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MWR BoD Minutes -1- November 9, 2014

List of Documents Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014

Submitted/ Item Attached Description 1. X Minutes 2. X Agenda 3. X Attendance Reports: 11. Achievement Program Coordinator 12. Education Department Coordinator 21. Audit Committee 22. X Clinic Clearinghouse Committee 23. X Convention Committee 24. Model Contest Subcommittee 25. Photo Contest Subcommittee 28. Election Committee 29. X Internet Committee 30. Long Range Planning and Implementation Committee 31. X Membership Committee 32. X Nominating Committee 33. Promotions and Special Projects Committee 34. Publications Committee 35. X Youth Committee 41. Director-at-Large/Jim Landwehr 42. Director-at-Large/Dave Johnson 43. Director-at-Large/Fred Robinson 44. Director-at-Large/Paul Wussow 45. Director-at-Large/Jim Allen 46. Director-at-Large/David Leider 47. Director-at-Large/Linda Sukup 51. X Division Director/ Central Indiana 52. Division Director/DuPage 53. X Division Director/ Fox Valley 54. Division Director/Illinois Terminal 55. X Division Director/Illinois Valley 56. X Division Director/Michiana 57. X Division Director/Rock River Valley 58. X Division Director/South Central Wisconsin 59. X Division Director/Winnebagoland 60. X Division Director/Wisconsin Southeastern 70. X Regional Advisory Council Representative 71. X Secretary 72. X Treasurer 73. X Vice President 74. Immediate Past President 75. X President 81. X 501(c)(3) Project Committee Report 82. X Zip Code Reassignment


Item 1 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 TENTATIVE AND PRELIMINARY DRAFT FOR REVIEW AND DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY SUBJECT TO CHANGE President Paul Mangan called the meeting to order at 10:03 am in meeting room 4 at the Milwaukee Trainfest show in West Allis, Wisconsin. The agenda for the meeting is at Item 2. Eighteen of the 26 people attending the meeting in person or by proxy were voting members of the Board of Directors, which constituted a quorum. See Item 3 for a list of all of the attendees who signed in. Paul Mangan thanked Joe Russ of the WISE Division and Ken Jaglinski of the Trainfest committee for hosting this meeting. Joe Russ welcomed the Board to Trainfest and asked people to not touch the airbrushing equipment. Fred Robinson, Paul Wussow motioned to accept the May 18, 2014 meeting minutes. Call for a vote, motion passed. Reports The following reports are attached:

Clinic Clearing House Committee (Item 22) Convention Committee (Item 23) Internet Committee (Item 29) Membership Committee (Item 31) Nominating Committee (Item 32) Youth Committee (Item 35) Division Director/Central Indiana (Item 51) Division Director/Fox Valley (Item 53) Division Director/Illinois Valley (Item 55) Division Director/Michiana (Item 56) Division Director/Rock River Valley (Item 57) Division Director/South Central Wisconsin (Item 58) Division Director/Winnebagoland (Item 59) Division Director/Wisconsin Southeastern (Item 60) Regional Advisory Council Representative (Item 70) Secretary (Item 71) Treasurer (Item 72) Vice President (Item 73) President (Item 75)


501(c)(3) Project Committee (Item 81) Dave Johnson of the Nominating committee nominated the candidates in the report. Mike Shockley made a motion to accept, Jim Landwehr seconded it. Motion carried. After a point of order by Dave Johnson, a vote was taken and it carried. Keith Thomsen was unable to attend the meeting. Revenues and expenses for the ten months ended October 31, 2014 were:

10/31/14 Revenues $6,380.72Expenses 4,411.53Net Income $1,969.19

Assets and liabilities as of October 31, 2014 were:

10/31/14 Assets Checking Account $45,040.91 Savings Accounts .00 Total $45,040.91Liabilities & Equity Liabilities $ 7,295.62 Equity 37,745.29 Total $45,040.91

See Item 72 for details. Old Business Steve Studley reported on the 501(c)(3) progress of the NMRA to setup it up for the regions. They continue to work on the rollout. Frank Koch is working to make sure procedures will work for all regions. For a few months there will be a trial with two regions and a division to apply for a 501(c)(3) status. It has been slow and as this is a volunteer organization, it takes a while to get things done. Joe Russ asked for how long the test will go on. Steve said for a couple of months and then it goes to the IRS. CID is not going to re-apply. Paul Wussow of DuPage said it was a standalone organization and will not be on it. Joe Russ indicated the WISE Division’s attorney had some concerns about this. Kathy Mangan asked for Joe to have the attorney’s concerns detailed and sent to Charlie Getz so that they can be addressed by the people involved with setting this process up.


