2010 Summer BOD: Virginia Beach

October 8, 2022

President Kim Nash held her summer Board of Directors meeting on July 17 at the home of Janet Dennis. Kim welcomed attendees and continued,

“As I face the enormity of the responsibilities in front of me, I am grateful and reassured that each of you has agreed to be part of Team Garden Club. We are a formidable group who, by working together, can further the legacy of action for which our organization is known. The happy irony is that we can accomplish all kinds of great things and have fun in the process. I am confident that each of us respects the strengths that the others bring to this table. Likewise, I am sure that if each of us opens her mind to the wonders of the others’ interests, we will broaden not only our collective vision, but also the base from which we shall lead.”

Recording Secretary Jeanette Cadwallender noted she would be digitally recording the meeting and using her laptop to take minutes, pointing out that Robert’s Rules do not require the details currently reported in GCV minutes.

A motion by Treasurer Anne Baldwin to appoint Joanie Robins as Assistant Treasurer 2010-2012 was approved. Anne then provided a brief explanation for the consolidation of multiple accounts into a single operating account and reported that a bookkeeper, Kathy Knollmann, had been hired.

Finance Chairman Julie MacKinlay reported progress in consolidation of the budgets of the Kent-Valentine House, Historic Garden Week and Restoration Committee. The GCV operating account was converted to an interest-bearing account for nonprofits, and bookkeeper Kathy Knollmann would be preparing checks on this account to cover payroll and Kent-Valentine House, Historic Garden Week and Restoration Committee expenses. Julie noted that the Restoration Committee would keep an investment account with Darryl & King, and the Garden Club of Virginia’s endowment would continue to be managed by Investment Management of Virginia.

Development Chairman Barbara Luton provided an overview of donations for the fiscal year 2009-2010 and reported a three-fold increase in the number of gifts received. The launch of the newly created Annual Fund exceeded the income goal by 62%, allowing GCV to increase financial support to each club hosting flower shows and to reduce the draw on the endowment. Custom gift-management software, GreenGifts, created by Nina Mustard, was used to record, report and acknowledge all donations.

President Kim Nash expressed her gratitude to former president, Cabell West, for her role in launching the Annual Fund.

Kent-Valentine House Committee Chairman Bebe Luck reported that, in the absence of an Executive Director, Jody Branch, Catherine Whitham and she, with assistance from Molly Hood, had assumed responsibility for general house operations and maintenance. Plans were being considered to create two working office spaces in the front southeast room.

Parliamentarian Betty Michelson led a lengthy discussion of proposed changes to GCV bylaws, including the removal of job descriptions and establishment of an Executive Committee to meet between board meetings with limited authority to conduct business. The committee was to be given responsibility for marketing and personnel.

Betty’s motion to honor Former GCV President Mary Frances Buchanan Flowers as lifetime Honorary Garden Club of Virginia President pased unanimously.

The meeting recessed for lunch, hosted by Julie MacKinlay at her home, where the meeting continued.

A Personnel Committee report from Chairman Catherine Whitham followed and included a report from Warren Whitney & Sherwood that recommended GCV hire a full-time Executive Director to carry more authority than in the past. A motion to proceed with the recommendation passed. Read WW&S Executive Summary.