Nominations and Elections for the 2004/2005 Board

Nominations were made and accepted for the vacancies on the 2004/2005 BBL Youth Hockey and Ice Associations boards at the November general membership meeting. Only one (1) nomination was received for the BBLYHA President position, which expires April 30, 2005, (Chris Nelson) and the BBLIA Secretary, which expires April 30, 2005, (Julie Mandler) so those individuals were elected and their terms began immediately for those positions. Elections for the remaining open positions (see below) will be held at the general association monthly meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 7 pm at the Becker Community Center.

Each candidate has been asked to submit answers to the following questions:
1. Tell us about yourself.
2. What experiences(s) or expertise would you bring to the BBL Board?
3. Why are you the best candidate for the position at this time?

Nominations for Youth Hockey Association for 2004/2005

• Vice President (expires April 30, 2006)
• David Ellingson

I am currently serving as an executive officer on the hockey board. Therefore I am learning what it takes to be a valuable and useful asset to our association. Having already been contributing to our association helps me want to continue to help us grow in a more Positive direction. I enjoy everything to do with Hockey. I am willing to take the time to participate in my sonıs life by providing him with the opportunities in this sport he is very passionate about.

I along with many members drive the distance to take their child to hockey every weekend, some times during the week. We are a small association in comparison to some around us. I would love to see many more join our association; therefore believe in lending a helping hand to support us in an arena for ourselves, would achieve growth for our association in our community. I am willing to do whatever it takes in supporting that dream we all have.

My current Real Job requires me to be able to have good communication with people, therefore posses these necessary requirements. I also believe that in raising our four children, has forced me to continually reflect on my actions and words and doing the right thing. Everything is a teachable moment, you also learn quickly in how to pick your battles!

I am an asset because of the drive, Passion, and ambition as well as the true love in hockey, I see in our children, in the Parents dedication to give our children all the opportunities they need to be successful. That is why I am willing to volunteer my time, not only because of the dedication I know us parents have but because it touches the lives of children, in a sport I love!

• Josh Mandler

I am married and have lived in the Big Lake area for 6 years. I have three children, two sons, Tommy - 8 and Tyler - 4; one is a Senior Mite and the other is a Mini Mite, and a 2 year old daughter, Jenna.

I have helped on the ice and coached for both Senior and Mini Mites for the last 5 years. I would like to continue coaching as well as become a member of the BBL Board. I feel that coaching for the past five years has given me the experience needed to help our association grow and still focus on the children.

I am a Forman in my regular full time job which requires me to have good communication skills and handle problems as they arise efficiently and effectively. I feel that this is a good asset to have while serving on the board.

• Executive Officer (Two-1 year positions which expire April 30, 2005)
• Tanya Erickson

I have lived in the Big Lake area for 4 years now. I am married with an 11 year old daughter who plays softball for Big Lake and is on a dance team and a 4 year old son who is now a BBL Mini Mite.

I am new to the "hockey world" but am very active in my daughters sports and both my kids school activities. I am learning the "hockey ropes" as the Team Manager for the Mini Mites and would like to continue to help out our kids and make this an enjoyable sport for them.

I think that because I am new to hockey and my son is just starting out with the Mini Mites I can bring in a fresh perspective and an open mind to the board. I want hockey to be a good experience for all our children and I would like to be part of making that happen.

• Joe Huber

My family and I have been residents of Becker/Big Lake for the past 5 years. I have coached at Mite level for the past 4 years and am looking forward to the opportunity of helping the association obtain an arena of our own.

I have been a business owner for 9 years, I can maintain organization and structure in management and have an excellent ability in problem solving and the decision making processes.

I think I have a lot of common sense, my input could help solve issues from a logically perspective. I believe the Board should remain strong and firm on decisions it makes, and I would like to help strengthen their ability to do that.

• Jason Lewis

(no response available at this time)
• Michelle Wilkendorf

I am a mother of one fantastic 8 year old boy ­ Tucker ­ Sr. Mite this year! I volunteer at his school one day per week as a Teachers Aide in his classroom and am quite involved with spearheading bake sales, room momıs, grandparents day, musicals, etc. It is a true honor to spend time in his school, especially in his room getting to know his classmates.

My (income earning) full time job is as a Corporate Sales Executive for Tiffany & Co. Tiffany is a large jeweler out of New York. Perhaps you are familiar with "Breakfast at Tiffanyıs" or "Tiffany Lamps." My duties include selling to large Fortune 500 Co.ıs. Being part of the Corporate world keeps me current with business trends and successful strategies. These skills help with decision making, implementing new ideas, and strong negotiation abilities. In addition to my business experience (as you all know first hand) my most important expertise comes from being a parent. I am a "Mom" that is interested in helping our children rise to their full potential in this fantastic opportunity they are given - to play Hockey!

It seems that our organization is at a bit of a crossroads at the moment. My simple mission is to be an effective influence with a positive impact that benefits our young skaters.

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Each family that participates in the activities that are provided under the jurisdiction of the BBLYHA shall be deemed to be a member and shall be entitled to one (1) vote. Only members in good standing (ie. has no outstanding bill with the Association) may vote. If you are not able to attend this meeting and would like to cast an Absentee Ballot, please contact a Board member or by email. The ballot must be in a sealed envelope, which bears the signature of the absentee voting member over the seal, and mailed to the association with a postmark date no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting or hand delivered to a member of the Executive Board no later than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the meeting. All absentee ballots will be opened and counted with the votes taken at the time of the meeting.