Tyrone Johnsen, Rock River Valley Division, indicated it cost the division an $850.00 IRS fee to become a 501(c)(7) organization. Paul Mangan introduced Clark Kooning, MMR, who is the NMRA Canada President. Bob Sherman has received everything for the audit. He had coordination issues getting information but at this time things look fine. Paul Mangan thanked him for his efforts. James Cruthers, Superintendent of the Winnebagoland Division, presented the agenda for the Spring Convention. James is waiting for more things to become decided. The website will be up in a couple of days. See http://www.wld-nmra.com/?action=meets. Reid Kahrs helped James put together a final budget for the 2015 convention. Reid has not had any inquiries about holding any future conventions. Tyrone Johnsen said he has recommended to the Rock River Valley Division Board that RRVD host the 2017 MWR Convention, but the RRVD Board has not committed to doing the 2017 MWR Convention yet. Paul presented an idea to think about to discuss for the next meeting. He would like to grant seed money to any division to help with setting up the convention. Mike Shockley from IVD displayed their commemorative cars from their 50th anniversary. These cars are not like other commemorative cars as they can be used on a working layout. They have reporting marks for the IVD. They can be purchased for $20.00 at www.mcleandepot.com. When Mike Yurgec resigned as an IVD Trainmaster, there was a mail-in campaign which Dwight Roberts won. Mike Shockley added Dwight to the IVD insurance certification. New Business Zip-code 53534 in Dane County has a member who wants a new alignment to the SCWD. See Item 82. Fred Robinson, first, Jim Landwehr, voted on it and motion carried. Paul clarified that for the certification of your members it is as of the date that you sign that all of the people are members of the NMRA. He is waiting for one division which had elections yesterday. Jeff Jarr indicated that waiting for AP certificates is taking a long time. When your certificate comes in 6 months later, it loses some of the luster of the award. He wanted to bring it up to the Board. Marvin did a great a job of getting AP certificate applications submitted but the hang-up is the National. Gary Children mentioned that the national volunteers are mostly concentrated on the convention from May until July.


It was suggested in the discussion that National should communicate what our expectations should be and what is a typical lag time. Also, that National could indicate that they have the paperwork and the expected completion date. Paul Wussow was going to contact the NMRA with these suggestions. Clark Kooning stated that a lot of effort goes into these and that a faster turnaround was needed. He was going to discuss with Steve August and push the issue with Frank Koch He would think that 30 days would be an expectation. Discussion was held regarding reimbursing Divisions for holding the Board meetings for coffee and donuts in the amount of up to $100.00. After discussion, the board preferred to reimburse up to $200.00. Bob McGeever made a motion, Dave Johnson seconded it. Called vote, motion carried. Youth Fund expenditure. Motion was made by Dave Johnson to reimburse $500.00 of the $600.00 to the SCWD for Athearn kits to be used for the Make and Take at the Madison Rail School and the balance of $100.00 soon after the first of the year. Paul Wussow seconded. Motion called to a vote and carried. Paul is looking for someone to hold the fall 2015 Board meeting. If no one stepped forward it would be held in Chicago area. Joe Russ offered to have the 2015 fall Board meeting during Trainfest. Joe will check with his Board. There were concerns from IVD of the commute to Milwaukee and conflicts with Divisions meets. Paul announced that Marv Preussler did a journeyman’s job for the AP certification and is stepping down. He recommended Jim Landwehr and requests approval of the board. Jeff Jarr made a motion, Mike Shockley seconded it. Approved. Announcements: Spring Convention in Manitowoc, April 17-19th. The spring Board meeting will be April 19th at 10:00 am. Annual Meeting of Members will be on April 18th about 8:00 pm after the banquet. Jim Osborn informed us that the National Parks Trails & Rails program is recruiting volunteers for its program Chicago to La Plata, MO. Volunteers would provide information on the rail trip and would act as docents. There will be an open house session from Noon - 1:00 pm on December 9th at Union Station in Chicago for anyone who is interested. Joe Russ received a Dremel 3D printer. Dremel sent it to him to get organizations involved with the new technology, to setup clinics, etc. Joe Russ asked the group if anyone has experience regarding setting up operating weekends or operating days. How do you organize and he asked for ideas.


Checks for the Division share of the NMRA dues rebate for the second half of 2014 were distributed to Division representatives. For Divisions that were not represented, checks will be mailed on Monday, 11/10. Clark Kooning announced he will be running for NMRA Vice President of Administration. Adjournment Bob McGeever made a motion to adjourn, Fred Robinson, seconded it. Adjourned at 11:06 am. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Mangan Secretary of the Meeting


Item 2 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014

Agenda

Item Responsibility Call to order Paul Mangan Minutes of last meeting Paul Mangan Reports Committees Audit Bob Sherman Nominating Dave Johnson Other Paul Mangan Directors-at-Large Paul Mangan Division Directors Paul Mangan Regional Advisory Council Representative Paul Mangan Secretary Bert Lattan Treasurer Keith Thomsen Vice President Steve Studley Immediate Past President Bill Litkenhous President Paul Mangan Old Business 501(c)(3) Project Steve Studley Nominations Dave Johnson The Lakeshore Limited James Cruthers 2017 & Later Conventions Reid Kahrs Other Paul Mangan New Business Reassignment of Zip Code 53534 from RRVD to SCWD Paul Mangan Membership Certification Process Bert Lattan Slow Processing of Achievement Program Certificates Jeff Jarr Coffee Service, Etc. for Board Meetings Paul Mangan Fall 2015 Board Meeting Paul Mangan Other Paul Mangan Announcements 2015 Annual Meeting of Members: Date, Time & Place Paul Mangan April 18, 2015, ~8:00 pm, Manitowoc, Wisconsin Spring 2015 Board Meeting: Date, Time & Place Paul Mangan April 19, 2015, 9:00 am, Manitowoc, Wisconsin Adjourn Paul Mangan


