Meeting Costs

THE COST OF MEALS
AT CHAPTER
MEETINGS

The Executive team receives inquiries from time to time about the cost of our monthly meetings. VIPMOAA attempts to keep your price as low as possible, working within the following requirements, which were developed by long-time members supporting the preferences of the majority of members.

Price usually includes salad, entree, starch, vegetable, bread, dessert, tea and coffee.

Gratuities are included. Tax is included where applicable.

Meal usually includes a choice of entrees. Healthy choices are included (buffets include salad, vegetables).

Cash bar is available – during social/reception or longer.

Sites must be large enough for 65 – 80 people. Stylish setting. Accessible for folks with mobility problems. Tall enough ceiling for chapter flags. Even venues that do not charge separately for the meeting room build the cost of the room and set-up into their price.

Audiovisual support for speaker. Podium and microphone/speakers for meeting.

VIPMOAA pays for the speaker’s meal(s) and presents the speaker with a memento at most chapter meetings. Cost for the speaker’s meal and memento is spread across the attendees.

It is the policy of VIPMOAA that chapter meetings be self-sufficient, not augmented by dues of people who do not attend. (The 50:50 drawing also helps defray meeting costs.) All of the volunteers helping with chapter meetings (Hospitality, Fundraising and Programs Committees) pay for their meals at the same price as all other members. The President and other Executive board members pay their way. Hospitality Committee Chairperson is in charge of the location/menu for meetings, rotating between local military clubs and Williamsburg. Programs Chairperson is responsible for the speaker/entertainment arrangements. See the chapter Handbook for more infomation about chapter meetings. We attempt to offer a variety of menus, including a less expensive lunch in January (without all the courses) and the Sunday brunch in July. If the above list of requirements does not meet your own (member) preference, please contact the appropriate chairperson with your recommendations.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP make arrangements for chapter meetings, please call the appropriate chairperson. We usually map out the following year’s meetings in September. But we are flexible to make changes a few months in advance (not after the newsletter is printed, though).

HOW ABOUT AN INFORMAL LUNCH BUNCH for those who don’t like to drive at night and don’t want the larger meal? This could be done in addition to the formal chapter meetings. All we need is a person to set it up and get the info to the Newsletter editor and Webmaster in time.

Want to attend meetings free? Just come to the reception and stand in the back during the meeting.

Major Mallison, President