Following a period of socializing during which members greeted each other and exchanged informal information regarding developments in the Las Cruces Business Community, Mrs. Connie Meeks, President of the Association, called the meeting to order at 3:00PM.

Approximately 40 members, marketing specialists and personnel representatives were present, as confirmed by signatures affixed to an attendance list circulated by the President.

A Proposed Agenda was circulated by the President who requested additions and/or deletions. The order of business was slightly modified to accommodate the schedule of at least one Guest Speaker.

The Minutes of the Association's June 15th, 1996 Meeting were then circulated to all present for approval. No corrections or additions were forthcoming and tacit approval was granted.

Thanks and appreciation to Debbie Parent of The Lantern Restaurant for hosting the meeting were extended by the President on behalf of the entire Association.

Mrs. Meeks suggested that Mr. Segouini of The Casbah Restaurant begin preparation of a format for the Treasurer's Report. Mr. Segouini concurred, and agreed to consult with members of the Association to determine the content and scope of the Report.

The President subsequently explained that Guest Speaker, Mr. Charles Segerstron, representing his locally-based advertising and marketing organization, had requested permission to present his remarks prior to Committee Reports, due to a conflict of schedule.

Explaining that his firm had considerable experience in mail order, food photography, advertising and promotional activities, Mr. Segerstron displayed a proposed logo for the SNMRA which resembled the State Restaurant Association logo, portraying a place setting of utensils inscribed in a circular format.

This logo was shown to all present and was duly submitted to the President for eventual approval by the Membership. Generally favorable comments were forthcoming from members regarding the logo, prior to pursuing the next order of business.

Mrs. Meeks of the Brass Cactus, and President of the Association, subsequently offered a tentative description of her role within the Association, explaining that, as a facilitator, she was pleased to chair the monthly meetings, and orient the agenda, but that it was essentially the groups' function to define both the primary content and thrust of the Association's proceedings.

Mrs. Meeks called for the first of several Committee Reports.

Mrs. Carol Miyasaki of the Tatsu Restaurant presented the Personnel Committee Report, focusing on proposed compilation of an Employers' Handbook containing crucial information related to hiring and termination procedures.

Mrs. Miyasaki also suggested that all members bring documents and forms currently in use at their establishments, pertaining to employee behavior and discipline problems. This information could then be reviewed an possibly incorporated into a master-handbook for the Association.

She further addressed the generally accepted procedures for documenting employee deficiencies. Standardization for the entire community was thought advisable. Mentioned as well was the question of the "legal status" of the documents currently in use at members' establishments. A brief discussion ensued, relating to the possibility of employee recourse in the event of mishandled termination or dissemination of negative information during reference checks. Mrs. Miazacki offered her FAX number to those present, should further clarification be required: 526-7928. This number could be used to exchange documents, as well.

Within the context of this subject, Debbie Parent of The Lantern Restaurant described her disciplinary system which consisted of a verbal warning at the time of the first offense, two days suspension without pay upon the second offense, and termination at the time of the third infraction of rules.

Inquiry was made as to whether most member restaurants adhered to corporate manuals. It was felt that "no more than half" of Association members needed disciplinary forms, produced locally.

Mr. Mike McHatton of the Hospitality & Tourism Department at NMSU suggested that such matters as drug testing and polygraph examinations might well be included on the initial employee application form.

Two new members of the Personnel Committee were "enlisted" by Association President, Connie Meeks of the Brass Cactus. They were: Peggy Smith and Tim Cass.

Subsequent to generally expressed appreciation of the Personnel Report, President Meeks called for the Training Committee's Report.

Mr. Hassan Segouini distributed a summary of his Committee's deliberations to all present. He noted that this was an initial "brainstorming" list, subject to modification and expansion. Committee member Steve Meeks of the Brass Cactus provided insightful remarks and observations pertaining to the Committee's findings. In addition to topics listed on the Committee Hand-Out, Mr. Meeks described European traditions, such as those in use in Switzerland. He suggested that these topics would be incorporated into local employee training programs. Concepts included: The Union Helvetia, uniformity of management training, a rotational system ensuring continued excellence, group-purchasing suggestions for overall price reduction by patronizing the same purveyors, performance criteria and so forth.

