Missouri-Kansas Locksmith Association Minutes MKLA Minutes, February 9, 2010   The meeting was called to order by President Greg Brandt at 7pm.  Attending were 21 members, 2 guests, Chris Zamora of A to Z Locksmiths, and Chet Whitebread.   Master at Arms John McGuire led the Pledge of Allegiance Secretary Earl Boutell read the minutes of January’s meeting.  John McGuire made a motion to accept minutes as read, Chris Girten, Sr. seconded, and the motion carried.  Treasurer Steve Conradt reported a starting balance of $8,426.67 and an ending balance of $8,490.22.  John McGuire made a motion to accept Treasurer’s report as read, Chris Girten, Sr. seconded, and the motion carried. President Brandt asked Earl Boutell for Scammers Report.  Earl reported he had another follow-up call from Alpha Locksmiths.  Lisa Bortzfield reported that Alpha is still overcharging for services.  John McGuire made a motion to “ban Eyal Lagasse of Alpha Locksmiths from membership to MKLA permanently.”  Chris Girten seconded the motion. After lengthy discussion, the motion failed to pass. There were no new applications. Old Business:  President Greg Brandt asked Chet Whitebread to the front of the room, and presented him with a Lifetime Membership Plaque.  Greg also reminded members who brought old scrap keys that he would collect them after the meeting as a donation to Ronald McDonald House. No new business. Tips and tricks;  Lisa showed how to use a tool she made to bypass the cylinder of a profile storm door lock with a freewheeling cam.  Greg North shared that Blue Granite drill bits are very hard,  long lasting, and are good for safe drilling, and are available at Home Depot. Jack Iturralde of After Hours Locksmiths had a presentation on basic lock picking.  It was interactive, and many questions, answers, and ideas were exchanged.   The meeting was adjourned. Regards, Earl Boutell

Hi Members, At our last meeting, we discussed a project to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  They are collecting keys, presumably for the purpose of selling for scrap.  They are only wanting keys. They are supposed to be turned in by mid February.  If anyone wishing to participate would please bring their miscuts and throw-aways to the February meeting, and I will see that they get to the right place on time.  Now is the time to start setting them aside. I will send one more reminder just before the meeting.  Our education for February will be Mr. Jack Iturralde instructing on the finer points of lock picking. See you at the meeting. Greg Brandt * * * * * * * * * * *