Meeting brought to order at 1:54 by Carolyn Langley, President.
Minutes from the Opening and Closing Business Meetings in Cherokee (8/22/03 and 8/23/03) were passed out and approved by the membership. Motion made by Stan Dixon and seconded by Howard Scott. Minutes from the Board of Directors Meeting in Alamance County (11/13/03) and the Board of Directors Meeting in Raleigh (3/5/03) were also distributed. Both sets of minutes were approved by the Board of Directors at prior meetings.

Treasurer Report (April Dillon)

Shares $40.92
Regular Interest Checking $5885.38
Enrichment Fund Interest Checking $3196.28
Money Market Share $516.85

Treasurer's Report distributed; it was also noted that the report was sent via e-mail. Committee chairs need to get budget requests to the Finance Committee today so that the Committee can prepare the budget for tomorrow.

Old Business (Carolyn Langley)
Galaxy - Carolyn reminded members of the upcoming Galaxy Conference in Salt Lake City, September 20-25. She asked members to indicate if they were attending by raising their hands.
JCEP/PILD - President Elect Nelson McCaskill and Carolyn attended the Joint Council of Extension Professionals' meeting in Asheville in February and the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference in Washington D.C. in May.
Lobbyist - Federation, our umbrella organization, dropped the issue of hiring a lobbyist.
Gala Silent Auction Items - $100 was taken from the president elect budget fund to provide items for the silent auction at the 4-H Gala on March 18. This action was approved by the Board.
Dues Increase - There will be an increase in dues this year. National dues will increase $15. $85 should be sent to District Vice Presidents by November 1.

Committee Reports

Annual Conference (Nelson McCaskill) Remarked that attendance at professional workshops in Cherokee was marginal; reminded association members that participation in workshops is strongly encouraged.

Carolyn noted that committee meetings would immediately follow the opening business meeting.

Constitution (Millie Bruton) Committee hasn't met. The committee is taking a look at the section Attendance at National Meetings in the bylaws. Any alterations will be proposed and voted on at Winter Board.
Diversity (Ellen Owens) Committee hasn't met but has communicated via e-mail. 19 members responded to the e-mail survey. Robin Roper and Susan Jakes will be giving a workshop at the conference on understanding poverty.
Enrichment Fund (Crystal Smith) Reminded members to continue to give to the Enrichment Fund. Only 14 out of 148 members have given this year. Information on member contributions has been put on a floppy disk. Richard Freeman was thanked for working on the spreadsheet with names and years giving. $1220 was raised through the auction last year.
Finance Treasurer's report given earlier in the meeting.
Nominating (Robbie Furr) Thanked those on the committee and those who stepped up to run for office. At the time of Winter Board 2 candidates were running for each office. Since that time four have withdrawn. The slate is as follows:
President - Nelson McCaskill
President Elect - Peggie Lewis, Dale Safrit
Vice President - Jackie Helton
Secretary - open
Treasurer - Laurie Lewis
Treasurer Elect - Natalie Rountree
At this time nominations were taken from the floor. Dale Panaro nominated Danelle Barco for Vice President. Peggie Lewis nominated Barb Dunn Swanson for Secretary. Danny Butler nominated Amy Damrow for Secretary. Katherine Williams made a motion to accept nominations from the floor. There were numerous seconds. Campaign speeches and skits will take place during “other” in New Business.
Membership (Cameron Lowe) Thanked committee. There are 134 national members, 10 new national members, 3 new life members, 1 affiliate member; 148 total members (123 regular members and 25 life members). New members invited to new member orientation.
Professional Development (Mary Arnaudin) Thanked committee. Three Chester Black Awards will be given. One First Time Attending National Conference Scholarship will be given. All recipients are expected to write a summary of their professional improvement experience for Rapport. It was suggested that the other scholarship be used to help a state officer attend the National Conference. It was also suggested that $150 from the Enrichment Fund go toward expenses for a presentation or workshop at Galaxy. Reminder that receipts must be submitted by September 5.
Programs (Peggie Lewis) Seven Power Point programs have been developed and are available at the Association website. Carolyn Langley was thanked for linking them to the website. Members encouraged to go to the website to see the good work.
PR&I (Travis Burke) Share Fair will take place tomorrow at 10:00 in the Banquet Room. The topic is “Using New Technology in 4-H Programming.” Reminder that the Programs Committee will organize the Share Fair next year.
Rapport (Barb Dunn Swanson) Committee will meet in the dining hall following this meeting. Contributors to Rapport were thanked. It was noted that three issues were put on the web this year. Retirees are mailed a hard copy. Carolyn thanked.
Recognition (Tammy Kelly Elliott) This year the Michael Davis Award has been added. Official report will be given at the Banquet on Thursday. Over 40 applications submitted this year.

New Business (Carolyn Langley)
Federation Issues - Meeting on December 12 in Lee County. Looking for issues to be submitted to Administration. Liability has been discussed at several district meetings. Please e-mail issues/concerns to Carolyn by September 15.
Final Committee Reports and Reimbursement Requests - Due September 5.
Other - Call for campaign speeches/skits. Membership presented list of candidates running for state office.
Announcements - 1) Packets for the Golf Tournament can be obtained from Shannon McCollum. 2) Larry Hancock gave an overview of the Camp Meeting on August 19 at the Eastern Center. 20 - 23 agents participated. The past year was reviewed and the schedule for next summer was given with weeks open for camp (still posted on the wall). On September 8 the system will be open for official registration. On September 4 there will be an MCNC to go over the process. Larry noted that he will be at the meeting all week and encouraged individuals to talk to him and or bring up questions and concerns about camp. 3) Rebecca Liverman informed the membership that there will be a swimming pool and a cash bar at the Village Beach Club tonight. The Hospitality Room is located in the Albemarle Room and will be open late.

Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:46.

Respectfully submitted,

Amy L. Damrow
NCAE4-HA Member