Meeting Minutes: March 19, 2025
A hybrid Zoom/in-person meeting of the board of directors of Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition (WMCC, a Massachusetts Nonprofit corporation), was held on March 19, 2025 at 7p ET in accordance with WMCC’s bylaws.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm by Stephanie Giguere, Operating executive.
Attendees: Stephanie Giguere, Ryan Shumeyko, Danielle Rao, Justin Raphaelson, Regina Madden, Josh Seamon-Ingalls, Laura Davis, Nick Friedman, Jenifer Dickinson, Rob Sullivan, Ryan Stefiuk, Andrew Neuman
1. Software integrations (Shuo) – Presentation about a software integration service that would allow things like membership data to cross over automatically (it is currently entered manually when new members join). Shuo is offering integration solutions for WMCC to streamline the process. There were some questions about the cost of integration and whether this was needed. This may streamline tasks for OE during certain busier times of year. The projected cost is 200-300/yr and could be trialed during high season for new memberships. Board members agree to a trial of this service, Shuo is willing to donate several months of service for a trial.
2. Budget – raft budget was put forth by Stephanie for the upcoming year. Board to review and approve at upcoming meeting
3. Political Outreach & other updates (Rob) – Farley Ledge adjacent landowners is willing to sell their land to WMCC for a large sum – 110k is the maximum that could be offered for their parcel
4. Rock Property Updates (Ryan Shumeyko) – Bucky wants to move quickly since this is a slower time of year. Board members should review existing documents soon. A discussion of parking lot size, number of spaces, and environmental impacts of different sized lots/projects was had.
5. Silent Auction Recap – This year’s auction was our highest grossing yet.
- The crash pad from ZIGZAG was the most active item with 17 bids, the vintage Gunks guidebooks was the second most active item (thank you Regina)
- Question regarding timing of next year’s auction – early March would line up with the FarmTown Throwdown. Sat February 28th to Sat March 7th.
6. Board retreat – Board retreat is scheduled for June 27-29, 2025. Sunday June 29th Trail day is a possibility.
7. Reel Rock – The event is underway and we have already sold more than 40 tickets!
- Help needed to connect with local businesses who might want to sponsor the event. Conservation sponsorship goal: 7 advocates, 3 Stewards and 1 protector = $585. The cost to run these programs is high and this can offset the cost.
- Discussion about hosting an additional Reel Rock in the Boston area. Mixed feelings about getting organized and finding a suitable venue for this.