Shakopee Jaycees

I know that there have been some rumors or misunderstandings going around in regards to changes for this year at Renaissance Festival. I wanted to take some time to update everyone on some of the things going on behind scenes.

At the end of February, Chris, Drew K, Mandy and myself sat down with the Mid America staff to start planning on the 2012 run. A number of items came up at the meeting for discussion. Among those items were some requests put forth, including requiring TIPS Training for all workers, no drinking for workers prior to working or while on shift, carding all patrons and a number of other smaller items. A number of these items have come up almost every year, and we've worked with Mid America/CKC to avoid these changes.

After the meeting was over, I spoke to Bonnie about the legal need for carding every patron, and were able to adjust that request to a policy more in line to what we learn through TIPS Training. The request has been updated to card anyone under 40.

Since that meeting, I've spoke with Jim Terwedo to get his insight. His request was to inquire with our insurance company to determine their approach to TIPS Training, and drinking while working. So that he has this information when working with CKC to help adjust for a working policy.

Speaking with our insurance company I was informed that we are requested to have 2 - 3 members TIPS trained that can take the training back and present an informal training back to serving members. Which we've exceeded for a number of years. Now in regards to drinking while serving, their policy has been no drinking while working for a while now. Which is different than the policy we've worked with for years. With the potential risk this represents our chapter, this will be a policy we will probably have to look into changing. I'm waiting to work with Jim in regards to this matter because of his insight. But with this being an item coming from our insurance company, we will more than likely need to make adjustments as a liability concern for our chapter. If this change takes place, we will be working, over the next month or so, to find a suitable approach to this situation. Please let the committee members know if you have suggestions in this regard.

CKC has always been working to find a suitable alternative free TIPS option in case we need to require this as well. Which we've been looking into since our meeting. But with our insurance companies feedback, I'm hoping that our current training will suffice to cover this request.

I had an issue presented to me earlier with one of our members being approached by members of Safety Services now that we're no longer going to be allowed to drink. As stated, nothing has been finalized with this matter. And I have spoke to Bonnie about Safety Service members approaching our members and discussing matters that have not been finalized and treated with disrespect. This matter is being communicated to Safety Service and addressed. If anything happens like this in the future, please let me know as soon as possible so that it can get addressed quickly.

If you have any questions or concerns, please talk directly to your committee members so that these matters can be fully addressed. If these changes end up being implemented, we will work with all our members to ease the transition as much as possible. If you have requests or ideas in this regard, please feel free to let myself or Drew know, so we can consider them. When considering any changes, please keep in mind, as a committee and board, we work hard to keep in mind the best interests of the organization. Whether its chapter safety, membership happiness or any number of other things.

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Kari Swenson
Renaissance Chair
www.ShakopeeJaycees.com --
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