The NYSACAA Board Teleconference meeting was called to order by President Keith Severson at 11:00 A.M. Board members present were: Ken Carnes, Tom Nally, Ed Staehr, and Beth Spaugh, and John Thurgood. Officers present were: Keith Severson, Monika Roth, Charlie Mazza, Joan Petzen and Steve Hadcock.

The fist item of business is to decide who should receive three complementary copies of  The County Agent. Dean Lund, Director Ewert and Margaret Smith (new Associate Director) were selected.

Donna Moramarco called Keith, and stated that NY will need to nominate a Northeast Vice Director at this year's Annual Meeting. Steve volunteered to work with Donna Moramarco to formulate the process for selection.

State Committee Chairs - Monika and Keith will work to improve communication about NACAA Committees, especially award committees. Keith and Beth will work on updating the web page with current NYSACAA information, including committee info. Monika wondered if there is a list of Ag Agents that a promotional piece could be sent out. Wants to send out a letter encouraging membership and discuss the various aspects of being a member -- including the award program. Discussion took place on where a complete listing of Ag Agents might be found. Directors are encouraged to send addresses of all Ag Agents in their respective districts. Janet Sheeley might also have a list as well.

Jerry Skoda has resigned as State Chair of Life Member committee. Keith was looking for names to contact. Some names Joe Huth, Dick Pease, Jesse Hannon, Bill Pawling, Carl Crispell, Bill Worth, and Larry Davis. 1st call - Carl, 2nd call - Jesse, 3rd call - Joe Huth.

Replacement for Carl as NE Vice-Chair of Ag Economics committee. Steve suggested that Steve Munk be contacted to let him know of this happening. Jason Karzes is a possibility and Dave Grusenmeyer as well. Steve Hadcock stated to be cautious about who to pick, since this is only a one year appointment. Steve will contact Steve Munk to update him.

Committee Vice Chairs and National Chair openings for the Northeast. The Vice Chair openings are: Joan and Steve volunteered to write an article for Clippings about the award committees. Beth volunteered to write an article about being National Chair.

Northeast Leadership conference - who is going? After some discussion, Beth said she is interested in going and Monika said she will go for part of it. Monika and Beth will work out details about going to the conference.

March inservice - Keith Severson discussed his conversation with Fred Fladd. Discussed that NYSACAA needs to make sure that this inservice comes off well. The agents association has been asking for some time for more inservice, and now administration is working with field staff to make this happen. If we want similar opportunities in the future, we need to make sure this one is successful. Monika made a motion to give up to $500 for this conference. Seconded by Tom Nally. Monika offered a friendly amendment that can negotiate and spend more if necessary.

Other items - Bruce Tillapaugh brought up concern with November Ag Inservice. It is conflicting with the beginning of deer season. There is an ACCEE conference call coming up about ACCEE or a state galaxy meeting. Tom wanted to know what our relationship with ACCEE is. We are now a section in this organization. Joan is our board representative on ACCEE. Joan stated that we need to let them know what NYSACAA's feeling is regarding a joint meeting every year or every other year. Monika would like to tie an inservice meeting with a state agents meeting.

Tom Nally expressed his concern of the ag initiative. Farmers know more than staff. Has anyone on the board been involved? No one has been involved. Monika stated that she will follow-up on this issue and how to get someone nominated for the Dean's advisory board. Keith asked that Monika, Joan, and Tom to continue this work. Keith and Monika will follow-up with Dean's office to set up a date for annual meeting.

Keith suggested that the next board meeting will be held near the March inservice. Consensus was to meet then.

Charlie gave a brief update on membership. Have 73 members as of today. National has given some relief for the deadline. The deadline is back to 3/1. Consensus was to work on getting more active and associate membership.

Meeting adjourned at 12:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephen E. Hadcock
Secretary