Item 3 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014

Attendance

Present Name Position/Term Expires/Division In Person By Proxy Paul Mangan President/2015 X Steve Studley Vice President/2015 X Bert Lattan Kathy Mangan

Secretary

X

Keith Thomsen Treasurer Bill Litkenhous Immediate Past President Jim Allen Director-at-Large/2015 X David Leider Don Cook

Director-at-Large/2015

X

Linda Sukup Director-at-Large/2015 X Dave Johnson Director-at-Large/2016 X Jim Landwehr Director-at-Large/2016 X Fred Robinson Director-at-Large/2016 X Paul Wussow Director-at-Large/2016 X Keith Clark Division Director/Central Indiana X Alan Busic Division Director/DuPage Jeff Jarr Division Director/Fox Valley X Mike Lehman Division Director/ Illinois Terminal Michael Shockley Division Director/Illinois Valley X Bob Blake Neal Thomas

Division Director/Michiana

X

Tyrone Johnsen Division Director/Rock River Valley X Bob McGeever Division Director/South Central Wisconsin X James Cruthers Division Director/Winnebagoland X Joe Russ Division Director/Wisconsin Southeastern X Marv Preussler Achievement Program Coordinator Bob Sherman Audit Committee Chairman X Reid Kahrs Convention Committee Chairman X Mike Hurlburt Model Contest Subcommittee Chairman X Gary Children Model Contest Subcommittee Member X Ingrid Drozdak Photo Contest Subcommittee Chairman X Don Cook Election Committee Chairman X Jim Osborn Internet Committee Chairman X Ron Scharping Membership Committee Chairman Lou Venema Nominating Committee Member Mike Vivion Nominating Committee Member Capt. Al Nelson Youth Committee Chair Clark Kooning NMRA Canada President X


Item 22 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Paul A Wussow DAL Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Clinic Clearing House Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting I have sent 2 e-mail blasts to the Superintendents or clinic chairs in the last few months. The result has not been overwhelming: Bob Blake quickly replied with EduTrain and 3 other clinics Emory Luebke replied with a list of the WLD clinicians. Minton Dings sent me his personal clinics. Tyrone Johnsen reported that the RRVD has no Clinic Chair. He does the clinics. Planned Activities Present this to the board and ask for support from the divisions. I will reply to requests for clinics but do not see much hope in divisions supporting each other and the region. I know I have given clinics in at least 4 divisions and also for some regional meets over the past years. All have been direct requests or my offers to the division or region. I seek your advice and support.


Item 23 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, Nov 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Reid Kahrs Date: November 9, 2014 Subject: Convention Committee Report We need hosts for future regional conventions. No regional convention needed in 2016; the NMRA convention will be held in Indianapolis. These are just suggestions based on past patterns. 2017 Rock River Valley 2018 WISE 2019 SCWD Any Division interested in hosting a convention beyond 2016 should contact me at [email protected].


Item 29 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, Nov 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Jim Osborn, Internet Committee Chm. Date: Nov 2, 2014 Subject: Internet Committee Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting 1) Made timely updates to the MWR web site per requests from National & the membership. 2) Assisted the Secretary with occasional Waybill electronic publishing. 3) Posted current PDF versions of the Waybill on the web site. 4) Assisted with several miscellaneous Division web site issues and updates. 5) Managed the Constant Contact Account sharing email arrangement. 6) Managed the Railfun web site Planned Activities 1) Continue with the general management and maintenance of the MWR web site and internet activities as appropriate. 2) Continue to assist the Secretary with publishing electronic Waybill notices. Website Usage Report Last 6 Months April 1, 2011–Sept 30, 2012 vs. the prior 6 months: Site Usage: About the same – down a tad Prior 6 mos. 3803 Visits 2710 Unique Visits 6213 Page Views 64 % new visitors Recent 6 mos. 2775 Visits 1963 Unique Visits 4834 Page Views 63 % new visitors Content Views: Waybill usage about constant Prior 6 mos. 2021 Home page 1261 Waybill 604 Divisions 1431 DuPage 79 Contest Photos 36 AP Page 379 Conventions 85 Secretary Recent 6 mos. 1898 Home page 1224 Waybill 572 Divisions 323 DuPage 41 Contest Photos 39 AP Page 352 Conventions 80 Secretary Referral Sources: Prior 6 mos. 767 NMRA.org 984 Direct 928 Google 40 Comcast 147 CID.railfan.net 137 mrtrains.com 229 Fox Valley 109 Bing/Yahoo Recent 6 mos. 790 NMRA.org 912 Direct 320 Google 43 Comcast 71 CID.railfan.net 17 mrtrains.com 103 Fox Valley 86 Bing/Yahoo


