Epsilon Sigma Phi Annual Meeting
Penn Stater Conference Center
Minutes
October 19, 2007

Meeting called to order by Fred Davis, President. Following the invocation, guests were invited to enjoy lunch.

Following lunch, Fred asked the retirees to stand and be recognized. He then introduced Beth Raney, chair of the Annual Meeting, who led the group in the reading of the Extension Educator Creed.

Minutes of the last annual meeting were approved as presented.

President's Report
Fred commented on the chapter recognition and member recognition. He also stated that our chapter has a representative on all but one of the national committees. These include: Nancy Wallace, Duane Stephenson, Faye Strickler, Karen Vines, Jeff Myers, and Deb Gregory. Nancy Crago was immediate past president. National recognition for the chapter included: Platinum Certificate for Chapter of Merit Award; Northeast Region Achievement for Membership; Silver Chapter Certificate of Achievement; and Certificate of Achievement for Member Participation. Fred stated that his goals for the Board/Chapter were: to attract new and retain current members; and promote and encourage members to apply for awards. Fred stated that the PA Chapter is the only chapter that actually receives more money in reimbursements from National ESP than it sends in dues. These reimbursements come back to the chapter in scholarships, stipends, and awards. Our chapter is the highest in the nation, and the only one with over $10,000 in these reimbursements. Fred commented on the Board participation in JCEP, Valley Forge. He especially thanked Karen, who has worked with committees to keep the work of the Board going. Fred's report on the National Convention is on the website. PA had 11 members present in Charleston.

Vice President's Report
Karen expressed thanks to the committee chairs. See list in program. She introduced Dawn Olson, chair of the Scholarship and Loans Committee. She presented the PA Forgivable Loan to Duane Miller of Schuylkill County, who is working on his MBA at Kutztown University. Next, Janice Stoudnaur of the Chapter and Career Awards Committee announced that Nancy Stevens is the winner of the Distinguished Service Award; Nancy _______, winner of the Early Career Recognition Award; and Annette Kratzer, winner of the Mid-Career Award. Peg Shuffstall was announced as the Visionary Leadership Award recipient; and the Regional Team Recognition went to a Deb Gregory, JoAnne Kowalski, Nancy Crago, and Mike McDavid, for their work on LTLT. Lee Miller presented the Extension Relations and Leadership Award report. (see attached)
Natalie Ferry, Chair of the Recognition on Retirement Committee, reported that Natalie and Dr.Bob Graves retired with 25 years of service. She also recognized Fred Davis with the Retiree Service Award. Other retirees recognized were Shirley Bixby and Phyllis Wright.

Fred Davis made announcement of the special recognition awards: Nancy Crago as Past President of National ESP, and Nancy Wallace who served as Northeast Region Vice President. Tom Weber was the winner of the 2007-08 National Angus Award, which carries $500. Christy Bartley was recognized as the National Mid Career Award, Duane Miller as the Early Career Award, and a Diversity Team Award went to Patreese Ingram, Jan Scholl, Howard Nurenberger, and Gretl Collins.

Standing Committee Reports are as follows: Audit and Finance (Duane Stevenson, Chair): Books were found to be in order, thanks to the excellent work of Shirley Bixby. Constitution and Bylaws (Ed Horning, Chair): these documents will be reviewed.

Global Relations: See attached report
Professional Development: See attached report
Sympathy and Memorial: See attached report
Membership and Initiation: See attached report

Nominating Committee report: Sandra Hall reported the following slate of officers: President, Karen Vines; Vice President, Vicki Lewis; Secretary, Nancy Cadwill; Treasurer, Rich Stup.

Ad Hoc Committee reports: Duane Duncan gave the Historical Committee report in the absence of Guy Temple, Chairman. He stated that Extension Memories is an ongoing project of this committee and that information is currently being reviewed. Counties will be called in by October 31 or November 3. Another project is to display Early Extension efforts in the Pasco Museum. If anyone has ideas on how this could be done, contact Guy Temple or Duane Duncan. Duane Stevenson encouraged members to donate to the National Endowment; reported that 20 items were donated by ESP members and $249 was raised at the event. If anyone needs a receipt, see Duane. Patricia Powley gave the report on Life Membership and Involvement: Life members are: Duane Duncan, Clare DeLong, Ward Stover, Fred Davis, Nancy Wallace, Cordell Hatch, Natalie Ferry, and Patricia Powley.
Fred conducted the election of the slate of officers brought by the Nominating Committee. Motion approved.

Rich Stupp presented the proposed budget. Currently, we have $4,270 in checking and $5,359 in savings. The growth fund stands at $8,140.15 and the Utilities Fund is $6,875. National dues are up by $10.00 so our total dues at the state level are not $60.00. After some discussion, it was voted to increase the budget categories to cover expenses in full for officers for JCEP and National Meeting, not to exceed $4,000. Motion seconded and approved. The Board will reassess and reallocate resources. In the Professional Development category, it was decided to combine the amount approved in last years' budget with the amount in the current budget to make a total of $3,000 to use in a professional development activity. Motion to approve the budget carried.

In an item of new business, Fred reported that the 2011 National Meeting is to be held in the Northeast Region. Karen would like to be able to take a statement of support from our chapter when a conference call is held to discuss hosting this event by several states. Motion carried.

In reports from National Committees, Nancy Crago as National ESP Past President commented on the importance of member retention. Duane Stevenson submitted a written report on Global Relations; Jeff Myers on Resource Development; Karen Vines reported that the Professional Development opportunity on "Five Things You Should Know About Professional Development" attracted 31 people from 7 states. More inservice will likely be conducted by technology.
Initiation of new members was conducted by Marilyn Corbin. See her report for details.

Fred installed new officers, indicating that he had made a gift of $100 to the Endowment on our behalf. Karen presented a gift to Fred for his work as President. It included Southern recipes, country ham, quick grits and Kentucky Bourbon.
Karen stated that her goals for the new year were to increase membership (each one recruit one) and increase the number of award nominees. She stated that the opportunity for the organization exists because of the richness of the various program areas. We can be a leader in the transition process, and we have great strength in diversity. ESP has weathered many changes. She stated that a recruitment event (social activity) will be held at December inservice. More details later.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45.