Many exciting new developments and initiatives were announced at the EACC’s regular quarterly Board meeting on Thursday, April 22. Official minutes of the meeting will be available once the draft has been approved by the Board, but I share this unofficial summary to keep our broader membership aware.
After welcoming members and approving minutes from the January meeting, the Board approved the financial report provided by Treasurer Chris Flaig showing that our cash position has improved in recent months as we continue to control spending (and with the help of a forgivable PPP loan).
Board President Dominic Franchini then updated the Board on some very exciting new member news. Months of effort to develop and launch a new membership structure have borne fruit, with Franchini announcing our first “Ambassador” level member -- RiskSOURCE – and our first two “Bridge Builder” level members: Altix Consulting and Modula USA. Jonathan Theders of RiskSOURCE, Antonio Pagano of Modula and Yannick Schilly of Altix each expressed their excitement at the new initiatives and opportunities to both grow business in our region and to boost our transatlantic business ties. [Look for more about our new membership structures in future editions of the Newsbrief.]
Franchini also highlighted some new initiatives connected with our new membership structures, including a ‘mini-trade show;’ advertising at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport; and a new international and domestic travel programs. [Again, watch the Newsbrief for more details.]
Franchini and Executive Director Schwartz outlined the intent and the details of the new membership structures which were approved by the board. All new members will join under the new structures; and existing members will be asked to select one of the new membership levels during our annual membership renewal cycle this fall. Until then, of course, all current membership benefits will be honored through this transitional period.
Schwartz noted that EACC Operations Manager Dayna O’Brien will be going on maternity leave in mid July (congratulations, Dayna!) and outlined plans to hire an interim Operations Manager to cover the staffing gap. Schwartz noted that given our growing and accelerating workloads, we may decide to keep the interim hire on as a third permanent position. And more immediately, the board considered and approved a motion to return EACC Staff to a full 40-hour workweek effective May 1.
Finally, Schwartz briefed EACC board members on a few recent highlights (such as the launch of our new ‘Roundtable’ series and the European Investment Map) as well as upcoming events including our September 16 Conference and Dinner with German Ambassador Emily Haber and DHL SVP for the Americas Cain Moodie and our Annual General Meeting and Beaujolais Nouveau celebration on November 18.
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