| Minutes of the SFTGG General Meeting |
| Monday, June 11, 2007 |
| The general meeting of the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild was held Monday, June 11, 2007. The meeting was called to order by the president, Barbara White, at 6:05 pm. |
| President White informed the attendees that there are yellow sheets available to submit concerns to be addressed in the future. |
| 1. |
Ted Bravos from ITMI was introduced to the membership and was invited to present a special memoriam for Kathy Neville. A moment of silence was observed in her honor. Ted relayed a brief history of Kathy as well as anecdotes of her time as an employee of ITMI and as a member of the Guild. The membership was informed that a gift in the amount of $250.00 will be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society. |
| 2. |
Program Report – Claire Manhart and Madelon van Lier |
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The membership was given an overview of the programs that have already taken place as well as the programs coming in the future. Programs that have already taken place are as follows: February, Rick Spear, Russian River; March, SF Tour; April, Presidio Tour; May, Barbary Coast |
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Upcoming programs are as follows: July, Chinatown Walking Tour, August, SFO airport training, September, Cable Car Barn (in process) |
| 3. |
Certification Report – Bert Holmberg |
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The chair reported that the next certification test would be given in June, and the next in November. It was suggested that all members look into working towards certification. Bert Holmberg, chair, reiterated that assistance to meeting the certification requirements was always available. The certification requirements are available on the website. Bert also requested folks to comment on the hospitality requirement that is now in place. |
| 4. |
Treasurer’s Report – Andy Hartman |
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The treasurer reported that the 2007 budget was available to all members. The budget that was generated this year is based on 6 years of historical data. The report represents income, interest income and expenses. The account balances represent program net income/expense. He asked that members look at the report regarding other expenses of the Guild, Guidepost etc. |
| 5. |
Public Relations Report – Joe Ries |
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The chair reported that we took part in the Northern California Concierge Association event where there were 360 attendees. Joe is working on a relationship with KRON/KGO. |
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Joe reported that we have revised the SFTGG brochure. |
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Ulla/Renate will continue to provide editorial expertise for the Guidepost. Printed copies will be sent to those who request it. Interesting articles are always welcome. |
| 6. |
Membership Report – Jason Cohen |
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Jason reported that we now have 14 new Associate members and 3 new business members. Jason introduced the new members present. He also asked for opinions regarding the possibility of adding a column to the roster that would provide the info of when members joined. Jason also asked for opinions regarding the definition of “actively” working in the profession. This is an issue for future discussion. |
| 7. |
Mentorship Report – Diane McNeely |
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Diane encouraged new/existing members to call upon her services to improve and expand their tour services. Also, existing members should volunteer their services to mentor new tour guides in the city. |
| 8. |
President’s Report – Barbara White |
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Barbara White shared with the membership that a “rate sheet” for local work is in development. This rate sheet will be sent to local vendors as a recommendation of what Guild members should be paid for usual and routine assignments. |
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Barbara also informed the membership that Board descriptions are available on the website. As such we encourage members to review these descriptions for possible consideration for future Board membership. Barbara also presented a work in progress for the policy manual to be discussed and developed by the Guild to be presented to the DMC’s. |
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Acknowledgement was given to Craig Smith for his continued support of the Yahoo Group, Chris Cavalier for her support in maintaining the mail; and Ulla Kaprielian and Renate Coombs for continuing the Guidepost. |
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President White then introduced the first of our invited presenters: |
| 9. |
Presenter: Hilmar Cheese Company, Denise Skidmore |
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The Hilmar Cheese Company is located in the Central Valley and provided samples of their cheese products for the meeting. Denise can be contacted at tours@hilmarcheese.com. She explained that should you want to take a tour of 25 guests or more to their facility, there is a complimentary lunch for the tour director as well as a $10 certificate for anything in their store. |
| 10. |
Presenter: Hornblower Yachts, Denise Rasmussen |
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Hornblower will have new products available for the tour industry. There is an industry hotline at 415-559-3108. These products include service to Angel Island, early bird specials, and language capability in Mandarin, Dutch, and a Russian possibility. There is also going to be increased capability with a new ship purchase. They are also going to introduce an Alcatraz discover lunch cruise, fully narrated. On 9/13 they will begin an evening cruise with designer food stations as well as a 5 course dinner. |
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Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm with refreshments and raffle. |
