California Commission on Uniform State Laws
State Capitol, Room 3021
Sacramento, California 95814
916/341-8005
916/341-8020 facsimile

 

Meeting of the California Commission on Uniform State Laws

Final Agenda

1. Discuss plans for the 2007 NCCUSL Annual Meeting

Minutes

Meeting of the California Commission on Uniform State Laws

August 29, 2006 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Attendees:  Cynthia Bosco; Diane Boyer-Vine; Robert Cornell; Patrick DeBlase; Elaine Mandel; Sandy Rae; Nat Sterling; Marcia Sterling; Howard Swibel, NCCUSL President; Michael Kerr, NCCUSL Legislative Counsel; Elizabeth Cotton-Murphy, NCCUSL Chief Administrative Officer; Liz Cunneen, NCCUSL Accountant; and Susan Ballew, notetaker.

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. and attendees began calling in from remote locations.

Diane Boyer-Vine introduced Marcia Sterling and explained her role as fundraising coordinator for the 2007 NCCUSL Annual Meeting, which will be held in Pasadena.  Diane then asked Marcia to take over the meeting

Marcia asked that, prior to the next meeting, the invitees be sent printed copies of the meeting materials

Marcia emphasized that the key to successful fundraising for the annual meeting is to get all Commissioners involved.  In order to maintain momentum, Marcia wants to initially meet once a quarter.

Diane Boyer-Vine suggested that a fundraising subcommittee be formed to meet more frequently and report to the Annual Meeting Host Committee.  The purpose of the subcommittee is to work with Marcia Sterling to raise $100,000 for the annual meeting by soliciting donations from private and public enterprises.  The composition of the subcommittee still must be determined.

Marcia asked that each California Commissioner personally raise $5,000 using their professional and social contacts.  The remaining will be raised using a more structured approach.

 

The Commissioners were encouraged to use the informational materials prepared by the NCCUSL headquarters office.  There was discussion about how the funds raised will be used at the annual meeting.  Commissioners were reminded that when soliciting funds, it is important to point out how the work of NCCUSL benefits industry and business.

Marcia discussed techniques used for fundraising:
1.  Send an introductory letter and include background materials about NCCUSL and CCUSL.
2.  Place a follow-up call and ask for a face-to-face meeting.
3.  Obtain a letter from the donor that specifically states the total amount donated.  The letter serves as a “commitment” and the actual payment can be received shortly thereafter.  It was pointed out that, until NCCUSL knows how much money is raised, annual meeting events cannot be planned.  It is important to get commitments and checks as soon as possible.

Marcia asked Commissioners to use the Status Report form to keep track of donations.  She will call periodically to find out each Commissioner’s efforts and progress.  Marcia also encouraged Commissioners to email her their status reports.

Marcia reviewed the Sources of Potential Contribution and the Commissioners’ responsibility for contacting potential contributors.

Elaine Mandel asked which uniform acts will be considered at the 2007 annual meeting.  She thought it would be worthwhile to target those industries which will be affected by those proposed uniform acts.  Elizabeth Cotton will prepare a list of uniform acts that most likely will be up for final reading in 2007 and send the list to all California Commissioners.

Patrick DeBlase asked for a list of uniform acts currently being drafted that can be used as a talking point when soliciting contributions.  Elizabeth Cotton will send the recently compiled “list of projects.”

Elaine Mandel and Patrick DeBlase agreed to act as “leads” for Southern California fundraising.

The NCCUSL headquarters office was asked to provide contact names and phone numbers for Martindale Hubbell, CT Corporation, and West Publishing.

Howard Swibel asked if any California Commissioners have contacts with Bank of America, Citibank, or Wells Fargo.

Marcia Sterling stated that discussion about Gift Baskets will be deferred to another time.

Howard Swibel reminded Commissioners to tell potential contributors that this is an annual event, not something being done for the first time.  Let major donors know that they can send a representative to the annual meeting and be recognized.  Howard also thanked the Commissioners for their fundraising efforts.

Nat Sterling pointed out that major donors do appreciate the recognition.  He also asked if the insurance organization that donated to last year’s annual meeting might want to participate again.  Howard Swibel agreed to contact them.

Bob Cornell stated that he wants to call a face-to-face meeting of the California Commission in October or November.

Marcia Sterling reminded the Commissioners that she wants progress reports from Commissioners before the annual meeting committee meets again in November.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Ballew