Minutes of the Michigan Association of Professional Santas
(M.A.P.S.) Board of Directors meeting
September 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call To Order: Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Michael Beurer
Present: Michael Beurer, President; Melissa Rickard, Vice President; Lisa Heileman, Recording
Secretary; Kathy Norred, Treasurer; Ted Flynn; Shawn White; Michael Howe; Jim Jordan, and Chris
Terry
Absent: Billy J Howarth, and Roger Minton
2. Reading of the Minutes: Kathy Norred presented and Melissa Rickard summarized and read the
Minutes for the meeting held August 10, 2025 after the Red Suit Conclave. These minutes are on
the MAPS website.
Approval and Amendments to the Minutes: There being no corrections, minutes were
approved as read.
3. Committee Report.
a. Admissions: This will be provided at the next meeting, as Roger Minon was not present.
b. Financial: Kathy Norred reported that for the month of August we have a beginning balance
of $10,407.54, with deposits of $1,430.30, and withdrawals of $410.00 which leaves of
with a remaining balance of $11,427.84 going into September. Kathy read a run down on
the Conclave expenses, and income. Rental deposit was $200 and this was left with the
venue for the 2026 event. The Room fee was $410. There is outstanding an
reimbursement from the Red Suit Conclave: $844.06 to Chris Terry for Supplies ($624.28)
and the Hotel Room for Spangle that he paid for ($219.78). Total expenses were
$1,454.06. Income from the fifty-fifty drawing was $ 372.50 and donations were $961.00
for a total of $1,333.50. We almost broke even.
c. Technology Report/ Website Health: As Roger Minton is not here, there is no update until
next month.
4. Events
a. Wrap Up Dinner will be held January 17, 2026, at the Century Banquet Center, and the
theme is Charles Dickens (Christmas Carole). The Center is the same location as last
year.
b. Jingle Joy: Micheal Howe reported it will be held at Roof Top Landing the last weekend
in May. May 28, 29, 30 are reserved with Roof Top Landing. Teaching is the first two
days. Steven Gillam will let Mike Howe know soon if he can conduct classes. He
seemed encouraged by it. The hotel is set and happy to have us back. Discussion
followed regarding planned group dinners. Mike Howe is talking to the pizza place. Big
1
Boy dinner is convenient and close. Kathy Norred has contact information. Dinner is
still being discussed as a party for Pizza, and the location of this party.
c. Next year, the Conclave is the first weekend of August, on August 1st, and 2nd. 2026.
Beurer thanked the event volunteer staff for their effort in coordinating the Red Suit
Conclave. Beurer thanked the recap and wrap up team and members working on the
event. Chris Terry, Ted Flynn, and Mel Rickard met to see what can we do to see what can
improve and what we can do to have folks stay through Sunday. Case in point, the
Professor was fantastic and will be asked back.
Donations in Norred’s report were all checks and cash for the Conclave. Online
donations take a hit of 1.9 percent versus in person. Discussion continued about no
shows and added attendees, and that registered people can show they are no longer will
be attending in the website event. But, this is the danger of a free event, some people do
not take the time to withdraw online. How many showed up at the event without prior
registration? There were 15 no shows, and seven that were write ins. It was noted that it is
important to have an accurate count for supplies, and planning.
5. Old Business
Website Update: Roger Minton is evaluating the server. He is not available this time. We
will discuss this in October.
6. New Business: None
7. Comments: MAPS Banner will be stored by Mel Rickard.
Ted Flynn reflected upon a comment he received regarding the number of board members and
size of the board. Some people think we are extravagant, but everyone here on the board fills a
need. The Board needs to emphasize that everyone works, has responsibilities, and brings
expertise and that the organization manages well with the board.
8. Next Meeting will be October 14th, 2025 Tuesday, at 7:00 P.M. This is the last meeting before
Christmas Season.
9. Adjournment: There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. EDT
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Heileman,
Recording Secretary
