Epsilon Sigma Phi
Alpha Omicron Chapter Board Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2006
401 Ag Admin

Call to Order: President Fred Davis called the meeting to order at 9:30.

Attendance: Fred Davis, Shirley Bixby, Karen Vines, Richard Stup, Jeff Myers (by phone).

Fred welcomed Jeff and asked for his comments about the past year, specifically mentioning the momentum of the chapter. Jeff commented that he thought the strength of the chapter rests in the goal setting exercise, and strong committee chairs, as well as the importance of a strong board. He also referred to the strong support from administration.

Because Jeff had a time constraint, Fred asked the group to set dates for Board Meetings for 2007. He stated that most calls will be "meet me" conference calls with the expense covered at the county level, since there is a necessity to limit the use of public funds.
The following dates were set: March 8, 9:30, June 14, 9:30, August 16 (face to face meeting, at Ag Progress Days, tba) October 11, 9:30. All are conference calls except the one noted. Karen will check with the "meet me" folks since someone on campus must initiate these calls.

Announcement of the date of the 2007 National meeting: September 10-15, Charleston, South Carolina. "Bridging Strengths of People and Nations."

A copy of the minutes from the last Board Meeting were circulated and the following comments were noted:

Possible issues to be resolved:

-Request from 4-H for funds-decided to table this request until JCEP can address due to the rise of regional (multi-state) hosts for the national meetings; effectiveness of "money swapping". Past President and President represent ESP on JCEP.
-Membership committee request
-Bylaws committee should address the membership requirement (2 years in extension), Shirley commented on the creed which discusses "veteran" educator.

Minutes approved.

Secretary's report

-Chapter report due May 1 (President does this report)
-Chairs of standing committees report is due (Karen will do)
-Newsletter dates were established: Spring: April 1, deadline for submission early March. (push application for awards, deadlines, too late for dues but time to recruit new members). Fall: September 8, deadline for submission early August. (focus on annual meeting, national meeting, etc.)

Vice President Report

Total of 46 members paid to date.

Discussion of Annual Meeting (PA): much confusion in the registration process, should be relieved since this year, association meetings will be held in conjunction with an Annual Extension Meeting. Overall, in spite of the confusion, the meeting went well. Comments were that the auction was too crowded, some thought it started too late, and no cocktail hour was held. ESP made $128.00. Concerns about not enough publicity.
Jeff said that the flow of the meeting was good, and that committee chairs were succinct.

2007 JCEP Annual Meeting-no date yet but will be part of the all-extension conference. Fred may ask for one of us at UP to attend in his stead.

Karen on website: Recognitions received at national will be part of Fred's welcome, Karen will update dates to remember.

Treasurer's report

Shirley has two recommendations: Need for the bank to be one that is more easily accessible, and need to get the investment accounts mailing information straight. It now goes to Deb Gregory with a Montgomery county address. Nancy Stephens sends it to Shirley.

Audit will be conducted December 8 in Monroe County.

ESP National meeting comments:

Fred's personal note of gratitude for Michelle's handling of the auction. Proceeds were close to $10,000. Cudos to Jeff for the auctioneer.

Discussion about whether or not PA needs to offer to host the National Meeting in 2010. A presentation to the National Board must be done in a timely manner. Daney needs to be brought on board, Fred will check with Nancy Crago to see if an invitation has been given.

Discussion about the 2007 National Vice President Candidate: Michelle Rodgers, Nancy Wallace, Jeff Myers, Duane Nelson, or Mary Jo Depp-Nestlerode. We should get a name in nomination. Fred will ask Nancy Wallace to find out the timing and proceed to seek a name with an open process.

Karen has agreed to serve on the National Emerging Leadership committee.

Fred, Karen, Vicki and Rich will be attending the JCEP training at King of Prussia on February 21 to 23, 2007, representing the Alpha Omicron Chapter of ESP.

Karen Vines will attend PILD conference.

Shirley led a discussion on archiving. Need to see about archiving some records at Patee Library.

Fred will email us about goal setting, and we need to all encourage people to apply for awards and membership.

Meeting adjourned at 12:00.

Respectfully submitted:

Vicki Lewis, Secretary