KCB State Convention Summary – November, 2014
The 41st annual conference and convention of the Kentucky Council of the Blind was held on November 21-22 ,2014 at the Ramada Inn on Zorn Avenue in Louisville. President Deb Lewis called the business meeting to order at 11:47 AM on Saturday November 22.
Secretary Rick Boggess read the minutes from the 2013 meeting. Elaine Weisbard made a motion that the minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Sue Ellen Milo. During follow-up discussion, Carla Ruschival indicated that the wording in the 2013 minutes needs to reflect that the changes to the bylaws were made in anticipation of KCB’s attempt to change from an individual to a group tax exemption, not to comply with IRS regulations. Deb Trevino also indicated that a reference to emailing Sound Prints should be changed to snail mail. The motion was unanimously approved.
Treasurer Carla Ruschival presented the treasurer’s report which reflected the October 31, 2014 balances as compared to the balances for 2012 and 2013. Carla cited several reasons for KCB’s improved financial status. Moving the production of Sound Prints from Clear Channel has saved more than $9500 annually. Secondly, KCB has reorganized some investments to provide a steady income of $902.60 monthly. Despite the Sound Prints changes, the number of webpage downloads and ACB Radio listeners continues to grow while 87 copies are being mailed weekly at an estimated annual cost of $22 per person. This year KCB has also revived its newsletter and produced two issues.
Debbie Deatherage made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by Bill Wright and unanimously approved.
ACB Holiday Auction
Carla Ruschival provided an update on the third annual ACB Radio Holiday Auction which will be hosted by KCB from 7-11 PM (EST) on December 7. Through its contacts with Clear Channel (now iHeart Media), KCB has been able to secure the studio space, engineering assistance and production assistance needed to produce the auction. This year’s goal is $6000 with all proceeds going to ACB Radio. KCB has contributed $100 which was used to purchase two Capitol Steps CDs and four jewelry items. The auction will be broadcast live over all six ACB Radio channels. Those who wish to do so may listen on their phones by calling 231-460-1047.
PR/Membership Committee Update
Rick Boggess provided an update on the work of the committee which meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 8 PM (EST) on the conference line. Committee members are Deb Lewis, Carla Ruschival, Dave Trevino, Joey Couch, Natalie Beyers and Rick Boggess. The calendar and webpage are being updated regularly. The committee has established contact with most of the disability offices at the Kentucky Community Technical Colleges. As a result, most campuses received copies of the last issue of the KCB newsletter. The committee hopes to further expand distribution of KCB information by reaching out to the four year colleges, senior citizen groups, the Kentucky Talking Book Library, etc. In coming months the committee hopes to share ideas about items which could be included in kits to be used at public presentations and explore ways to assist chapters in securing items for the kits.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Committee chairman Adam Ruschival reported the committee has not met since no constitutional amendments or bylaws changes were received.
Nominating Committee
Bill Wright presented the nominating committee’s slate of officer candidates for two year terms on the KCB board and thanked committee members Gerry Slusher and Leonard Watkins for their assistance. The following slate was presented: Debbie Lewis, president; Joey Couch, first vice president; Deb Trevino, second vice president; Rick Boggess, secretary; and Carla Ruschival, treasurer. Bill Wright made a motion to accept the nominating committee’s report. Adam Ruschival seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
President Deb Lewis then presented the rules to govern the board election. Bill Wright made a motion to accept the rules. The motion was seconded by Rick Boggess and unanimously approved.
Bill Wright then presented each candidate’s name and called for additional nominations from the floor. When no additional names were presented for consideration, motions that each candidate be elected by acclamation were made, seconded and unanimously approved.
SRC Update
President Deb Lewis reported that there are SRC board vacancies which need to be filled and encouraged members to apply. Interested persons need to complete and submit a resume and application. Carla Ruschival stated there are 23 seats on the SRC and that a majority of the seats must be filled by blind or visually impaired individuals. There is a need for applicants from northern, eastern and western Kentucky. Theresa Thomas reported there are currently four board vacancies representing different constituencies. Sue Ann Milo asked if the Kentucky Association for the Deaf-Blind has a seat. Carla Ruschival responded that the bylaws would have to be amended to add or remove board seats. It was noted that there is already a seat for someone representing those with multiple disabilities. Adam Ruschival pointed out that deaf blind individuals have served on the council before and may do so since they are agency consumers.
LC Industries
Carla Ruschival stated that KCB has always been supportive of workers at LC Industries (previously New Vision Industries and Kentucky Industries for the Blind.) She made a motion that KCB reaffirm its support of the right of individuals to work in NIB associated facilities and that guide dog users have a right to have their dogs in the workplace and working for them as appropriate for their mobility needs. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
Crossroads
President Deb Lewis reported that last spring’s Crossroads Conference was very successful with about 80 people from several states in attendance. Topics included fundraising, mentoring, membership, conference calls, etc. She then asked if KCB wants to have the conference again in 2015. There was considerable discussion about whether the event should occur annually or every other year. The idea of having a conference focusing on two or three topics was also mentioned. Carla Ruschival pointed out that if KCB does not have Crossroads until 2016 it will compete with the Midwest conference which is held every other year. Patti Cox made a motion that KCB host Crossroads in 2015. The motion was seconded by Libby Koch and unanimously approved.
President Deb Lewis pointed out that 2015 is KCB’s 50th anniversary. She encouraged members to share ideas for celebrating this event.
President Deb Lewis asked if there was any additional old or new business. After none was proposed, there was a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 1:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Rick Boggess
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