To All Blacksmiths-Greetings

This letter is my second communication to you. It will have two purposes. (1) To tell you who is on the Member Services Committee, (2) to report the latest activities of the committee.

The Member Services Committee consists of two ABANA Board members and five members at large from the ABANA membership. The local at large members will allow the committee to meet face to face at monthly meetings.

The committee members are:

· Bob Fredell, Chair, ABANA Board member , retired school social worker and hobbyist blacksmith. bfredell@qwest.net
· Andy Quittner, ABANA Board member, attorney and hobbyist blacksmith. andrewq@ci.corpus-christi.tx.us
· Charlie Bateman, retired engineer in manufacturing materials and processes and hobbyist blacksmith. charlie.bateman@prodigy.net
· Dave Feterl, contract design engineer and prototype builder, fabrication business owner and hobbyist blacksmith. dfeterlorfds@worldnet.att.net
· Mary Fredell, 2002 ABANA conference registrar and hobbyist blacksmith. bfredell@qwest.net
· Dave Mariette, full time artist-blacksmith, dmariette@aol.com
· John Moriarty, mechanical engineer designing lighting and hobbyist jeweler and blacksmith. John.moriarty@ci.stpaul.mn.us

This first meeting of the committee discussed ABANA's communication problems by reviewing communications from interested blacksmiths. A summary of the many items discussed are as follows.
1. Respond to member's communications.
2. Disconnection between the ABANA board and the chapters.
3. Do not issue pronouncements to the chapters-make use of two way communication.
4. ABANA's communication on copyright and anvil shoots was discussed.
5. Give the chapters more help in finding insurance.
6. The frequently updated chapter list given to the chapters is useful.
7. There is a feeling of "us" and "them."
8. Eliminate negative letters to the editor in The Anvil's Ring.
9. Clearly communicate the rules, obligations and benefits of being a chapter of ABANA.
10. Create aids for recruitment for the chapters.
11. Deal with rumors.
12. Provide clear minutes of ABANA board meetings to the chapters.
13. Communicate clearly and timely.
14. Survey the chapter newsletter editors and the general membership.
15. In general we discussed how this committee might avoid communication pitfalls.
16. We don't like the name of this committee but we are not sure what it should be called. One of our clowns suggested, "Edict Pronouncement From On High Committee." At least we have a sense of humor.

One of our correspondents said it so clearly, "Repeatedly I must defend ABANA from those who believe that ABANA is some distant, expensive, high toned outfit so why belong to it. I know why and I think you do too, (why belong to ABANA, ed) but perception is everything and you have a major need to change that perception…Then DO communicate." Well spoken, my friend.

The Member Services Committee is committed to doing something about our communication. We will work on these issues, one at a time. Over time you will see changes. Let us know what you think.

Bob Fredell, Chairman
Member Services Committee
3500 45 Ave. So.
Minneapolis MN 55406
(621) 721-2298
bfredell@qwest.net