HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - AIPCA Meeting Minutes from November 21, 2024
Ames International Partner Cities Association
November 21, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Michael Abrams, Laura Hansen, Marina Kraeva, Nicki Mackey, Katrina Harden Williams.
1. Call to order: 5:33 pm
2. Approval of September Minutes
a. Motion to approve Michael, seconded Laura, approved by all
3. Treasurer Report
a. The account balance as of 11/19 $6393
b. Got grant from the city
c. Still waiting for an updated invoice from Central Grove (~$1K)
d. Motion to approve Nicki, seconded Michael, approved by all
4. Koshu Youth Delegation Debrief
a. The visit went well
b. Katrina shared details of the visit to the Ames Middle School which was well planned
c. Transportation accounted for 40% of expenses. We should explore alternative methods
of transporting delegates to reduce this cost.
d. For upcoming visits, we should conduct background checks on the host families. We can
request funding from the City of Ames to cover this expense.
e. The exchange committee should be formed earlier to have more time to plan the visit
and search for host families.
f. Families sent pictures to AIPCA mail address; however, committee members don't have
access to it.
5. Koshu Business Update
a. Michael gave a presentation to Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) in Sioux City.
Attendees include Japanese owned businesses, law firms, government organizations
b. Thinking of holding Ames-Koshu Wine festival next December
c. It was suggested to include small businesses as partners/supporters of AIPCA
6. Other
a. Katrina asked to fund T-shirts and refreshments for virtual exchange (~$500).
b. How can we show appreciation for the two chaperones who went to Japan in July and
paid all expenses out of pocket?
i. At the very least we can send Thank You cards.
c. 100 AIPCA 2024 Thank you cards have been printed. Committee members are welcome
to send cards to the businesses/partners who helped with the visit.
d. In addition to student virtual exchange, an adult virtual exchange can be planned.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:35pm.