Transcript of the Association’s 2nd Quarter (calendar year) Board of Directors Meeting

CCRA – BOD Meeting (2 qtr, FY 2024) (2024-08-01 18_32 GMT-4)

The CCRA board meeting highlighted the success of recent events, including Regimental Week and Protection Week, with a conservative net gain of $98,000 expected. Shane reported that all but one expense from Regimental Week has been paid, and the Gift Shop is profitable. The board discussed the need for more corporate sponsorships and the potential for a platinum sponsorship level. The 2024 scholarship committee is finalizing options, and the 2025 budget development will be discussed. The board also addressed the need for better engagement with the senior advisory group and the importance of maintaining corporate relationships.

Action Items
• [ ] Board members to sign up as “corporate relations managers” to engage with 2-3 companies each and provide feedback to Jay and Scott.
• [ ] Sean and David to spread the word and gain commitments from international teams to participate in the Best CBRN Warrior Competition.
• [ ] Jim to work on framing the plan and tasks for the Senior Advisory Group.
• [ ] Shane to provide talking points and offer of tri-folds to Sean and David to support their outreach.
• [ ] Review the need and feasibility of making the Regimental Warrant Officer position a command position.

Outline
Regimental Week and Protection Week Success
• Speaker 1 thanks everyone for their input and acknowledges the quick turnaround for the meeting.
• Speaker 1 praises Shane, Kevin, and Gail for their outstanding performance in organizing and executing Regimental Week and Protection Week.
• Speaker 2 highlights General Beck’s appreciation for CCRA’s performance during Protection Week and the new commandant’s enthusiasm for CCRA.
• Speaker 2 mentions the need to engage more of the core members who are not wearing the uniform or feeling engaged.

Financial Update and Gift Shop Profitability
• Speaker 3 reports that all but one expense from Regimental Week has been paid, with the remaining amount being the regimental week T-shirts.
• The quarterly financial report has been presented, and the Gift Shop is green across the board with revenue.
• Speaker 3 explains that the business office is facing a hit due to recent spending but expects to be back in the green within six to ten days.
• Speaker 3 estimates a conservative net gain of $98,000 from Protection Week, with the potential to reach over $100,000.
Corporate Sponsorship and Membership Drive
• Speaker 4 discusses the successful push for corporate sponsorships at the Suburban Industry Group, resulting in two additional memberships.
• Speaker 4 emphasizes the need for board members to help reach out to corporate sponsors and solicit their participation.
• Speaker 2 suggests upcoming opportunities for corporate engagement, including USA and NCT USA at Aberdeen.
• Speaker 3 offers to provide new table covers and signs for upcoming events to enhance CCRA’s professional presence.

Old Business and Senior Advisory Group
• Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss the contributions of CCRA to Regimental Week and the International CBRN competition, which were highly appreciated.
• Speaker 2 mentions the need for reoccurring communication with chapters and the validation of membership roles.
• Speaker 2 proposes starting a new year with a new membership incentive for chapters to encourage membership recruiting.
• Speaker 1 introduces the concept of the Senior Advisory Group and seeks a volunteer to take it on, with Jim Blankenhorn and William offering to help.

Protection Week 2024 and Future Planning
• Speaker 1 outlines the challenges and successes of Protection Week 2024, including the need for more space and the potential to increase booth prices.
• Speaker 3 highlights the importance of soliciting industry feedback and considering higher sponsorship levels, such as platinum sponsorships.
• Speaker 2 confirms the dates for next year’s conference and the need for early planning to accommodate industry partners.
• Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of maintaining the layout of Nutter Field House and addressing sponsorship needs.

Scholarships and Budget Development
• Speaker 1 announces the completion of the 2024 scholarship committee and the presentation of two options for scholarship payouts.
• Speaker 1 discusses the need to maintain the Memorial Grove and seeks board members’ involvement in its upkeep.
• Speaker 1 requests board members to sign up for corporate sponsorship touchpoints to ensure ongoing engagement and support.
• Speaker 1 proposes a volunteer-based approach to maintain the Memorial Grove and seeks board members’ input on the 2025 budget goals.

Corporate Sponsorship and Senior Advisory Group
• Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of maintaining corporate sponsorship relationships and seeks board members’ involvement in this effort.
• Speaker 2 highlights the need for a deliberative plan to assign CCRA representatives to various events and ensure coverage.
• Speaker 2 suggests targeting specific events for CCRA representation and coordinating with industry partners.
• Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss the importance of engaging with the senior advisory group and seeking their input on CCRA’s activities.

Final Remarks and Closing
• Speaker 1 thanks everyone for their hard work and contributions to CCRA’s success.
• Speaker 2 reiterates the importance of maintaining momentum and engaging with the senior advisory group.
• Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss the need for ongoing communication and planning to ensure CCRA’s success in future events.
• Speaker 1 closes the meeting, thanking everyone for their participation and contributions