May 15, 2025, General Meeting for All Members, Virginia Beach, Virginia
The meeting was called to order by President Kyle Scribe who welcomed all the members. Joe Mackowiak, General Secretary, gave a general thank you for all those in attendance.
Finance Report was provided by Bob Glatter who recognized the sponsors and vendors whose participation helped to make the meeting possible. Bob stated the Joseph A. Holmes Association began in 1916, was incorporated in 1926, reincorporated again in 1929, and several more times throughout history. A description of the expenses ensued and an explanation was provided that generally described the SAM.gov system (how government awards are granted by the U.S. Government).
The expenses and income were discussed and a motion to accept the report was provided by Ashley Gillund and seconded by Juan Asunga.
The Awards report was presented by Mark Zinser. This evening the man and woman of the year, and the Ival Van Horne awards are to be given out. Seven (7) lifesaver awards were given out this past year and 12 more are planned for October in Michigan. Bob Glatter added that 6 council competition awards would be given out at the banquet this evening.
A discussion ensued about the changeover of officers to occur this evening. Dustin Mowery will become the President, Greg Taylor first Vice President, Matt Bunner second Vice President, Steve Sandbrook 3rd Vice President, and the fourth Vice President is currently vacant but can wait until the situation with the federal employment has settled. Mac Burriss is the Secretary, Joe Mackowiak is the General Secretary, Bob Glatter is the Treasurer, Chris Whitt is the Asst. Treasurer. Three new appointments to the executive committee were received by Mark Zinser and they are: Ray Wright, Labor; Jason Hendrickson, Labor (139); and Fred Barzinski, Labor (139).
A motion was made to accept the report by Brittany Phillips and seconded by Mark Zinser.
The Program Committee Report was provided by Sam Scribe who thanked the 20 or so speakers that devoted their time to preparing and delivering the lectures this week. He noted tonight is the banquet and he it would be comprised of dinner and a movie. The movie is about the labor movement in WV in the early 1900’s that established safer working conditions in mines. It was announced about 100 people attended the conference.
Larry Harshbarger made a motion to accept the report and all were shocked (Larry is generally the only nay on most votes), and Chris Rachel seconded the motion.
The Revitalization Report was provided by Crystal Dye who mentioned Bob Randolph. Bob has graciously committed to continuing to assist Holmes on the website and technical communications in the future. Bob stated that everyone should continue to use mail@holmessafety.org for any website or other updates.
Motion to accept the report was provided by Kyle Scribe and seconded by Juan Asunga.
The Constitution Report was provided by Joe Sbaffoni who provided a reminder to ensure the executive committee is in place and a general discussion was then held about the methods to vote and publish on the online Holmes bulletin. A motion to accept the report was presented by Cotton Jarrell, and seconded by Larry Harshbarger.
The Scholarship Committee Report was provided by Carla Gustafson who provided an overview of funds, raffle proceeds and endowment. She stated they want to leave the endowment for several years to allow it to grow, so fundraising activities will continue. Holmes has received 7 scholarship applications and the final decision on disbursements will be made by the committee. A motion to accept the report was provided by Crystal Dye and seconded by Ashley Gillund.
Old Business – nothing to discuss.
New Business – There is a need to update the committees to ensure they are fully supported.
Committee vacancies were reviewed:
Awards committee – Crystal removed herself, James D Sasser added.
Revitalization – On committee member seat is vacant.
Constitution – No vacancies
Audit – Jeff Kravitz was the chair, Bill York-Feirn is still on it.
Nominating – No Vacancies
Michael Burt volunteered to be on a committee, as did Purushotham Tukkaraja (PT) of South Dakota.
Crystal Dye of Kansas stated the 2026 annual meeting and training event will be in June in Kansas City, the date is to be announced. A general discussion was held about the 2027 meeting location, which is to be held in Zone 3.
Sam Scribe made a motion to accept the new business, Crystal Dye seconded and it passed.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was provided by Ashley Gillund and seconded by Bob Glatter. The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 p.m.