President Nelson McCaskill called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM. The minutes were presented and the following corrections were made: the Robeson County Agent presented a program on Marketing at the recent SC district meeting. Also, the unclaimed property in the amount of $500 is believed to be money from the Ag Foundation. The minutes, upon correction were approved.
Laurie Lewis, treasurer, reported the following balances: Shares Account = $41.32; Regular Interest Checking = $6,601.73; Enrichment Fund Interest Checking = $706.80; and Money Market Share = $521.98.
Annual Conference: Peggie Lewis thanked the Western District for working so hard on the Winter Board meeting. She indicated the committee is busy planning the State Meeting to be held in August.
Constitution: Nina Crawford reported that during the opening business session, the membership will vote on the issue of scholarship assistance being distributed to members who register full time for the national meeting.
Diversity: Nelson mentioned that it is important to have a member of each district attending the Diversity committee meeting today!
Enrichment Fund: April Dillon reminded the board that an auction will be held at the state meeting. Each district is asked to secure at least 2 - 3 auction items in the amount of at least $25 each.
Finance: Laurie distributed the budget. The operating budget has been set at $2225. The enrichment budget is set at $4825.
Other financial reports were distributed with the following balances:
Beginning balance for regular checking account (10/01/03) = $4,874.79
Fund Balance as of 1/20/04 = $6,068.22
Enrichment Checking Account had a beginning balance (10/29/03) = $1105.48
Ending Balance on this account (1/20/04) = $ 706.80
Membership: Jackie Helton distributed a report indicating the following as of 1/21/04:
National Membership
Renewing membership- 100
New members- 10
New National Life members- 1
National Life members- 22
Total National Members- 133
State Membership
New and Renewing members- 118
New State Life members- 1
State Life members- 26
Total State members- 145
Jackie thanked the district Vice Presidents for their effort in getting membership completed in a timely manner. Thanks were also expressed to Carolyn Langley for her work in making the registration procedure simplified!
Nominating: Carolyn Langley reported that the committee is still securing names for the slate. She encouraged the board to consider taking a more active approach in the association!
Professional Development: Louise Hinesly presented the report for Dale Panaro. She reported that indeed the committee is streamlining the scholarships to award 1 or 2 annual awards to members of NCAE4-HA in the amount of $250 each. The priority will be given to members with three or more years of experience who have never attended a national meeting and are presenting; members who have never attended; members who have attended but are presenting and members who have attended and are not presenting.
The current Professional Development Budget includes: two, $250 national meeting awards = $500.00; national meeting materials award = $150; and three Chester Black awards = $750 for a total budget of $1400.
Programs: Judy West indicated the committee would be developing an action plan for the Share Fair to be held at the state meeting in August.
Public Relations: Jennifer Hansen reported that this committee has decided to offer a workshop on the years when they don't host the Share Fair.
Rapport: Amanda Siler reported that the next due date for Rapport is January 29.
Recognition: Juanita Bailey reported that the committee has received 25 applications for awards, so they will have a big job sorting out the winners!
North Central:
Nina announced that Katherine Williams had a baby girl late December.Northeast: Danielle announced Colleen Michael as a new 4-H agent in Northampton County. Matt Witter in Dare County has resigned. There is still an opening in Tyrell County. Bettina Odom and Danny Butler should remain in our thoughts.
Northwest: Peggie Reported that the district is working on a great state meeting. She also mentioned two openings, one in Guilford and one in Rowan County.
South-central: Lori Ivey reported three new agents: Angela Redinger in Bladen County, David Harstin in Harnett County and Roshunda Blount in Anson County.
Southeast: Ruthann Christian, reported three new agents have joined Extension in the Southeast. Chad Ray in Craven Co., Patricia Cahoon in Carteret Co., and Michael Quinn in Pamlico Co.
Southwest: Cynthia Clark welcomed Sara West in Cabarrus Co., Ashley Lee in Cleveland Co., and Robbie Furr in Mecklenburg Co. Harrison Walser has resigned from Extension.
West: Mary Arnaudin indicated the West has enjoyed planning the Winterboard Meeting. She indicated 93 registered for the meeting. Nira Cope had a baby and Misti Silver is expecting.
Robert Lopp reported about the Federation meeting in December. He indicated that the Federation collects concerns from each association and then presents those concerns to administration for answers.
Issues have included: salary, morale, EMAPS etc. Dr. Ort was the only administrator available at the meeting, and answers were generalized. Robert indicated that Steve Jones, representing Extension and Engagement, spoke at Federation. Mark Dearmon, representing the State Employees Association also made a presentation at the Federation meeting.
Robert Lopp indicated that the vote to include Epsilon Sigma Phi as a member of Federation, failed for lack of 2/3 majority.
Carolyn Langley asked Robert if the answers to the issues would be available to be posted on the website. Robert indicated that he was working with Dr. Joe Zublena to complete this task.
The State 4-H Congress Task Force will meet at the State 4-H Leaders Conference in February. Reba Green Holly is co-chairing this task force.
Natalie Rountree represented Nelson McCaskill at the Development Fund Board Meeting. The board is considering writing a grant to the Kresge Foundation to support the completion of the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center. The 2004 Gala will be held in Raleigh, April 22. Other items discussed included the alumni drive, marketing staff position, and the peanut house and its move to Millstone Camp.
4-H Department Review: Dr. Ort indicated a departmental review will occur in 4-H. Dr. Sharon Anderson from North Dakota will lead the review team.
Upon motion, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara Dunn Swanson
NCAE4-HA Board Secretary