Fundraising and Budget

We were short committee members to have a quorum (14 signed up to participate on committee). Present; Carol W., Ben from Plymouth, Leslie, George, Norbert, Marge, and John D, Ben, and Mark F. Three or four of the eight are not on the committee. Three had to leave early. We need to fill committee positions of chair or co-chairs; associate chair, secretary or co-secretaries to take minutes and send out meeting notices and agendas and post and save information in CD3 database, and someone who will find convenient meeting facilities.and recruit more committee members.

CD3 has approximately a $16,000 balance. Former CD3 Treasurer had all files on VISTA, a system very seldom used. Difficult transition now and budget needs to be finalized and approved for year. Mark will take lead regarding budget matters but little information now available until transition of VISTA occurs.

Past CD3 fundraiser's were briefly discussed: Al Franken Event in 2006 @ Medina Ballroom with 300 in attendance and a $16,000 gross; Float Boat, on the water, in 2007 with 100 in attendance, $36 cost and a $3,000 net; house party in October with checks received @ $25, $100, and $250-150 people and $8,000; unity reception-$1,500-Medina Ballroom- $25 buffet; $500 raised on cookbook being sold for $18 and 200 left to be sold. With no final budget figures from last year, all numbers listed above are approximate and not our final numbers

Considerable time spent discussing future events with a focus on a future CD3 major fundraising event in Plymouth @ Medina Ballroom (maximum of 2.400 people) on 55, west of I-494. Will try and reserve for a Sunday late afternoon or evening as costs are less for this day. CD3 Calendar & Events Team could help with event. Several speakers were discussed. Communications Team to help promote event.Cost of food a couple of years ago around $11 per person. Three pricing tiers were discussed: $35; $65 and $100. Projected attendance for each category; 450, 200, and 50 or 700 total. May establish a sponsor category @ $150 to raise $5,000. If we hit all out target numbers, our gross is projected at $30,000 with a net of $approximately 19,000. NOTE: these numbers are simply early projections and will need further refinement.

Everyone agrees we need to have a budget in place and approved as soon as VISTA issues are resolved. Also need to know final numbers from budgets of previous years. Mark helped us by discussing budget categories we need to focus on: Madia contributions from CD3; VAN (Vote Builder) & Internet; future contributions to Senate Districts; office and equipment expenses; carry over funds; volunteers expenses; expanding CD3 market reach through advertising, radio, brochures, lit drops, email etc. Also discussed a talent contest with participants being DFL candidates for public office in CD3. Target votes of 150,000 for Madia and interesting discussion of cost per vote for CD3 to do an effective job helping elect Madia. Mark did a good job challenging everyone to "think outside the box" to help determine a winning plan.

Marge to check on food and rental costs to reserve Medina Ballroom on July 27 or August 3, 10, 17. George to check with Franken regarding speakers, entertainment and Marge to check availability of Ed Schultz, & Senator Feingold (WI). Marge to check on meeting room availability for next Fundraising/Budget Committee meeting at 6 P.M. on June 18 prior to CD3 Directors meeting.

Committee met from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. @ Lunds Community Room in Edina near 50th & France Avenue South.

Observation: in a perfect world it would be great to have all Fundraising/Budget committee members present at meetings to drive a number of projects in the next five months.

CAROL W. - PLEASE FORWARD THESE NOTES TO ANYONE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE - MANY THANKS!

Onward & Upward!

Ron Marien