Because the inclusion of several sub-headings on the Training Committee's list seemed exhaustive, Ken Morris, Vice-President of the New Mexico Restaurant Association, inquired as to whether priorities had been established by the Training Committee. Mr. Meeks responded that the sub-headings were listed in descending order of priority.

New personnel might also be briefed on local historical sites of interest and other tourist-oriented information, according to Double Eagle Manager, Mr. Jerry Hartnell.

The Association President inquired as to what additional assistance the Training Committee might need. Discussion ensued and it was felt that the first priority, Sanitation and Food Handling, might be profitably explored at the outset. National Restaurant Association guidelines were mentioned within this context.

It was noted, by Mr. Ed Littleman of Appleby's and Village Inns, that the more the Association united behind a uniform training effort, the stronger all members and their restaurants would become.

Mrs. Carol Miyasaki of The Tatsu Restaurant noted that it was the responsibility of all members of the Association to help arrange speakers to deliver talks or workshops for the purpose of training employees.

The President called for the Administration Committee Report.

Mr. John Tegmeyer, of Tegmeyer's Restaurant, distributed a comprehensive packet of helpful information relating to Interviewing Techniques, Restaurant Industry Regulations and Accounting Procedures.

Attention turned to discussion of accounting procedures in light of certain modifications and fluctuations in tax-reporting requirements. Mr. Tegmeyer reviewed developments in this area and suggested that Ms. Judy Lapointe, of Wage & Hour, could be consulted for additional detail. Indeed, later in the meeting, it was noted that Ms. Lapointe would be present, in the near future, as a Guest Speaker at a JSEC Seminar.

Discussion subsequently focused on reference checks and related problems. It was acknowledged that the bottom line question which could be asked, without fear of legal reprisal, was simply, "Is the employee eligible for rehire?" It was additionally felt that only on rare occasions would problems arise as a result of revealing negative information concerning former employees. In response to Mr. Littleman's question, "How many have been sued for giving out information on an employee?", members acknowledged that no case involving slander or defamation had arisen in recent memory.

Association President Connie Meeks inquired as to where the Committee planned to focus its attention. Priority would be given to Labor Legislation, and then to Expenses and Income Statements, Mr. Tegmeyer responded. The second priority would involve insurance, supplies, utilities, advertising and bad debt, as sub-categories of interest to the committee, he added.

The Committee's next report to Members would contain largely opinions, but also definitions of such crucial categories as "accounting", "advertising" and "profit." Suggestions for software would be forthcoming, as well, Mr. Tegmeyer noted.

Genny of Sonic mentioned inventory control, and referred to government requirements such as the all-important MSD Sheet, listing every chemical physically present in the establishment. Costly fines, ranging upwards from $10,000, could be imposed for failure to comply with such regulations, she noted. Members were referred to Art Loera's book on chemicals in the food industry for further details.

Reference was made briefly to OSHA, and large posters, containing government regulations, were distributed to those interested.

Following an expression of appreciation to Mr. Tegmeyer's Committee, Association President Meeks called for the Community Services and Activities Report.

Pavla, Comptroller of the Old Mesilla Pastry Cafe offered several observations concerning local fund-raising and donation campaigns in the area. Building on these introductory explanations, other Association Members engaged in a spirited discussion of the dynamics of the Chamber of Commerce's publicity and fund-raising efforts falling under the title of Tastes of the Valley. Carol Miyasaki, for example, expressed opposition to participation in this "opportunity" to pay $50 and give away thousands of dollars in food, for promotional and charity purposes. Other Members expressed a range of opinions, and spoke at length of variations on charity and donation programs in which they had participated in recent years. The consensus seemed to be that, generally speaking, food was costly and that expenses incurred were not offset set my appreciable benefits in terms of publicity or community recognition.

