May 24, 2006

 

The Central Committee of the Buncombe County Republican Party met on May 22, 2006 at Ryan’s restaurant, Patton Avenue Asheville, NC. The meeting was called to order promptly at 6:30 pm by George Keller, Chair of the BCGOP.

 

The meeting was well attended by members and guests.

 

Don Yelton was called upon, and gave the blessing. George Keller lead the Pledge to the Flag.

 

It was noted that the minutes from the previous Central Committee meeting are available on line.

 

Copies of the Summary of Account Information for the period ending 05-19-06 were distributed and it was noted that this information is also available on line. Discussion included broad support for financing the renewal of the lease for the BCGOP headquarters suite on Shiloh St.

 

Participation at the summer festivals, parades, and other celebrations was discussed, a list of targeted celebrations established, and several members came forward to volunteer to act as Point of Contact.

 

WEST FEST — Contact determined that there is no room for our booth so it was decided to provide people to circulate. Sign up sheet on line.

 

GUN SHOW — (9/23, 9/24) We will apply early for a table at this gun show. Action Club is going to handle reservations.

 

MONTFORD  Thanks to the Action Club for our well received presence at the festival.

 

SOURWOOD — ( 8/12, 8/13) Thanks to Eric Gorny’s financial support we will be able to afford a booth at the Sourwood Festival again this summer. Point of Contact; Jerry Orr. Chuck Durand volunteered to be Jerry’s assistant.

 

GOOMBAY — (8/25 to 8/27) Point of Contact; Matt Hebb.

 

MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR — (9/8 to 9/17) We have reserved a booth and plan to work again with Hendersonville on this project. Point of Contact; George Keller.

 

FESTIVA LATINA — (9/16) Point of Contact; Don Yelton.

 

GREEK FESTIVAL — (9/22 to 9/24) Point of Contact; Kathie Lack.

 

PARADES — Fourth of July parades are scheduled at several times in the County. Point of Contact; Eric Gorny (has tractor: will travel) and Mike Harrison.

 

LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL — Point of Contact; Bill Reynolds.

 

BCGOP COVERED-DISH PICNIC — (Date not to conflict with the annual Blue Ridge Club Hoot-n-holler)  Discussion of whether to have a BCGOP Swing Dance this year or have a covered-dish picnic instead, resulted in a decision to proceed with the picnic. While the last year Swing netted about $1000 to the BCGOP, the low attendance was judged to be a weaker motivational forum for building the BCBOE. All GOP workers, clubs,  and their families will be invited to bring a covered-dish to the Picnic and enjoy being with others who share their values and who work for the GOP. Point of Contact; Chuck Durand.

 

Each of the Candidates; Don Yelton, Mike Harrison, Eric Gorny and RL Clark briefed the Committee as to the status of their campaign, what their needs are, insights as to their strategies, and plans. Tim Peck volunteered to help with bumper sticker sales on line.

 

George Keller reported that he moved about 1000 lb. of steel wire (previously used to support campaign signs) to a recycling center from the BCGOP headquarters, earning $42 for the GOP . Removal of non-useful items from GOP headquarters will free up space for activities required for the next election.

 

BCGOP Civic Club’s activities were covered by the Club Officers.

 

GOP Men’s Club — Bill Porter reported that the Men’s Club is working on ways to get the vote out in November.

 

Kids Club — They need jobs to do. They meet the first Wednesday of the month ( with cookies).

 

Action Club — Kathie Lack reported that the Action Club now has their own web site – actionclub.com. The Action Club is working on billboards, radio and TV ads that will spell out GOP values, increase interest in the GOP,  and identify new members for the Action Club. There were several interested and potential new members at the previous Action Club meeting.

 

Blue Ridge Club— Mary Jane Westall reported that the Club still has some Vidalia onions for sale and that the Club will meet in July where George Keller, a member of the Civic Center Commission , will speak about the Commission’s progress to date.

 

BC Women’s Club — Maureen Flagg-Weber reported that their club will have Mrs. Rusty Duke, or Mrs. Numby as speaker for their next meeting.

 

Young Republican’s Club — Matt Hebb reported that he is representing WNC in the Young Republican’s state organization and the BC club is working with Hendersonville. The next meeting will be at the first Thursday of next month at the BCGOP Headquarters.

 

The BCGOP Central Committee Meeting was concluded at 7:40 pm.

 

 MaryAnn Durand, Acting Secretary