MEA Learning Seminar

On November 17, 2024, the Maine Elks Association will be conducting a new Lodge Management Seminar for all Lodge Officers, Board Members, and House Committee members, plus anyone else interested in learning more about Lodge business operations at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905. This is a completely new seminar which will be replacing the former Learning Seminar. The seminar will be focused on Lodge and Bar business operations. Below is a tentative schedule and the topics that will be covered. All Lodge Officers and House Committee members are encouraged to attend.

If you plan to attend, please contact Bruce Brunelle by November 8, 2024, with a count of how many from your Lodge will be attending to obtain a count for the Waterville Elks Lodge (Lunch).

Here is the tentative schedule:

•          8:30-8:50         Sign in, (continental breakfast will be provided)
•          9:00-12:00       Structure of the Elks, Board of Directors, Club Management and Financial Reports
•          12:00-12:30     Lunch Break (lunch will be provided at the Lodge at no cost to the participants)
•          12:30-2:30       Most Frequently Used Statutes and Issue/Complaint Resolution

The Structure of the Elks module will focus on a brief history of the Elks, Grand Lodge, the State Association, and the Local Lodge, including the responsibilities of the various officers, boards, and committees. It is important for officers and members to understand the system of governance within the Elks.

The Board of Directors module will cover non-profit corporations, Board of Trustees vs. Board of Directors, duties and responsibilities of the Board, Property Plus Insurance Program, Liability Insurance Program, Accident Prevention Program, and methods of Communication.

The Club Management module will focus on the forms of Club Management, statutory duties and responsibilities, suspension of club privileges, member appeals of suspensions, club operations, policies and procedures, employment practices, cash handling, purchasing, inventory control, cost of goods sold, product pricing, controlling costs, and reviewing financial performance.

The Financial Reports module will focus on how to maintain a sound financial condition through the various financial reports available from the Treasurer. These include: The Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Statements, the Budget, Budget vs. Actual Comparison Report and managing economic challenges.

The Most Frequently Used Statutes will be covered next and is geared toward reviewing those statutes that Lodge Officers and Management will most likely encounter during any Lodge year. These include Roberts Rules of Order, Flag Day, Election of Officers, Duties of the Secretary, Duties of the Treasurer, Vacating and Removal of Officers, Filling Officer Vacancies, Honorary Life Membership, Dispensation for Lodge Meetings, Voting by Secret Ballot, and building permit applications.

The Issue/Complaint Resolution process will be the final module. This will cover the chain of command within the Elks, who is in charge of what at the Lodge, the complaint resolution process, involving Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge chain of command.

If you should have any question about the seminar, please contact Past State President Bruce Brunelle

** Please note this is the ONLY Learning Seminar for this year.