by Katie Frederick
The November 2 meeting of the ACB Board featured a packed agenda, highlighting key updates, future plans, and important policy decisions. Listen to the podcast of the meeting at: https://acb-business.pinecast.co/episode/d96bd607/20241102-2024-acb-fall-board-of-directors-meeting. Routine matters, including roll call, approval of August 20 minutes, and approval of the consent agenda were swiftly handled.
Convention Survey
Rick Morin discussed feedback from the 2024 convention, touching on concerns about the length, the need for affiliate roll call and voting, and tour logistics. The Voting Task Force will address voting issues and convention length. Plans for the 2025 Dallas convention include a range of tours and improvements.
Future Conventions
The committee is evaluating future sites, factoring in costs, safety, and accessibility. Increased in-person attendance post-COVID is notable. Potential venues and dates in later July are under review for 2026 and moving forward.
Staff Reports
Advocacy: Claire Stanley shared updates on 2025 imperatives, coalition efforts, and a TSA pilot program for guide dogs. Partnerships with external organizations are being formed to enhance advocacy.
Resource Development: Team members Dan Spoone, Jo Lynn Bailey-Page, and Kolby Garrison reported $324,000 in corporate sponsorships and various successful fundraising initiatives, including the ACB Strong program and convention sponsorships.
Community: Cindy Hollis noted that ACB’s Community-a-thon raised over $20,000. Efforts are under way to support the growing community and outreach to rehab agencies.
Rick Morin and ACB Media: The ADP site upgrade to Drupal 10 is nearing completion, with new features and improved navigation. Upgrades to ACB.org and the Mini Mall site are also in progress. Community volunteers and grants continue to support ACB Media.
Executive Director’s Report
Scott Thornhill is focusing on increasing planned giving, updating the website, engaging with mainstream publications, and improving internal communications and processes. He explained new key partnerships will benefit ACB and provide accessibility feedback to organizations.
President's Report
Kim Charlson is leading efforts to update the affiliate and national expectations document. More information will be shared at the Leadership Conference.
President Cook Lewis is working with ACB staff to implement a member communication process.
Committee restructuring is moving forward. Nearly all ACB committee meetings now take place on ACB Zoom accounts.
Leadership Conference dates are set for March 14-18, with tours and training planned.
CFO Report
Nancy Marks-Becker reported she’s working on ongoing improvements to AMMS (ACB’s national membership management system).
Per the request of the scholarship committee, application enhancements are in place for the 2025 application, which will go live the first week of November.
Nancy is also working on making policies more accessible – placing them on the ACB website.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Michael Garrett emphasized the board’s role in increasing revenue. The board approved a $90,200 withdrawal from the Legacy Endowment for 2025.
Elections
David Trott, Michael Garrett, and Kim Charlson were elected to the ACBES board. Ray Campbell and Denise Colley are the officers; Kenneth Semien Sr. and Rachel Schroeder will serve as board members on the board’s executive committee.
Committee and Liaison Updates
Koni Sims attended an International Building Code hearing in southern California, making sure the needs of blind and low-vision individuals were addressed as part of the working group. Various committee updates were shared.
Policy Updates
The board passed revisions to the DKM Policy, aiming to streamline processes and improve clarity.
An ACB Media Policy was introduced, ensuring that any live programming meets the same standards as affiliate or business content.
Lyft/Uber Rally
Kim Charlson reported on the successful Lyft/Uber rally, highlighting positive interactions and support. Kim shared a letter from NFB President Mark Riccobono to Uber about self-identification and will work with Chris Bell and others to draft a similar letter for ACB. President Cook Lewis appointed Claire, Kim, Chris, and Rachel to work on this initiative.
The meeting was adjourned following these comprehensive updates and engaging discussions.