Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey and Ice Association Meeting
Thursday, October 2, 2003
6:15 pm Becker School, Becker, Minnesota



Mandatory Parent Meeting


Welcome and Introductions
Chris Nelson, BBLYHA President, welcomed those in attendance and introduced the Board members present. Chris stated that this brief meeting would give an overview of the plans for the upcoming season as well as a presentation regarding the proposed arena.

Dodge Drives Minnesota Hockey Test-Drive Promotion
Once again Dodge is offering this Test-Drive Promotion to help hockey associations raise money. Test-drive a new Dodge before December 21, 2003 and the association receives $20. Denise Bebo, Sales Consultant from Elk River Dodge, provided a new vehicle for parents to test drive throughout the meeting.

Ice Arena
Lois Pegg, BBLIA President and Chair of the Ice Arena Committee introduced Bob Ballentine, Compass Group and Jamie Nelson, co-owner of Golds Gym, Sartell. Bob reported that his company had been hired by the association several months ago and they have been meeting behind the scenes. To date 5-10 acres of land has been donated on the east side of Big Lake as well as financial assistance for land purchase. They are currently speaking with the City but no agreements had been made to date. Golds Gym is considering being the main tenant in the complex. Bob explained why the approach for more than just a sheet of ice. With more to offer the entire surrounding communities, the communities will more likely support the project. Question was raised as to when the arena would be completed. Bob was not able to specify but things are still on track and falling into place.

Parent Behavior
Chris stressed the importance and requirement that parents exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. District 10 has a no tolerance policy and parents will be escorted out of an arena for infractions.

Pancake Breakfast
Approximately $1,200 was raised at the recent Pancake Breakfast fundraiser held at the Big Lake American Legion. Comment was made how wonderful it was that many new, different parents helped out. If the workload is distributed to more individuals, then everyone has less of the load to bear.


Coupon Books
Each family is responsible for selling at minimum five books at $20 ($10 profit for association). To date 670 books remained from the original 1,000. Chris presented the cash prize incentives for the top three coupon book sellers: Books sold before January 1, 2004 would receive: $250 for 1sst place, $150 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place.

Bottles of Water, Etc.
Bottles of water with the BBL logo and web site address and water bottles are still available for sale. Chris will check into the possibility of selling these items at the high school hockey home games. Reminder was made that time spent assisting with these sales would go towards each familys mandatory volunteer hours. Johna Nelson has agreed to be the Volunteer Coordinator contact person. Submit your volunteer hours and activities to her.

Freedom Day Celebration
Becker will celebrate its 100 anniversary next year and we have been invited to have a booth at the annual Freedom Day Celebration.

Apparel
Johna Nelson will continue as the BBLYHA Apparel Coordinator. Contact her, check out apparel options listed on our web site or place an order at All Star Embroidery in Becker. Orders placed soon will be available in a couple weeks.

Monthly Meeting Location
The monthly association meetings will be held the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm at the Becker High School old library.

Chamber of Commerce
Julie Smith recommended that we join the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce. She offered to pay the required fee for the association the first year and will represent the association at the Chamber meetings.

MN Wild Tickets
John Gilbertson has purchased the 150 tickets for the 7 pm game on December 20, which the Mini Mites will skate at between periods. The Mini Mites and their families will be given the first opportunity to purchase the tickets. Contact John at 763 263-7121.

Registration
Lisa Ramerth, Registration Coordinator, reported that a total of 116 registrations have been received for the 2003/2004 hockey season. There will be three Sr. Mite, two Squirt, and two Pee Wee teams. Plans are still being made for the 5-6 Bantams registered.

Equipment
Tim Houghton, Equipment Manager, reported that an additional goalie set is needed for the third Sr. Mite team. Another set of jerseys will also need to be purchased for that level. The Mini Mite jerseys have been ordered and will be available in two weeks.

Coaching Coordinator Report
Dave Schouveller, Coaching Coordinator, reported that the Clinics presently being put on are to help skaters muscle development, etc. and teach skills for evaluations. Dave also reported that he, along with two Level 5 hockey coaches from the Twin Cities area, would run the evaluations.

PICTURES
Pictures will be taken on Saturday, November 1, at the MAC in St. Cloud. The schedule will be:
B2 Bantams 8:00 am C Sr. Mites 9:15 am
B2 PeeWees 8:15 am In-House Sr. Mites #1 9:30 am
C PeeWees 8:30 am In-House Sr. Mites #2 9:45 am
B1 Squirts 8:45 am Mini Mites 10:00 am
C Squirts 9:00 am All Association Teams Group Photo on Ice at 10:15 am

Adjournment at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Graber