Minutes for the Rotary Club of Ames Board of Directors Meeting, June 16, 2025
Minutes for the Rotary Club of Ames Board of Directors Meeting
June 16, 2025
Present: Katy McMahon, Jamie Courtney, Jim Baker, Jennifer Ellis, Mary Evanson, Jennie LeGates, Chris Nelson
Absent: Tammy Koolbeck, Mason Adams, Jon Christy, Lisa Heddens, Sandy Swanson, Executive Secretary Karin Sevde
Incoming Board Members Present: Randy Olson, Seldon Spencer, Kate Reynolds, Kris Eastman
Incoming Executive Secretary/Treasurer: Allyson Walter
President Katy McMahon called the meeting to order at 12:55 PM.
Consent Agenda
Motion for Approval Jennifer Ellis, Seconded by Jim Baker, Unanimous
Board Minutes for May 19, 2025
Membership Transaction: Chad Copley - Termination
Treasurer’s Reports for May 2025
Motion to Accept, subject to review by Jamie Courtney, Seconded by Jennie LeGates, Unanimous
Current Business:
DGN Bill Bruce – 2027 District Conference
Bill requested that the Rotary Club of Ames be the host club for the 2027 D6000 District Conference. There would be no cost to the club, but it would involve a commitment from members to serve on planning committees and participate as hosts during the event. Potential dates are April 16-18, 23-25, or April 30-May 2, 2027. The Board committed to consider the request and make a decision at the July Board Meeting.
2025 – 2026 Draft Budget
Motion to Approve by Jamie Courtney, Seconded by Chris Nelson, Unanimous.
Raising Readers in Story County request for Lead Sponsorship, 2025 -2026, $3,000
Jamie Courtney requested that we have more involvement with Raising Readers during the upcoming year. Jamie suggested that we ask them to provide a program about the organization. Motion to approve the request with funds from the discretionary fund line-item by Jennie LeGates, seconded by Jamie Courtney, unanimous.
For the Good of the Order:
Randy Olson asked DGN Bill Bruce to share how his club’s Corporate membership is structured. The Rotary Club of Dennison has one primary corporate member identified and registered with RI, along with a specified number of additional members. The attendees may vary from week to week. The Board of Directors (BOD) discussed the idea as an opportunity to boost membership and potentially recruit new members, as staff members are introduced to Rotary through this membership option.
Jamie Courtney announced that we will have a slightly different meeting schedule in September due to the availability of the meeting space. Meetings will be as follows:
September 1 - No Meeting - Labor Day
September 8 - In Person Meeting
September 15 - Online Meeting
September 22 - Online Meeting
September 29 - In Person Meeting
Incoming President Jamie spoke about the urgent need to form and fill the committee positions of Public Image and Sergeant-at-Arms.
- Public Image Chair (and possibly a committee) – looking for someone to manage social media posts and generate marketing ideas overall. The Club must identify a PI Chair by August 1 due to the D6000 required training. Allyson Walter has been doing this for years. With her taking on the roles of Secretary and Treasurer, she will be stepping down.
- Sergeant-at-Arms Committee - At least 6, but preferably 8, people involved. This way, the time commitment will be minimal, as it only requires helping with setup and teardown at our in-person lunch meetings a few times a year. A complete position description will be distributed to all our members soon. The time commitment includes:
- Set up for two people from 10:45 to 11:30, and teardown for two people from 1:00 to 1:30 pm
- The chair will need to oversee the purchase of additional beverages, plates, silverware, and napkins, as well as coordinate catering and, if necessary, arrange for a fruit tray from Hy-Vee.
Outgoing Board Members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and the Board of Directors thanked them for their service.
Meeting adjourned at 2:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allyson Walter
Incoming Executive Secretary/Treasurer