Item 31 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 8, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Ron Scharping Date: October 11, 2014 Subject: Membership Coordinator’s Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting Continued to provide membership information to Division membership coordinators on a monthly basis. Printed reports are sent to those coordinators requesting them. Additionally, a division roster is emailed to those coordinators with email accounts. Provided an interface to National in the updating of membership records; address, phone, zip code, and email address changes. Maintained a table of Region members who have “opted-out” of a printed Waybill. Worked with the Region Secretary in trying to provide corrected email addresses for those email addresses which are determined to be bad. This is done via a postcard to the member. Continued working with the Region Secretary to synchronize the Region Constant Contact list and the National database email addresses. Provided the Waybill editor with mailing addresses for those members receiving a printed copy of the Waybill. Managed a “postage due” account with the Post Office to facilitate handling of undeliverable Waybills. Planned Activities Continue the above. Region Membership Data

Division

NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total

(8/31/08) (8/31/08) (3/31/09) (3/31/09) (3/31/10) (3/31/10) (8/31/10) (8/31/10)1 289 130 297 121 308 127 389 127 2 144 37 149 42 149 45 156 46 3 163 66 159 64 157 56 204 57 4 149 50 142 44 5 93 38 93 36 86 34 85 32


6 242 93 253 85 237 81 250 87 7 33 13 35 12 30 11 29 9 8 116 44 115 46 112 45 119 46 9 152 58 160 63 149 52 165 47

10 96 31 107 35 111 44 127 40 11 199 86 193 85 235 93 252 99 15 93 34 97 31

Out of Reg. 54 54 57 52 45 45 47 47 Grand Total 1730 700 1760 685 1712 667 1920 668

Region Membership Data (Con’t)

Division

NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total

(3/31/11) (3/31/11) (8/31/11) (8/31/11) (1/31/12) (1/31/12) (8/31/12) (8/31/12)1 298 114 279 102 267 101 253 84 2 154 44 149 42 151 45 146 44 3 179 57 169 56 163 53 157 45 5 100 31 100 31 89 35 97 35 6 236 82 233 75 236 76 231 81 7 32 10 32 10 31 13 27 8 9 262 87 251 85 248 82 244 77

10 111 37 103 39 99 40 93 33 11 240 88 239 92 233 93 244 97 15 90 29 86 29 85 34 89 35

Out of Reg. 47 47 53 53 57 57 62 62 Grand Total 1749 626 1694 614 1659 629 1643 601

Division

NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region NMRA Region

Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total

(3/31/13) (3/31/13) (9/30/13) (9/30/13) (3/31/14) (3/31/14) 9/30/14 9/30/14

1 244 78 252 94 239 87 228 89

2 149 47 154 45 153 40 158 40

3 149 39 146 44 144 47 138 52

5 106 35 101 35 99 35 99 37

6 249 82 237 89 233 92 225 92

7 25 9 25 12 20 9 19 8

9 240 72 224 71 226 66 219 67

10 86 33 91 30 89 26 86 26

11 247 94 237 97 243 99 232 101

15 91 37 83 31 75 28 73 31

Out of Reg. 77 77 97 97 106 106 114 114

Grand Total 1663 603 1647 645 1627 635 1591 657


Item 32 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: M. David Johnson Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Nominating Committee Report Activities since Last Board Meeting The Nominating Committee; M. David Johnson, Chairman Lou Venema, Member Mike Vivion, Member nominates the following individuals for the offices indicated: President: Paul Mangan Vice President: Steve Studley Director-At-Large: Daniel Brewster Director-At-Large: Minton Dings Director-At-Large: Reid Kahrs Planned Activities The Nominating Committee plans to develop a list of nominees for the next election.


Item 51 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Keith Clark Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Central Indian Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting June 1, 2014 – CID Board Meeting This meeting was held at the Marion County Wayne Library Branch July 13-29, 2014 – National Convention and Train Show (Cleveland) The CID will have a display at the next two Nationals –Cleveland, and Portland, OR. The display will advertise Highball to Indy, 2016. The booth will be manned by CID members during the conventions. Stop by and say “Hello”. We had 113 people sign up for 2016 at Cleveland and this did not include spouses or other family members. August TBD – CID Board Meeting and Picnic This meeting is for board members and spouses only. It was held at Columbian Park in Lafayette, Indiana on August 17th. October 11, 2014 – CID Fall Modelers Meet As at previous Modelers Meets, we’ll have display space and time for individuals to comment on their modeling. This meet was held in Bedford, Indiana. A clinic was given by Marty Witkiewicz on kit-bashing large structures and we had 18 members attend the meet. October 12, 2014 – CID Board Meeting This meeting was held at the Marion County Nora Branch Library Branch November 8, 2014 – CID Carmel Library Train Show As time for this show nears, arrangements will be made with the portable layout owners so ensure we have enough layouts on display. This is always a popular day for the library patrons. Planned Activities November 22, 2014 – CID Danville Train Show


