Dr. Zublena gave an overview of the budget situation including salaries and travel. He also commented that that Department of 4-H is being scrutinized regarding its efficiency as a unit. Dr. Wynne is looking at the 4-H unit to determine the most efficient model. Because we lack Research and Teaching in the 4-H unit, it is not viewed as a "true University Department". The 4-H unit is very small with only one full professor position.

Dr. Zublena thanked the agents for the important work they do and encouraged them to continue the good work! Carolyn Thanked Dr. Zublena for his remarks.

Starfish were distributed to all agents attending for the first time.

Three teams participated in the road race, sponsored by the NE district, and winners were announced and prizes distributed.

Committee Reports:
Annual Conference: Nelson McCaskill thanked the committee for all the work they did to create a memorable state meeting.
Constitution: Nina Crawford presented the following report: The committee is proposing the following change to the By-Laws be voted on at the Winter Professional Meeting in January 2004. The By-Laws currently read:
"A member receiving such assistance shall be a member of the National Association and should assume a special responsibility to attend business sessions, committee meetings, seminars, etc., during the annual meeting."

Proposed change:

"A member receiving such assistance shall be a member of the National Association, be registered as a full time delegate and assume a special responsibility to attend business sessions, committee meetings, seminars, etc. during the annual meeting of NAE4HA."

Diversity: Ellen Owens suggested forming a focus group that would look at our Hispanic population.
Enrichment Fund: According to April Dillon, this fund pays for three Chester Black Professional Development Scholarships and funds two National Meeting scholarships for first time attendees.
Finance: Laurie Lewis reminded everyone that all receipts were due to April by September 5 for payment. She also encouraged people to attend all meetings because everyone's input is necessary! Laurie mentioned that the Diversity funds are very low and a new donor is needed. There was also a recommendation to combine the finance and enrichment fund committee's.
Nominating: Robbie Furr thanked members for running for office. He repeated the election results for the new 4-H year. In conclusion, he thanked the NE for a great annual meeting.
Membership: 8 new members received orientation during the annual meeting. Jackie Helton will be coordinating membership for the state next year.
Personal Development: Dale Panaro thanked the committee for their work. She felt their committee streamlined the process for awarding money. She reminded people that January is the deadline for awards and recognition and encourage people to apply.
Programs: Judy West encouraged people to submit entries for the Share Fair next year. The theme will be "what works for you". The committee will make copies of material for you.
PRI: Travis Burke thanked the committee. One recommendation from this committee is that on the years that PRI doesn't have Share Fair, that they sponsor a speaker.
Rapport: Barb Dunn Swanson thanked the committee and encouraged people to submit article for publication. Rapport is only as good as the information that is shared.
Recognition: Juanita Bailey

Laurie Lewis reminded committee's to get their budget request to Laurie Lewis ASAP.
The next national meeting will be held in Oklahoma City, OK October 24 - 29, 2004.
Nelson McCaskill asked the membership to sign a sheet of paper being distributed if they were planning on going to Galaxy. He will try to coordinate a state's night out event.

The floor was turned over to the West District to bring us an invitation to Winterboard.

Rodney Sawyer moved destruction of the ballots and Shannon McCollum seconded the motion, motion carried.

Peggie announced the dates for next year's annual meeting, August 18 - 20, 2004 at the Greensboro Marriott at the Airport.

Rebecca Liverman and Ann Ward expressed appreciation to the membership for attending the meeting.

Upon motion, the business meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Barbara Dunn Swanson
Secretary