NCACAA Winter Board Meeting
January 7, 2005
President-Elect Mark Tucker, Presided
Welcome and Call to Order
Board introduced themselves:
Mark Tucker, Allan Thornton, Kelly Groves, Brian Beer, Marjorie Rayburn, Tyrone Fisher, Mike Carroll, Ray Harris, Lenny Rogers, Fred Miller, Allen Caldwell, