NACDEP Executive Committee Minutes
August 12, 2005
Present
Cindy Bigger
Hank Cothran
Al Kovitz
Rick Maurer
Jeri Marxman
Chris Seiverdes
Emily Shaw
Julie Stewart
Deborah Tootle
Kathy Tweeten
Walt Whitmer
Welcome
Kathy Tweeten called the meeting to order. Deborah Tootle reported that a draft of the minutes from 7/8/05 has been sent out to the Executive Committee. A motion was passed to accept the minutes with the following changes (Cindy Bigger/ Walt Whitmer): "Proposals will be due to track chairs by the 10th of September. Track committees will make their decisions by October 15th."
Treasurer's Report
Hank Cothran reported we have $16, 128.11 in the bank. We will have about $25,000 in the bank once the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development are in. We now have over 500 members. Hank identified three issues for which he needs guidance.
The first concerned authorizing signature authority on the bank account for another officer (in addition to the treasurer). A motion passed to give the President signature authority on the bank account although the treasurer has primary signature authority (Chris Sieverdes/Walt Whitmer)
The second concern is over the question of bonding for an additional person to have signature authority. Hank is looking into this issue but feels it is expensive. Further discussion was tabled until he can get more information.
The third concern is over the money sitting in the bank and not gathering interest. Hank suggested we put some of this money in a CD so that it will gain interest. After some discussion of options, a motion was approved for Hank to take $15,000 and place half in a 90 day CD and half in a 6 month CD (Al Kowitz/Deborah Tootle).
Committee Reports
2006 Conference
Cindy Bigger and Rick Maurer reported on the Conference budget and agenda. The Committee is still working on the budget as they are still in negotiations with the hotel. Registration will most likely cost $300-325 this year. The Committee is basing the budget on 311 people, which is a conservative estimate. This number does not limit participation to 311 people but rather is the number that NACDEP guarantees to the hotel. The Committee is still working on agenda (see attached draft). They are getting proposals in and will send out reminders as the deadline comes closer. The Executive Committee asked the Regional Representatives to encourage members to submit proposals. The Conference Committee is looking for speakers that will present some challenges and promote discussion. The Executive Committee made some suggestions that the Conference Committee will look into. The dates for the Conference are in conflict with the Extension Directors meeting. Chris Seiverdes requested that co-authors be recognized in the conference program this year.Marketing
Deborah Tootle reported that Ernie Hughes has resigned from Southern University. She has left e-mail and cell phone messages but he has not returned the calls. The Executive Committee is concerned over the whereabouts of the NACDEP display. Al Kowitz reported that he had the display and sent it to Guam. He will look up the contact information so that we can find the display. Julie Stewart reported that Iowa would like to have NACDEP display for their Annual Conference. In the past, the recipient of the display pays to have it shipped. However, the Executive Committee will pay for shipment if an institution cannot pay for it. We don't know who is on the Marketing Committee. The Regional Representatives send names of potential members to Ernie and we may be able to recreate a list of volunteers from these regional lists. Walt Whitmer thinks that Rod Howe might be interested in taking over as chair of the committee. The Regional Representatives will send these names to Rod and Deborah. Most of the Executive Committee expressed a need for marketing materials. Julie Stewart and Emily Shaw report that the North Central and Southern Rural Development Centers have some extra NACDEP brochures.Membership Services
No report. Walt Whitmer looked into affiliate members. ANREP specifies that affiliates pay the same dues as active members but they don't vote or hold elected office. Walt will send language to Jeri to incorporate into the Bylaws.Resolutions and Policy
Jeri Marxman reported on the progress of making changes in the Bylaws. The Executive Committee reviewed the most recent draft of the Bylaws article by article (where there were changes). Jeri will make the changes and send them to Deborah and Kathy to proof. Membership will be asked to vote article by article (where there are changes).*Finance
Al Kowitz. No report.*Recognition
Chris Sieverdes reported that the Committee is in the process of pulling together a charter, membership list and work plan.*JCEP
Walt Whitmer. No report.Nomination
Rick Maurer reported that Deborah Tootle sent out requests for nominations and the Executive Committee requested that the Regional Representatives encourage members in their regions to submit nominations. Nominations are due Sept 6.
Task Force Reports
*Database - Julie Stewart
No report.Web Page - Emily Shaw
Deborah Tootle and Emily Shaw will get together to update the web pages.
Old Business
Strategic Planning
Kathy Tweeten reported that Sally Maggard informed her that SRDC has received the money from USDA for strategic planning so that we will be able to start the process.*Creation of database like SRDC's
Walt Whitmer*Executive Manager RFP
Kathy Tweeten
Adjourn
*Because of time constraints, these reports and discussions were tabled until the next meeting.