MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL SANTAS
RED SUIT CONCLAVE
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
AUGUST 10, 2025
Present: Melissa Rickard, Kathy Norred, Billy Howarth, Jim Jordan, Ted Flynn.
Kathy Norred has volunteered to be the recording Secretary for this meeting.
Meeting called to order at 11:37 AM. By Melissa Rickard.
Today, the board was joined by MAPS members at the Red Suit Conclave. Members were asked to share comments with the board about MAPS.
1. Jingle Joy and Red Suit Conclave this year were “Best Ones Yet”. The group expressed theirthanks to the Board.
2. A new member inquired about Jingle Joy. They were informed that the event was held at the end of May at Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare, and consisted of a renowned speaker for two days, and a third day that the farm was open to members and family members. There is a speaker fee for that event. They were also informed about the Wrap-up banquet held after the Holiday Season, which is also a paid-to-attend event.
3. A member indicated that they would like to have tables and chairs at the RSC so that they could easily take notes. A suggestion was made to supply MAPS clipboards and note paper if tables were not available for use.
4. Everyone was encouraged to look at their Profiles on the website to ensure that they are up-to-date. Currently, our membership on the website is at 376 active members. Members of the board are actively calling new members to give them clearance to join. A concentrated effort has been made to remove any members no longer are associated with MAPS. A member has asked for a photo directory to be made available.
5. A discussion ensued about charging dues. The board expressed their commitment to keep it free for those in our profession.
6. Members are encouraged to view the event page on the website. The next upcoming event is the Traverse City Lunch at Rico’s in Grawn, MI on August 19, 2025. Events happen in different portions of the state and are great for meeting others in our profession who live close to you. The members were reminded that permission is not needed to develop a mentor group for their area. Also mentioned are the ELF Zoom meetings on the first Friday of each month, hosted by Michael Howe.
7. Side conversations in the room made it difficult to hear the speakers. It was suggested that we move the registration table to the hallway outside of the door.
8. It was suggested that the vendors be sent a thank-you note for their participation.
9. A suggestion was made to offer a scholarship to a beginning Santa, Mrs. Claus or Elf to a class. Additional requirements suggested:
• Application for participation
• Must be a MAPS member
• School in Michigan (Jingle Joy)
• Look at including Hotel Stay
The board will review the parameters needed for qualification.
Members are also encouraged to view the website to post and review gigs for the upcoming season. Only members can post the gig, but they can do it for an event space if they know of one. The member is also responsible for removing the gig when it is filled.
A mention was made about the quality of the name tags at the Conclave. Bill Stockwell volunteered to help with name tags at the next event.
The Meeting was closed at 12:35 PM.
