The Grant County Copper CowBelles met on June 19, 2018. After the pledge, creed and prayer the May minutes were approved. Correspondence included a thank you from Lorraina Robertson for the money given to her to help cover her Beef Ambassador expenses. Treasurer Mary Hudson gave her report and stated that the bank is willing to issue a debit card on our account. Having a card will eliminate the issues we have been having writing checks to purchase food and supplies for events.

President Deborah van Telligen gave a report on the Mid-year meeting and announced that she has been appointed as interim secretary for the NM CowBelles. Kathy Davis, chair of the Marketing committee gave a progress report on the banners being developed for the fair and Pat Hunt, chair of the Scholarship committee asked members to be thinking about changing the scholarship eligibility requirements from agricultural only degrees to include trade schools such as linemen and welders in an effort to support other rural careers. Everyone seemed open to the idea and the committee will meet to develop guidelines for consideration.

Deborah asked for someone willing to chair the upcoming County Fair. As no one agreed, she will send out emails. Our by-laws require money be spent to promote “June is Beef Month”. The usual event to surprise shoppers buying beef at the grocery stores was not scheduled therefore it was proposed to take out an advertisement in the local newspapers promoting beef, ranching and Copper CowBelles. Bobbie Neal-Little agreed to work with the papers to get it prepared before the end of June.

It was voted to approve a $100 donation to the Grant County 4-H pig, goat and steer jackpot to be held on June 30th.

Deborah appointed several members to a committee to develop the 2019 budget. An audit of the 2017 checking account is still pending.

The next meeting is scheduled for August as July is always an open month. Submitted by Pat Hunt

The Grant County Copper CowBelles met on May 15, 2018.  After the pledge, creed and prayer the April minutes were approved and the March minutes were amended to allow the President access to the e-banking accounts.  Correspondence included a donation request for the cake walk at the Silver City Museum July 4^th event.  Kim and JoAnn reported on the auction at the Cowboy Fiesta Party.  For a first time event the auction and the dinner/dance did very well.  Plans are already in the works for next year’s event. Money earned was transferred from the regular checking account to the scholarship fund.  It was decided not to have a float in the July 4^th parade but consideration is still being given to participating in the Wine Festival to be held in July that would possibly involve wine pairing with beef samples.  President van Tellingen regretfully announced the resignation of Ashley Ivins as NMCB President.  She encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming mid-year meeting in Ruidoso.  The Town wants new contracts signed for the “Adopt a Median” program Copper participates in.  The Executive Board will review the contract before signing.  Copper recently lost past members, Jo Bounds and Brenda Bays.  Memorial donations have been received.  A donation to the Pat Nowlin fund in their memories will be voted on at the next meeting.

Submitted by Pat Hunt