RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF KERN COUNTY

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

January 10, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by our newest Board Member, Greg Salas and a moment of silence was held.  There was one new retiree and one 1st Time Attendee in attendance at the meeting today.  President, Norman Briggs, announced that handicapped and the front table could go get their lunch followed in order table numbers 1 – 5. 

 

President, Norman Briggs announced that we were to have Mr. Rick Davis from Board of Trade with us as our speaker today but he had a family situation he had to deal with.  President, Norman Briggs turned the meeting over to 1st Vice President, Jeanne Berkshire who introduced Dave Hook from the Board of Trade.  Dave spoke regarding the money that comes into Kern County from films and movies.  Dave announced that the Board of Trade is the marketing arm of the County.  The Board of Trade is the Film Commission of Kern County and they also do marketing and promotions.  Dave stated that he is able to sell something, (like Red Rock Canyon, for films), get the money and then sell it again and again.  At California Adventure Theme Park, the river ride was modeled after the Kern River.  The 2004 projected numbers is $965.7 billion will come into Kern County from travel and tourism.  This means that there are 13,000 jobs and a payroll of $253 million and $13 million in tax receipts.  In 2005 the Film Commission has brought in $13 million for location fees, food and lodging and good and services.  Out of this $13 million, not one cent goes to Kern County.  This is spent in Kern County.  There have been 460 feature films made in Kern County since there has been a Film Commission.  When the director finds they need a particular type of setting, they call the Board of Trade and the Board of Trade goes out and finds this area. 

 

BUSINESS MEETING:

 

TREASURER, Mary Lou Bennett gave the Treasurer’s Report for October, November and December 2005.  The report for October stated that REOKC membership as of October 31, 2005 was 3,463.  The report for November stated that REOKC membership as of November 30, 2005 was 3,470 and as of December 31, 2005 was 3,483.

 

CRCEA – Dave Merritt was not in attendance due to having pneumonia.

 

EYE GLASS – Helen Heath reported that she has collected 3 pair of glasses and 3 cases since the November meeting.

 

SUNSHINE – Belva Jared reported that she sent 1sympathy card and 2 get well cards since our November meeting.

 

HOST/HOSTESS PROGRAM –Mary Lou Bennett reported that for the month of November there were 33 volunteers who worked 102 hours and assisted 1,210 visitors to the County Administration Building and for the month of December there were 30 volunteers who worked 92 hours and assisted 1,074 visitors to the County Administration Building.  For the year 2005, our volunteers worked a total of 1,237.5 hours and assisted 14,145 visitors and since the beginning of the program in 1992 through 2005 we have assisted 229,798 visitors to the County Administration Building.  Mary Lou is still in need of more volunteers.

 

NEWSLETTER – The newsletter went out a little late.  The editor was quit ill over the holidays.  Doris Smith asked President, Norman Briggs, to announce that she does not need the form in the TREND to reserve your luncheon meal, just send her a check. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

            COMPUTER GIVE AWAY – John DeMario announced that he has 2 computers to give away today.  A total of $111 was collected in raffle money toward winning a computer.  This amount was about what it has cost John to get the computers up and running.  The winners of the computers were Sheila Roth and Mrs. Millard. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:  No New Business

 

Michelle Watson from Kern Federal Credit Union announced that the Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20th.  The Downtown Branch of Kern Federal Credit Union is not open on weekends, but the Branch in the Auto Mall is open on Saturdays.

 

The attendance prize was won by Wilma Rowles.  There were 39 - $5 prizes and 7 candy dishes donated by Kern Federal Credit Union.  After the distribution of prizes, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted this 16th day of January, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Ginger Mello, Secretary