The Board expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Betty Spencer, who passed away in early January. She provided the SJFAC with bookkeeping services for several years.

Finances
Mr. Harry Penny, a chartered accountant, has kindly offered to review the SJFAC financial records. All outstanding debts from 1999 have been settled, however, $5000 is still owed from 2000 and is gradually being paid off as funds become available.

Mr. Will Penney will act on behalf of the SJFAC to solicit corporate sponsorships under four different packages; platinum ($10,000 +), gold ($5000-7000), a silver ($1500 -3000), and bronze ($500-1000). The packages will include a certificate of endorsement, a contract signed by both parties, and entry passes to events sponsored by the SJFAC.

Festival News
The Royal Canadian Mint will honour the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival by issuing a special 50-cent commemorative coin in June. This is fantastic news; it will help us to obtain grants and sponsorships by raising our public profile.

The Board has agreed that the program for the 2001 Folk Festival should be ready for distribution two months prior to the event in order to better promote the festival and attract sponsors. To accomplish this, the festival lineup must be established by early May. This year's program will include a tribute to music by performers over the last 25 years. The festival will be dedicated to Louise Kearney (see Remembering Louise).

The 25th annual Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival falls on the weekend following the St. John's Regatta. The Festival Committee will consider advertising the festival at the Regatta.

SJFAC Office
It would be desirable to keep the SJFAC office open year round due to the increased amount of work to be done for the 25th Annual Folk Festival, but we do not have the funds for this. Bridget contacted HRDC to see if there were any programs available to cost-share employment at the SJFAC office, however, none were available. An application for an Attractions Canada award was submitted and we will be applying for operational funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. Heritage Canada has awarded the SJFAC with a grant to fund the travel of out-of-province musicians. An application has already been made to City Hall for funding for the 2001 Festival. The SJFAC office is currently open for 8 hours weekly, but phone and email messages are checked regularly. The office is expected to return to regular hours by the end of March.

Membership
The Board voted unanimously to discontinue the policy of requiring performers at SJFAC events to be members. Membership renewals and new membership are important issues that must be addressed. The membership policy will be reviewed again at the February meeting of the Board with the aim of attracting families, small businesses, benefactors and other groups. Additional benefits to members will include a discount on Festival passes purchased in advance and special draws for prizes at Folk Night. It is important for all members to pay their renewal fees promptly and to encourage their friends to join and support the SJFAC.

Reviews
Scott Schillereff has volunteered to write reviews of three CDs that have been submitted as entries for the next Folk Festival. He will submit these to The Broadside for publication.

AGM & Board Elections
The annual meeting of the SJFAC and elections of officers will be held on May 28 at 8 pm at the Crow's Nest. Anyone who was a member of the SJFAC in 2000 is welcome to run for election and should contact the office for more information. Also, anyone interested in helping out with this year's festival or the folk club will be received with open arms - please let us know!