This show has grown to full capacity and with no Great Train Expo in Indy in the fall this year show be a great draw for model railroaders. December 7, 2014 – CID Board Meeting To be held at the Fishers Indiana Public Library at 1:30PM. January 3-4, 2015 – CID Booth at Great Train Expo This is held at the State Fairground in Indianapolis and as always, the CID will host an information booth for those with questions about railroads, model railroads, or the NMRA. The booth will have an operating layout, or two, and the scale display. Also there will be live modeling demonstrations. This is the only show that is being held in Indianapolis as the fall show was moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. January 25, 2015 – CID Noblesville Train Show The CID’s largest show was even larger since we did not charge an attendance fee this year with over 650 persons attending. We will be going with a $3.00 per adult/$5.00 per family fee structure for all of our meets in 2014. We also decided that the annual auction at this meet will not be held at least for the foreseeable future. We will continue to have all of the other features that our meets have. March 14, 2015 – Modelers Meet Location will be on the north east side of Indianapolis. A theme of open loads was suggested as a direction for people to think about though not a modeling requirement. April 11, 2015- CID Martinsville Train Show This continues to be a capacity show. April 12, 2015 – CID Board Meeting Location to be announced. Spring, 2015 – CID Spring Layout Tour Planning is just beginning. A date for the tour has been set for April 25th. We are looking for four to six layouts in the north Indianapolis area at this time. These tours are for NMRA members. We expect all to be members, but they may bring one visitor with them. Quite often, this is their spouse.


Item 53 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Jeffrey Jarr, Director, FVD Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Fox Valley Division Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting June through August – Summer break, no regular division meetings held, division

recuperating from hosting the MWR Spring Convention RailFun 2014. August 6th, held FVD BOD meeting to kick off the 2014-2015 meeting season and kick off

High Wheeler Train Show planning meeting. The BOD is currently at 9 members, with an open position for the Clinics and Programs Trainmaster.

August 23rd, held FVD outing to Rochelle Railroad Park. Had about 35 attendees. Had hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, etc. Watched trains from10:00 until 4:30.

August – September, The FVD continued our joint venture with the DuPage Division to staff

a regular NMRA table at the monthly DuPage train show. The table focuses on the recruitment of new NMRA members.

September, October & November - We Published an electronic and print versions of our

monthly newsletter – The Semaphore.

September 3rd, held FVD BOD meeting and High Wheeler Train show planning meeting at Jim Osborn’s home. After the meeting we had an operating session on his home layout.

Sept 21st conducted first monthly division meet of the 2014-2015 season. Meeting included a

model contest and a video clinic on choosing between a prototype or freelance model railroad. Our monthly average attendance at our meets is holding steady between 40-45 members.

September 11th, held FVD BOD meeting and High Wheeler Train show planning meeting at

Jim Osborn’s home. After the meeting we had an operating session on his home layout. Oct. 19th, conducted 2nd monthly division meet of the 2014-2015 season. Meeting included a

model contest and a photo slide presentation on the Milwaukee road by Don Cook.


Planned Activities Find a volunteer to fill the position for the Clinics and Programs Trainmaster.

Oct through May (with the exception of March), will conduct monthly division meets that

included a clinic and model contest. Division elections will be held for Assistant Superintendent and Paymaster positions April 2015.

February - The FVD will fill a display case full of model trains at the Arlington Heights Library during the month of February.

Feb. 28th - March 1st , 2015 - We will hold our 37th annual model railroad show High

Wheeler 2015 at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. We are targeting Families, Moms and children again this year using social media outlets.

Continue the monthly promotion of the NMRA and the division at the DuPage Train Show.

June – August, Break for summer, no regular meetings scheduled. Resume regular meetings

in September 2015.

August – FVD group outing: Details are still TBD.


Item 55 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Michael Shockley Date: November 9, 2014 Subject: Illinois Valley Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting September 14, 2014—IVD met in Spring Valley, IL with round robin clinics and layout tours. The same day we celebrated 50 years as a Division with MWR President Paul Mangan as keynote speaker. About thirty people attended. We have designed and purchased from Accurail two commemorative cars for the Anniversary. An offset side coal hopper with IVDX reporting marks with road number 1964 and a reefer boxcar with IVDX reporting marks and road number 2014. These cars are being sold for $20 each and there are still a number of them in stock. Contact Tom Ludlam at McLean Depot to purchase. [email protected] November 9, 2014—Meet in Bloomington IL with Trainmaster Jeff Trimble at the helm as the Superintendent is in Milwaukee and Asst Superintendent is in Florida. Our District 5 Trainmaster resigned and we are looking for a replacement. Letters went out to all the members who are residents of District 5. Only two responses were received and those both said no. A phone campaign is in the works. Minton Dings has stepped in and the January meet in District 5 will likely be in Havana, IL. Planned Activities January 11, 2015—meet in Havana, IL (tentative) March 8, 2015—meet in ReMax Center in Peoria with elections May 17, 2015—meet in Spring Valley or Utica IL


Item 56 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Bob Blake Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Michiana Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting Held Michiana Division Conference September 12-13 with approximately 60 attendees. Cody Grivno from Model Railroader was our guest speaker and he reported on our convention in his online feature, Cody's Office. Bob Blake received a President’s Award for EduTRAIN at the Cleveland National Convention Planned Activities We have restarted regular division meetings and will elect a new Board of Directors for 2015. Members of the Division have begun working on AP credits. We are beginning planning for our 2015 conference. Michiana Division continues to lead the NMRA EduTRAIN efforts for the national board and is looking for outstanding teaching clinics from the MWR and other regions.


