1997 Annual Meeting

November 17, 1997
Riley-Robb Hall
 Ithaca, NY

Welcome and opening remarks by President John Ameroso

Recognition of state, regional and national award winners by Joan Petzen.

Joan remarked about the benefits of working with the Director and a special thank you to Fred Fladd.

Minutes of last year's meeting were approved. Motion by Bob Beyfuss. Seconded by Walt. Nelson.

Discussion about replacing Regional Director's and treasurer's position. Charles Mazza is our new treasurer.

Treasurer's report presented by Steve Hadcock. Voted and approved, motion by Beth Spaugh. Sounded by Joan Petzen.

Lisa Kenpisty presented the organization with $53.00 cash. $25.00 to go towards the dues of a new agent and the balance to go to a special project for NYSACAA. Lisa suggested we look into the consideration of helping new agents out with their dues again.

Nate Herendeen mentioned that a number of members raised over $1000.00 each for donations to national meeting in Vermont and should receive compensation. These people should get the forms to Nate to sign off.

A discussion about our mission statement, the results of a committee headed by Mike Baker and Paul Westfall presented their findings. The topic was discussed and a motion was made by Beth Spaugh. Seconded by Joan Petzen. Nate Herrendeen made a motion to amend the previous and Dave Tetor seconded. The amended motion was approved.

Our new mission is:

Mission Statement

NYSACAA provides training, professional recognition, and leadership development for its members.

NYSACAA represents the interests of members to Extension Administration and decision makers at the national, state and local level and to agribusiness.

NYSACAA provides awards and recognition for individuals who support the efforts of Agricultural Extension Educators.

State committee reports were summarized and presented by Joan.

Special Awards Presentations

• New publication awards
  • John Conway and Charles Elrod for their work on the "New York Dairy Initiative Project".
  • "Cornell Recommends For Field Crops" by J. Cherney, W. Cox, R. Hahn, S. Klausner, R. Lucey, M. McBride, W. Reid, M. Wright, E. Shields, W. Pardee, G. Bergstrom, J. Waldron
  • "Weeds of the Northeast" by Joe Neal, Joe DiTomaso, Rich Uva, Andy Senesac
• The In-House Award was presented to Warren Stiles by Regina Rieckenberg
• The Out-House Award will be presented to Senator Jess Present and Assemblyman William Parment for their active support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Agriculture Industry.

The nominating committee submitted a slate of candidates and the motion was made to cast one unanimous ballot to elect the slate as submitted by the nominating committee.

Installation and swearing in of John Ameroso Past President, Joan Petzen President, Keith Severson Vice President, Monica Roth Secretary, Charles Mazza Treasurer, and Directors Paul Westfall, Steve Hadcock, Mike Baker, Edward Staehr, Les Hulcoop, Elizabeth Spaugh, John Thurgood.

John Ameroso highlighted the accomplishments of our organization in the year of 1997, concluded the meeting and accepted the motion to end the annual meeting of the New York Association of County Agricultural Agents.