Great Southern DX Association
General Membership Meeting
April 21, 2012
The meeting was called to order by President, Travis, K5QJ at 0805 hours. The meeting location is the Garden Park Hospital in Gulfport, MS.
Travis led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Ed, KA5VFU, led the group in prayer.
Ray, WQ5L, sold tickets for the 50/50 raffle.
Several members want to order club shirts. A source will be located.
Travis acknowledged the following guests: Tristin Swift, Colleen Butler, Max, KF5PML, Jerry, N5UCF.
Charlie, WD5BJT, read the minutes from the March 2012 meeting. On a motion to accept the minutes as corrected by Vic, N5YY, seconded by Ed, brief discussion was held. The amended minutes were accepted.
Ray gave the Treasurer report. On a motion to accept the report by Ed, seconded by Cecil, K5DL, brief discussion was held. The report was accepted.
OLD BUSINESS:
Charlie read a letter to be sent to Ray Novak, K9JA, of Icom for the loan of the IC-7700 for the recent 160 meter contest. It was agreed the club should send Mr. Novak a photograph or two of the operation.
Charlie presented a sample QSL card which was designed by Mike, WM5DX. There was 100 percent agreement to accept the sample for printing. Mike was informed the budget has a line item to cover the cost of QSLing.
Chris, K5MOZ, agreed to formally assist with the club’s web site.
Bobby, KF5BA, let the group know the VP8 DXpedition video has been dubbed to cd/dvd and would be available for viewing at the end of the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Charlie informed the group that the insurance from Marsh Insurance Company has been received and coverage starts immediately. Bill, NA5DX, voiced concerns about the costs and coverages as well as the ARRL’s change in providers. The group was informed that there would be no changes to coverage, and no increase in cost this year. The club will negotiate a new policy next year with the ARRL’s new provider.
Terry, AE5RI, brought up the club participation in this years’ ARRL Field Day activities. General discussion was held and the club will participate in class 3A and offer an invitation to the local clubs to participate with us.
Vic, N5YY, showed the group his DX Challenge Award, and told the assembled members how to earn it.
Charlie addressed the issue preventing the viewing of members’ telephone numbers and email addresses on the web site. Research is ongoing to resolve this matter.
Cecil brought up the recent change to the ARRL’s QSL card checking rules as they pertain to 160 meter band cards. Vic volunteered to step down in order for a qualified person to take his position.
Jeff, N9OKV, told the group that this year’s S.E.T. would be held this May, and now the county has allowed 24-7 access to the EOC.
Chris, K5MOZ, reported on his recent trip to the countries of South Africa and Swaziland. Chris told the group that his Amateur Radio operating would not have been possible without the help of Mr. Andy Corey, III, 3DAØTM. Mr. Corey was presented with a club patch which is now on prominent display in his ham shack. On a motion by Vic to provide Mr. Corey a subscription to QST and CQ magazines, seconded by Ed. Brief discussion was held. The motion passed.
On a motion to make Andy Corey, III, 3DAØTM, an honorary member, by Chris, seconded by Cecil, brief discussion was held. The motion passed.
Chris advised the group that he will put together a presentation on his trip to Africa. Chris also told the members he would return to Africa for a longer stay to include operations from Swaziland and South Africa.
Horace, KB5HC, inquired about the DXCC Top Challenge List, Bobby suggested a link to the list be posted on the clubs’ web site.
Mike showed the group the video of the VP8 operation.
Mike told the group that the QSL cards would be ordered from UX5UO printers @$76.00 for 1000 cards, and delivery would take 4-6 weeks.
On a motion to adjourn by Joe, K5JB, seconded by Vic, brief discussion was held. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charlie Otnott
WD5BJT
Secretary
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