Item 57 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Tyrone Johnsen Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Rock River Valley Division Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting RRVD initiated the new season hosting three regular monthly meetings with full programs; held our normal five monthly Board meetings and expect to host our annual bus trip to Trainfest. RRVD received reinstatement as a Not for Profit organization by the State of Illinois; filed 5 years past annual reports. RRVD received approval of 501(c)(7) status from the IRS; and filed our first 990e. Planned Activities RRVD plans to continue to hold regular monthly meetings, and board meeting, host our annual Show the last weekend in March, and investigate additional activities of interest to the Division’s membership and public awareness of the NMRA and the hobby of model railroads. Continue to encourage better utilization of RRVD resources including the use of local talent to aid and increase members and attendance at monthly meetings and to attract others to the hobby and the NMRA; and investigate possible areas of continued improvement. New RRVD Officers Superintendent: Tyrone Johnsen, 2929 Panorama Drive, Rockford, IL 61109, 815-397-9274, [email protected] Assistant Superintendent: G. Jay Kabitzke, 6182 Silver Hawk Ct, Roscoe, IL 61073, 815-957-4477, [email protected]


Chief Clerk: Ken Peterson, 11190 Linden Blossom Lane, Roscoe, IL 61063, 815-975-4897, [email protected] Paymaster: E. Ken Mosny, Jr., 4752 Stage Coach Trail, Rockford, IL 61101, 815-965-4871, [email protected] Directors (non-elected, appointed by Superintendent): Charles Wickhorst, John Mann, and Donald Brindle. Website: www.rrvd-nmra.org ; also on Facebook.


Item 58 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Bob McGeever, Superintendent Date: October 27, 2014 Subject: South Central Wisconsin Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting June 2014 through August 2014

Regular Division meetings on summer hiatus. Annual Summer Picnic held on July 19th. Board meetings held in June and August. Purchased 100 Athearn "Blue Box" kits for Rail School Make and Take program.

September 2014

Regular Division meeting September 7th with clinics, model contest, photo contest, door prizes, and layout tours afterwards.

Board meeting on September 8th. Youth Group meeting on September 19th. Started annual Special Modeling Project.

October 2014

Regular Division meeting October 5th with clinics, model contest, photo contest, door prizes and layout tours afterwards.

Board meeting on October 13th. Mad City Rail Show planning meeting on October 15th Youth Group meeting on October 19th. Doubled our rental storage space.

Planned Activities

Regular Division meetings in December, February, March, and April. Joint Division meeting with RRVD in April at Rockford. Annual Rail School in January. 48th Annual Mad City Rail Show on February 21 and 22. Annual Awards Banquet on May 15th. Promote SCWD attendance at The Lakeshore Limited MWR Convention. Finish Annual Modeling Project at Regular Division Meeting in April


Item 59 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: James Cruthers Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Winnebagoland Report Activities since Last Board Meeting The Winnebagoland Division held its spring meet and annual membership meeting in Waupaca, WI on May 10, 2014 and its fall meet in Marinette, WI on September 27, 2014 with Jim Hediger of Model Railroader magazine as the feature luncheon speaker. Both meets offered a variety of excellent clinics and layout tours following. We held our annual Operating Session on November 1, 2014 in Sheboygan. Planned Activities The Winnebagoland Division will host the Lake Shore Limited, the Midwest Region’s spring convention. Convention activities will take place at the Holiday Inn, Manitowoc, Wisconsin on April 17-19, 2015. The convention will include:

Nine layouts between Manitowoc and Two Rivers, WI hosting Operating Sessions including morning (9-12), afternoon (1-4), and evening (5-8) sessions. Space is limited so early registration is recommended.

Rail clinics: Two clinics Friday night and 18 clinics Saturday morning and afternoon. Non-rail: Linus Project (two sewing machines provided – bring yours if you are able) and other clinics. Vendors Saturday evening banquet (buffet style); dietary concerns will be directed to the hotel banquet manager.


