancellor of
Lone Star College – Kingwood to continue to pursue the 50 meter pool being built
at the college.

Linda Dalton, Secretary, explained her role: internal and external team communications including publicity and marketing. She said that the website will
be re-vamped this fall and asked for suggestions on how to make team communications better.

Bill Conroy, Treasurer, highlighted the state of the Club’s finances for the fiscal year ended 2008. When asked whether the team can carry over cash year to year, he said that non-profits can carry at least one year of operating expenses. John Hazle noted that many non-profits have multiple reserve funds.

John Swank, Meet Director, said that Coach Josh Simpson and Jules McLeod are his assistant meet directors. There will be two home meets: 10 & under Oct. 18 & 19 and
14 & under Nov. 21-23. Both are at KHS. Summer Champs will be the second week of
June hosting the NWAL teams.

Kevin Milak, Head Coach, said that Blue Tide is a Silver Medal club of US Swimming.
This is a distinction is reserved for the top 100 clubs. It’s based on national ranking of swimmers, community involvement and other factors. BTA has been a Silver club the last five years.

Kevin noted that the best thing about swimming compared to other youth sports is that it has no glass ceiling. In other words, kids can go as high as their work ethic and talent will allow. He noted that the team’s top performers this year were:
Matt Barber, US Olympic trials, and Paul Kornfeld, Canadian Olympic Trials and twice NCAA champion.

He then introduced the coaches: Beth Barber (Tidalwave), Josh Simpson (co-coach 10 & Under, Jr. Orange and Masters), Emily Milak (10 & under, Jr. Blue), Mark Krimm and Ty Gaston (Tidal wave and Typhoon). He reviewed the board members who are assigned to each practice team (See Website for the assignments.) They should be contacted by parents for any issue that is “outside the water.” Any “in water” questions should be directed to the coaches.

Rob then introduced Socorro Umrysh who is the party coordinator, Yanli Lu who does direct debits and Megan Vitarius who is handling meet entries this year.
He noted that a meet entry drop box will be re-instituted at KHS. At K-Park, the
entries must be given to the coaches.

Rob then asked the parents to look at the BTA By-Laws suggested revisions.
He motioned that the Proposition One change be approved. Frank Frey seconded. The vote was unanimous approval. Kathy Ciliske motioned that the group approve Propositions 2-19. Toni Teel seconded. The vote was unanimous approval.

Rob adjourned the business meeting at 8:30 p.m.