Saturday, August 18, 2001 Meeting Minutes

The membership meeting of the Oklahoma Master Locksmith Association was called to order at 4:11 p.m. by our president, Jerry Casey. Invocation and Pledge to the United States flag was given by Kenny Lee. Roll call of all officers and directors was given by secretary, Nelda Minick. Those present were: Jerry Casey, Mike McGrew, Nelda Minick, Loretta Loomis, Johnny Stewart, Paula Sands, Charles Hudecek, Gary Frame, and Odie Tresner. Those absent were: Lowell Roberts, and Frank Bellizzi. Nelda asked the membership that the minutes of the last meeting be approved as previously printed in the Locktalk newsletter. Approval was 2nd'd by Charles Hudecek.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Treasurer, Loretta Loomis, gave the treasurer's report. Charles Hudecek, education chairman stated that the contract had been signed for our "Investigative Locksmithing" class for our next meeting in November.

NEW BUSINESS

Vice President, Mike McGrew made comment that our attendance and participation was down. Mike asked for any suggestions for improving our membership attendance. Mike asked that we change our February shows to the first weekend of the month for 2002 and 2003, so as not to interfere with the TLA shows and their convention. This date change would help our distributors with their scheduling also. Mike also discussed the room space for our meetings at the Saddleback Inn in Okla. City for February. Jerry Casey asked the membership to please notify Paula Sands of any class suggestions so she could print them in our newsletter. Some of our newer members need some of our classes to improve skills and their locksmith education.

Lelia McNickle suggested that we have some advanced classes of training along with beginner classes, so we could accommodate everyone better. Jerry Casey acknowledged the good work and effort that Charles Hudecek had done for our education program. Nelda Minick noted that we had 11 people attending our PRP class. Nelda said that we now have 102 members that have paid their 2001 membership dues. Nelda also acknowledged that we have 2 people for membership tonight. Mr. Mike Smith is applying for membership to our association and Mr. Ron Neese is reinstating his membership. Mike Smith is with Chucks Lock & Key in Miami, Okla. Ron Neese is with Neese Lock & Key in Tulsa, Ok. These two applicants were voted on by the membership attending. Motion was made to accept Mr. Smith and Mr. Neese as members to the Oklahoma Master Locksmith Association by Jim Loomis, and motion was 2nd'd by Odie Tresner. Each were sworn in as members by Jerry Casey, president.

Nelda told the membership that John Reed with E.L. Rinehart had planned to attend our meeting this weekend, but was unable to, due to illness.

Treasurer, Loretta Loomis asked for approval of payment for the bills for this weekend. Motion was made to pay all bills by Odie Tresner, and was 2nd'd by Gary Frame.

Johnny Stewart reminded everyone of the video tape library that is available to all members. Johnny also stated that we had 22 members and 2 guests attending the meeting tonight.

Newsletter editor, Paula Sands told the membership that the deadline date for information to be published in the newsletter would be by the last day of each month instead of the 20th. Our newsletter is also printed on the internet. Paula stated that each newsletter costs $1.57 per issue for printing and mailing expenses.

Charles Hudecek discussed the different types of classes that would draw a better attendance; Safe classes vs. Key & Lock type classes. Each member needs to tell other fellow locksmiths about our classes available so as to increase class attendance and participation. Gary Frame praised the good work that our PRP class instructor Jim Hancock had done Gary stated the class was very interesting and very educational and informative.

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Odie Tresner reminded everyone of the OPLA distributor show in Eureka Springs, Ark. Sept. 15, 2001.

Regina Stewart, Johnny's wife is home from the hospital and doing better after having a heart attack. All thoughts and prayers are there for her from all members.

Paula reminded everyone of the MINK convention Sept. 27-30, 2001.

Jerry Rice told the membership of the legality aspects & the copyright rules, for the Mas Hamilton Video of the X08 lock. Jerry stated that the X07 was discontinued. Lelia and Jerry McNickle asked that more information regarding upcoming events be published in the newsletter. We need better dates, times, locations, instructor info. for classes, and lunches available and the cost. Better communication between membership and newsletter editor is needed. Paula needs to be given the information before she can know to print it in the bulletin. Tommy Minick asked for a better explanation of what was going to be taught in our upcoming "Investigative Locksmithing" class. All members, officers, and directors need to better communicate with each other so everyone will understand better all that is going on in their chapter. More newsletters need to be send out to other non-member locksmiths so more people will know about our meetings and events.

Two door prizes were donated by Loretta and Jim Loomis of J & L Locksmith Co. Winners were Nelda Minick, and Odie Tresner. Paula Sands was the winner of the free weekend education class.

Charles Hudecek told the membership that there would be a $25.00 additional charge for not pre-registering in advance for upcoming weekend meetings and for the educational classes. The deadline for pre-registering will be 15 days before that event.

Motion was made to adjourn the membership meeting by Odie Tresner, and 2nd'd by Gary Frame. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

OMLA SECRETARY , Nelda Minick