Minutes of the 2003 Business Meeting
(Edited and abridged)

1000:             Meeting called to order

Pledge of Allegiance   and  Prayer by Chaplin Hoot Gibson

Roll Call of Officers:

Minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted.

Treasurers report was read and accepted.

Old Business: None

New Business: Hutch brought up the fact that former treasurer Walt Becker is in a nursing home and not doing well. It was recommended that a plaque be made for him and give him  a Lifetime Membership to the USS Rich Association. A motion was made and accepted.

Dave Dore suggested that all shipmates make available, next of kin or emergency contact person for each reunion.

Johnny Skillen made a motion that the USS Rich ship model be shipped by UPS (or other ground carrier)  to the next reunion destination. cost of shipment to be covered by the association.

Johnny Skillen requested that shipmates putting on future reunions attempt to have all gatherings  and meetings at the same location, in an attempt to limit traveling during the reunion.

Johnny Skillen brought up the fact that the Memorial Service held during our banquet was getting to long. He suggested possibly having the service at our morning meeting. It was then suggested to eliminate a guest speaker at the banquet  giving more time for the memorial service. It was also suggested that guests be permitted to remain seated during the Memorial Service.

L.E. Beeman commented that several shipmates, including himself, have not received a copy of the Ships Company Roster. The Association was advised that the roster is available on the USS Rich web site and updated almost daily.  It was further stated that rosters were made up and mailed to most of the association members and financed by the USS Rich Association

Marshall Dubois suggested  a projection system to display reunion pictures and newsletters during the reunions. The equipment would be setup in the hospitality suite. Approximate cost of $1600.00.  Motion was made and approved.  An amended motion was made to  purchase the projection equipment and the cost not to exceed $2000.00. Motion approved.

Johnny Skillen brought up the fact that the association is a non-profit organization. The treasury must stay below $5,000.00. If it gets higher then $5000.00, the money must be spent, to avoid legal and tax problems.

Election of Officers. It was time to elect a Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and one Director. The Association was asked for nominations for Vice-President. Marshall Dubois made the motion that the existing board was doing a good job, and should be re-elected as is. Motion was approved.

Next year's reunion will be held in Lorain, Ohio, May 19-23, 2004 and will be hosted by Jim Carroll.

Francis Hutchins made a presentation for the 2005 reunion to be held in Pensacola, Florida. He will co-host the reunion with Chet Sanders. A motion was made and approved.

Meeting was adjourned at 1046.