President Val Johnson arrived and opened the meeting by stating how wonderful the world is today in that only two hours ago she was in Chicago.  It doesn't appear she had to pay a late fine.  Happy fines were suspended as a lot of business needed to be taken care of during the meeting.  
 
President-elect Margaret Johnson, Gold Plate Dinner chair, reported activities to make the event a success were on track.  She showed the banners recognizing event sponsors and announcing that nearly $10,000 has been committed from the sponsors.  Ticket guru Bev Aplikowski indicated that about fifteen tickets were still available and that anyone wanting to purchase a ticket, at the raffle price of $75 should let her know. Geoff Hollimon and Cindy Carlson explained the status of live and silent auctions.  Some great items are on the auction block: guided fishing trip to Lake Mille Lacs, shooting at the New Brighton Range, pizza outing for 100 people, jewelry and more.