Mallory Donald presided over the meeting. Ryan Kelly provided the opening prayer. Coty Primeaux led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mallory led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Mugshots Bar and Grill in Hattiesburg.

Mallory reminded members that the wine tasting committee will meet on Wednesday, January 4, to plan the 2023 event. The committee will meet at noon at Tabellas. Stew conducted the 50/50 raffle. Mark Killingsworth was today’s winner, however he failed to draw the right card. The pot rolls over until the next meeting.

Today’s meeting was a club planning meeting. Mallory sent a membership satisfaction survey out to members recently. The results show that 52% of our members are satisfied with the club, however, 14% indicated they are not satisfied. Comments indicate that some of the members think our dues are too high and that meeting menu options are too limited. There is consensus that the Mugshot’s food is good, but more options would be preferred. Some of the members noted that they feel unwelcomed at club meetings.

Suggestions for improvements include reinstating classification talks. It was also suggested that we need to increase membership and seek more diversification in our membership. Club members also suggested that we get back out into the community with more service projects. It was suggested that the best membership recruitment pool is former members who have resigned. 

Mark Killingsworth reported that sponsorships are needed for the District Conference. He distributed a list of potential sponsorship opportunities. The conference will be held April 21 and 22 on the USM campus. Raffle items are needed for the conference. Registration is now open and on the District’s website. 

Mallory asked members to each bring at least one auction item for the 2023 wine tasting event.

There being no further business to come before the club, Mallory adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”