More than 14 layouts open for tours on Sunday, 4/19/15 in a variety of directions from Manitowoc. NMRA judged model and photo contests. A Popular Vote model contest. Winnebagoland Division and Midwest Region Membership and Board of Director’s meetings. Tour the Manitowoc Maritime Museum and the USS Cobia, a CATO-class WWII submarine. The hotel, completely remodel in 2014, is located off Interstate 43 and Hwy 151 with easy access to the operating session layouts and layout tours as well as a variety of nearby restaurants. A special discounted group room rate of $99.00 (1-4 people per room) + tax/night. Guests should call the hotel direct at 920-682-6000 to make reservations. Please reference Group Code: National Model Railroad Association when making reservations. Reservations must be received by March 19, 2015 or Holiday Inn will not be able to guarantee the holding of these rooms. All members are invited to attend and guests are welcome! Go to the Winnebagoland Division’s website for the latest details of the event and to see photos of the railroads on the tour and open for Operations. Registration forms are available on the website. http://www.wld-nmra.com/?action=meets


Item 60 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Joe Russ Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: WISE Division Report Activities since Last Board Meeting Aside from our annual meeting at our April meet, we also held our second WISE Division Operating Day where members and non-members were able to operate We had NMRA members from Indiana and llinois join us for this event. In May we took a bus trip to the swap meet to the swap meet in DuPage, Ill. In August we held our membership picnic at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Our meet season started off a the Midway Hotel and Suites in Brookfield, with the second one being at the Washington County Fairgrounds. At the time of this writing, preparations are underway for Trainfest 2014. With the addition of another building of 30,000 sq. ft. it should be the largest in the country. Planned Activities Trainfest - November 8-9, 2014 December 7, 2014 - Midway Hotel & Suites – Brookfield (same location, different name) January 18, 2015 - Midway Hotel & Suites – Brookfield (same location, different name) February 15, 2015 - Roma Lodge – Racine February 21, 2015 - Bus trip (extra fare) to the NMRA SCW Division Mad-City Train Show (Madison) March 15, 2015 - Midway Hotel & Suites – Brookfield (same location, different name)


April 11, 2015 – WISE Division Operating Day (see website for details as the date approaches) April 26, 2015 - Midway Hotel & Suites – Brookfield (same location, different name) May 3, 2015 - Bus trip (extra fare) to the swap meet in DuPage, Ill.


Item 70 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Paul Mangan Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: RAC Report Activities since Last Board Meeting October 2014 Emailed Steve August to find out the answers to:

1. Who appoints AP Chair, Region or National? 2. Why is processing of AP awards taking so long?

Answers:

1. Region appoints AP Chair. 2. He will investigate.

Planned Activities As Required


Item 71 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Bert Lattan Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Secretary’s Report Activities Since Last Board Meeting

Prepared and distributed minutes of the Annual Meeting of Members held on May 18 2014. Prepared and distributed minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on May 18, 2014. Prepared and distributed an agenda for the Board of Directors meeting to be held on

November 9, 2014. Filed the attached Annual Report with the Illinois Secretary of State. Supported electronic delivery of the Waybill. Solicited Conflict of Interest Statements. Maintained the Secretary's Page. Maintained lists of key personnel. Obtained updated lists of Division officers and directors from the Divisions. With assistance from the Region Membership Chairman, monitored membership

expiration dates of Region and Division officers and directors. Prepared and distributed for signature Region and Division Certification of Membership

Forms. Planned Activities

Prepare and distribute minutes of the Board of Directors meeting to be held on November 9, 2014.

Prepare and distribute an agenda for the Annual Meeting of Members to be held on April 18, 2015 during The Lake Shore Limited in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Prepare and distribute an agenda for the Board of Directors meeting to be held on April 19, 2015 during The Lake Shore Limited in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Consolidate and forward to the NMRA Region and Division Certification of Membership Forms.

Support electronic delivery of the Waybill. Please encourage your members to subscribe to electronic delivery of the Waybill using the link at http://www.mwr-nmra.org/region/waybill/waybill.html. Members can also update their e-mail and postal


addresses from this webpage or they can update directly with the NMRA at http://www.nmra.org.

Maintain the Secretary's Page. Maintain lists of key personnel. One list includes Region Officers, Directors-at-Large,

Division Directors and Committee/Subcommittee Chairmen/Members. The other list includes Division Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Chief Clerks and Paymasters. Please send additions, deletions and corrections to these lists to [email protected]. Also, Division Superintendents should establish procedures to ensure that Division officers and directors keep their NMRA memberships current. An officer or director with an expired membership may not serve a Division in any capacity. Please note that the membership date in the monthly member list and on an individual’s membership card is an expiration of membership date. It is not a renewal date.


Item 72 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Keith A. Thomsen Date: October 31, 2014 Subject: Treasurer’s Report Income statement and balance sheet information for 2014 October 31st year-to-date are attached for your information. Year-to-date October 2014 revenues totaled $6,380.72 with net income of $1,969.19. As approved by the Board, the un-reconciled Regions Bank cash balances have been taken to income and show as a $264.74 credit to reconciliation differences on the income statement. Division NMRA rebates totaled $1,054.00, representing payment for August 2013 (catch-up), February 2014 and August 2014. October month-end balance sheet bank cash balances total $45,040.91. Current liabilities are $7,295.62. Audit: Audit information has been provided to the auditor and I am awaiting invoice review selections. As of this report date, the audit has not been completed.


Item 73 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Steve Studley Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Vice President’s Report Activities since Last Board Meeting Continued to monitor any change associated with the NMRA’s vertical integration of 501(c)(3) status to regions and divisions. NMRA is currently in the process of testing the application procedure for future use by all NMRA Regions and Divisions. There are two Regions and a Division testing at this time. Jul. 13-20, 2014 Attend NMRA National Convention and National Train Show, Cleveland.