It was noted, however, that The Double Eagle and Mesilla Mall Restaurants will participate in the Tastes of the Valley program.

Mention was made of a request by the Realtor's Association to allow a 15% discount on food, to encourage general economic activity in the area. Members seemed to agree that this was an unwelcome gesture, since their restaurants were in business to produce a profit, not to subsidize other industries.

Mr. Steve Meeks of the Brass Cactus described his experience in New York City during which a $150 per plate dinner was successfully organized for charity, with purveyors, labor and management participating enthusiastically.

Within the context of local activities, Mr. Joe Navarra of La Posta announced plans for the forthcoming Teen Pageant. He stated that, on August 10th, at El Patio Restaurant in Old Mesilla, cocktails would be offered at 6PM, followed by dinner from 7PM to 9PM. The charge would be $250 per table, with 65 tables accommodating 8 persons each. Gifts would be offered by contestants for auctioning, with the proceeds going to charity. The contact person for further information is Kathleen Foreman, he noted.

The President thanked the Community Services Committee and called for the External Activities Report.

Mr. Ken Morris, Vice-President of the NMRA, introduced the Featured Speaker, Mary Jo Lipinski, MBA, associated with both RM Personnel, Inc., as Marketing Director, and The Job Service Employer Council, as Chairwoman.

Noting that the JSEC's function is principally educational, and that 3 seminars are offered annually for purposes of explaining this organization's resources and objectives, Ms. Lipinski distributed detailed self-explanatory material to all present.

She mentioned in passing that the Department of Labor is a comprehensive resource for employers.

When speaking of RM Personnel, Ms. Lipinski distributed additional material outlining the wide spectrum of services performed on behalf of small and medium sized businesses. These services extended, not only to performing all paperwork functions (workman's comp, payroll, medical, etc.) on behalf of the employer, but also to leasing employees on a medium or long-term basis to area firms. Questions were entertained by Ms. Lipinski, she was thanked warmly by those present, and the second guest speaker was introduced.

Ms. Cindy Rodriguez, of Impressions Advertising, provided details concerning publication of advertising copy in the Las Cruces Visitors Guide to be printed in November. Members should commit to purchasing space by September 9th and submit copy by October 1st, she noted. Costs, due to group rates, could be reduced by more than $200, placing the cost for 1/6th of a page at $400. She described the potential readership of the Guide.

Mr. Ken Morris, Vice President of the NMRA based in Albuquerque, summarized federal and state legislation currently pending. He noted (a) that the Federal Minimum Wage was probably going to rise in the months ahead, and (b) that the issue of Indian Gaming was becoming prominent throughout the State once again. The NMRA's position on the "gaming question" is that restaurants should have the right to accept or decline the presence of gaming equipment on their premises.

Lastly, for informational purposes he displayed the NMRA's state-wide logo, leaving a sample with the Association President.

The final formal presentation was made my Mr. Steve Meeks of the Brass Cactus. He discussed favorable restaurant publicity recently published in The Bulletin, a Las Cruces tabloid published in competition with The Sun-News. He referred to an article published on July 25, 1996 entitled "Where the Locals Eat" and all members were pleased to note that several member restaurants were complimented in this article.

Mr. John Tegmeyer of Tegmeyer's pointed out the need to curtail the length of Association meetings to one and a half hours, since many members could not attend longer sessions. Mr. Segouini of Casbah suggested that, because these were the first organizational meetings of the Association, somewhat longer meetings could be considered in initial stages. Another suggestion that Committee Reports be offered only every other month was aired. Brief discussion ensued with no formal decision forthcoming.

Prior to adjourning the meeting, President Connie Meeks suggested that the Featured Speaker be placed before the Committee Reports on the Agenda. A majority of Members present concurred.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:03PM by the President who reiterated her appreciation to The Lantern Restaurant for hosting the proceedings.