Minutes from the past meeting were approved as submitted. Les Hulcoop made the motion and seconded by Monika Roth to approve the minutes. Motion passed.

The association has received an unexpected $1,600 from the ACCEE conference last fall. Joan explained that ACCEE returned the money to those organizations that put money in. ACCEE made money and will split the money up in the following manner: 1/3 for next conference, 1/3 to the participating organizations, 1/3 for educational opportunities. ACCEE has stopped collecting dues from  Educators that are members of other professional organizaitons. Those individuals will automatically become members of ACCEE. Someone who is not a member of a particular professional organization can still be a member of ACCEE by paying dues directly. Keith suggests that we keep the money separate from other association funds. Joan made a motion to put the money in a fund to help sponsor special educational opportunities in the future. Ken Carnes seconded the motion and was passed. Next spring, there will be an Extension Director's Extension conference. Joan is NYSACAA representative on the steering committee for the conference. Keith asked Joan to write up information about ACCEE and present it to the membership at the Annual Meeting.

Keith asked about Omaha. Each of those present were polled to learn how many people from each district might be going. It is estimated that about nine are going from NY. Keith asked where the banner is. Joan will look at her office when she got back. Some thought that John Ameroso might have it. DSA for 1999 was Bruce Tillapaugh. AA for 1999 was Ed Staehr. Tom Maloney is looking for a representative from each district for the Recognition and Awards committee. He is also looking for a replacement for 2001. He feels that the new chair could apprentice with him this coming year, and take over the following year.

Keith contacted Jim Welshans regarding Tom Gallaghers' Vice Director nomination. Someone has to give a two minute nomination speech and someone else has to give a one minute second speech. Keith will give the nomination speech and Steve Hadcock will give the second speech. Les Hulcoop asked who is in rotation for Secretary. It was decided that the Finger Lakes District nominates the next Secretary.

Les stated that we should go with the Galaxy conference. Joan feels that NACAA has a lot to lose if we don't support it. A motion was made by Joan and seconded by Les to direct the delegates to vote in favor of going to the next Galaxy Conference.

Joan gave a report on the upcoming state Annual Meeting. Joan is working actively to put it together with the program committee. The meeting will be held in the Niagra Falls Ramada Inn. The program committee will be meeting next Tuesday to get information put together for the conference. Beth asked to get the information as soon as possible, before she leaves for Omaha. Since Keith is going to Omaha, Monika suggested that Joan put the next "Clippings" together. Joan said she would do that. On one evening, there will be the award banquet. On the other evening, there will be a cruise. Transportation is being arranged to go to the Casino Niagra for those interested. Half day tours are being planned as well. The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon. Some suggested that time is needed to discuss ASI. Anyone has ideas for a keynote speaker? Those present made some suggestions. Vans from local associations will be used for transportation. Price for the meeting has not been finalized, but maybe in the $100 - $125 range. Keith suggested inviting Margaret Smith to annual meeting.

For awards, state award winners will be presented with certificates at the meeting. Discussion took place about when to do In house and Out of House awards. Keith feels that it might be better at the spaghetti dinner. Publication's awards will be done at the spaghetti dinner as well.

Spaghetti dinner - Keith talked to Robin about the spaghetti dinner. She stated that the sign-up form for Agriculture and Food Systems Inservice is changing to be web-based. She will also have a sign-up sheet for the spaghetti dinner as well. We will use the same caterer again as well.

Ideas for In-house Award: Dean Lund

Ideas for Out of House award:

• Steve Greenburg (1) - Ag and Markets
• Bob Lewis (2) - Ag and Markets
• Mark Twentyman - Office of Real Property Assessment
• Rick Zimmerman - Ag and Markets
• One other (3)

Keith, Monika, and Dave Reville will select the Out of House.

By laws changes - Need to find a copy of the bylaws and update them

Topic turned to ASI. Keith has been talking to Ed Harwood about ASI. Keith suggested that administration is missing a key communication link with field staff (agent association). Discussion continued about ASI. Dave Reville made a motion that the NYSACAA President contact Ed Harwood and asks he send all future ASI communication to Ag Program Leaders and Ag staff in each counties. Joan seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Keith sent a letter to Margaret Smith regarding the soil's lab. Haven't heard anything since.

Beth asked what county's are interested in having John Smith visit. Les asked if the salary schedule is public information.

Beth asked about inservice discussion with Ed Harwood. Keith stated Ed Harwood and he are working on several projects on inservice. Joan mentioned that there is a breakdown in communication between groups (i.e., dairy agent group and farm bus. management groups).

The next "Clippings" will have the Annual Meeting announcement in it. It will also have a listing of NYS award winners as well.

Keith stated that he has to put together a letter for the NACAA Annual Meeting as a report from NYS. He asked for ideas of what to put into the letter. Some ideas were: goodbye Donna, ASI, Dean and Director meeting, and Conflict Management Workshop. Should we mention the Dean is leaving? Also, mentioned Food and Ag Leadership Institute as well. Need to get people to committee meetings at the AM/PIC as well.

Under new business, were wondering where archives are? The box that Tom Gallagher is probably the most thorough set of archives known. Beth Spaugh volunteered to type up the archive material, if it is sent to her.

Ken asked about initiation at the state Annual Meeting. He was wondering if it can be modified. He volunteered to update the Squanto information.

Monika introduced Associate Director Dave Smith. Dave wanted to meet with the Board of Directors regarding his work with small farm initiative. Doesn't foresee forming a Cornell "Small Farms Program." The approach will be more getting involved with the audience. Dave did an overview of what he has done to date. What is a small farm? The Federal Task Force has defined it as a farm with gross sales of $250,000 or less. Asked each of the members present what are some characteristics of small farms. General discussion followed.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephen E. Hadcock
Secretary, NYSACAA