Advertise Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Sept. 12-13, 2014 Attend Michiana EduTrain Symposium, Middlebury, IN. Advertise

Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Sept. 19-20, 2014 Attend O-Scale National Convention, Indianapolis, IN. Conferred with O-

Scale group about Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention Nov. 1-2, 2014 Attend Dayton Train Show, Dayton, OH. Advertise Highball to Indy, 2016,

the 2016 National Convention Nov. 9, 2014 Attend MWR Board Meeting – during Trainfest Planned Activities Nov. 22, 2014 Attend CID Danville Meet, Danville, IN Jan. 4-5, 2015 Attend Great Train Expo, Indianapolis, IN Jan. 26, 2015 Attend CID Noblesville Meet, Noblesville, IN


Feb. 22, 2015 Attend Muncie Model Train Show, Muncie, IN. Advertise Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention

Mar. 8, 2015 Attend Naptown & White River Model Train Show, Indianapolis, IN. Advertise Highball to Indy, 2016, the 2016 National Convention

Mar. 15, 2015 Attend CID Modelers Meet, Indianapolis, IN Apr. 5, 2015 Attend CID Martinsville Train Show and CID Annual Business Meeting,

Martinsville, IN Apr. 19, 2015 Attend Spring MWR Board Meeting during The Lakeshore Limited, April 17-19, 2015, Manitowoc, WI


Item 75 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Paul Mangan Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: Presidents Report Activities since Last Board Meeting July 19, 2014 Attended the South Central Wisconsin Division Summer picnic at Merrick’s Little Americka. August 23rd Attended the Fox Valley Division’s summer outing at Rochelle IL. Sept. 14th Attended the Illinois Valley Division’s 50th anniversary celebration at Spring Valley IL. Sept. 28th Went to the Monroe WI Train Show. Planned Activities Nov. 8 & 9 Trainfest Milwaukee Wisconsin. Jan. 11, 2015 SCWD Rail School. Feb. TBD Milwaukee Mitchel Domes with the Garden Railroad group. Feb, 21 & 22 48th Mad City Model Railroad Show and Sale. March 14 & 15 LaCrosse Three Rivers Show and Sale. March TBD Rock River Valley Show and Sale. April 17 – 19 The Lake Shore Limited MWR Convention Manitowoc WI.


Item 81 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 To: Board of Directors From: Steve Studley Date: November 2, 2014 Subject: 501(c)(3) Project Committee Report Activities since Last Board Meeting As reported during the Spring Board meeting, the following information, from the NMRA 2014 mid-year meeting, was provided by former At Large North America Director, Mike Yurgec.

Vertical integration, the legal creation of one tax-exempt (US) National organization with many independent Regions and Divisions all sharing our tax status is a desired goal for the entire NMRA. We are at the mercy of the US IRS as our paperwork wends its way through the process. The advantages have been discussed before but are numerous. Each Region/Division controls its programs and funds but gains tax advantages for contributions and in some cases, taxes paid. In recent years, the IRS has increasingly treated model railroad groups or clubs as 501c7 social organizations instead of 501c3 not-for-profit educational organizations. The latter have tax advantages for US members. We are confident that we will obtain this status for all regions and divisions. If tried separately, it is doubtful such status would be granted. Again, stay tuned!

More recently, in the August NMRA InfoNet News, the following was reported:

Vertical integration of the NMRA

Work on vertically integrating the NMRA is continuing. This vertical integration will give every Region and Division 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status with a minimal hassle to all parties. In addition, Charlie Getz stressed that each Division and Region will continue to control its own programs and finances - NMRA National will not get involved in the day-to-day business of Divisions and Regions. Currently two Regions and one Division will be used as a test case to see if or where problems develop. Those problems will be worked out before the plan is introduced to the entire NMRA system.


Monitored any change associated with the NMRA’s vertical integration of 501(c)(3) status to regions and divisions. Change has been noted. The NMRA is currently in the process of testing the roll-out of the application procedure for future use by all NMRA Regions and Divisions. There are two Regions and a Division testing at this time. Planned Activities Will continue to monitor the process and with Board permission, will immediately apply for 501(c)(3) status when the NMRA opens the process for all Regions and Divisions.


Item 82 Minutes, Meeting of Board of Directors, Midwest Region, NMRA, November 9, 2014 Division Assignment for Zip Code 53534 Outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, the Region uses counties to define Division territory. Because the NMRA uses Zip Codes to assign members to Regions & Divisions and because Zip Codes do not necessarily conform to county geographical boundaries, a lookup table exists to match a member’s Zip Code to a Division. Some Zip Codes overlap or are adjacent to a boundary between Divisions. A member whose Zip Code is adjacent to a boundary has requested transfer of Zip Code 53534 from the Rock River Valley Division to the South Central Wisconsin Division. The member is the only member in the Zip Code. The Board should either confirm the continuing assignment of Zip Code 53534 to the Rock River Valley Division or reassign it to the South Central Wisconsin Division.