I. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Mark Kosmo, Co-Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM. Approximately 20 people attended.


II. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Mr. Mark Kosmo and Ms. Albana Orgocka, Co Chairs, introduced everyone to the January 26, 2008 Board Meeting.


III. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Mr. Kosmo asked if there were any comments from the public on the Agenda. Everyone in attendance then briefly introduced themselves to the group.


IV. INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES AND VOTING FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Kosmo and Ms. Orgocka introduced the new Candidates for Board of Directors -- Nerejda Katherine Vlladesi, Ermal Frasheri, Anila Radovani, and Vera Gjata. The present members in good standing of MAAS/BESA then voted, and each of the four new nominees was elected to the Board of Directors. They joined five Board Members who had served for the previous year -- Mark Kosmo, Albana Orgocka, Elaine Ropi, Artan Simeqi, and Fatmir Beja.
The new Board of Directors then elected its four officers for 2008 — Mark Kosmo and Albana Orgocka as Co-Chairs, Vera Gjata as Treasurer, and Nerejda Katherine Vlladesi as Secretary.


V. NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Mr. Kosmo read the names of the new members proposed to be appointed to the Advisory Board. The Board of Directors had no objection to the proposed new advisors, but it was agreed that the issue would be voted on in the next three months per the Bylaws that require the Board of Directors to appoint an Advisory Board of not more than 25 people within three months of the Annual Meeting.


VI. TREASURERS REPORT

Mr. Kosmo introduced the former Treasurer — Ms. Oltiana Mara who reported on the three bank accounts of MAAS/BESA. These are the Albanian Language and Heritage School account, the account of the Massachusetts Albanian Assistance Fund, and the MAAS/BESA account. The financial summaries can be found at http://www.maasbesa.org/summary.html


VII. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT FOR NEW TREASURER

Mr. Kosmo opened the discussion on this matter. A majority of the members agreed that paying the new treasurer is appropriate, given the amount of work that the job requires. The Board of Directors approved payment for the new treasurer at $250 per month based on an estimated workload of 10 hours per month.


VIII. COMMUNICATIONS AND REACHING NEW MEMBERS

Web Site — Arber Muhameti explained the new website and how important it was to keep the website updated, because it attracts new members, keeps current members informed and makes the organization more legitimate.

New Members — A discussion was open to all members to provide their opinions. There was discussion about giving members a benefit/perk to being part of the organization (e.g., cheaper tickets to events). There was also discussion to bring in Albanian celebrities to be a part of the organization’s events in order to raise awareness for its causes. There was also discussion on having a cocktail party in ALBA restaurant where the fiftydollar payment at the door would not only serve as the entrance fee but also as the membership fee. This idea was highly debated and no agreement has been reached. Some members also thought that in order to raise awareness for MASS BESA, the members need to post flyers, not only in church, but in places were there is a large Albanian community. Therefore, more people would be aware of the organization.

Database of Albanian Families and Businesses –- Mr. Kosmo also indicated that there was a large Albanian Business Database. The organization discussed how they could make these business men/women to become more aware of the organization and to donate to MAAS/BESA. The ideas were that we should go to the businesses and ask for donations, send flyers about the organization to the businesses to encourage donations. If a business was to donate money they will have their logo placed on the MASS/BESA website.

Youth Group/Student Group — It was agreed that Arber Muhameti and Katherine Vlladesi would discuss and explore how to form a Youth Group under MAAS/BESA in 2008.


IX. ALBANIAN SCHOOL- REPORT OF DIRECTOR

Roza Mija discussed the obstacles that the Albanian School faces. There has been a decline in student enrollment ever since the Albanian School began charging tuition for classes. She also discussed the problem most students are facing because there is not enough parental guidance for students and a lack of interest in the students study. She explained that the teachers have begun some new methods of teaching, making it interesting for the students, while still learning Albanian.


X. EVENTS AND POSSIBLE EVENTS

Classical Music Concert — Ms. Radovani presented the idea about a classical music Concert at Boston University on March 1, and it was agreed that MAAS/BESA should help support this event with Ms. Radovani as the main contact person.

Visit of President Topi — Mr. Kosmo reported that there is a plan for President Topi to come to Massachusetts and speak at Harvard University. However, MAAS/BESA cannot afford to bring the president to the USA so this idea will be discussed in more detail once the President is invited to the USA for a Visit.


XI. OTHER ISSUES

Ms. Albana Orgocka makes a comment about the Gashi Children Foundation and how the fundraiser was such a big success the year before.


XII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Kosmo the meeting is adjourned.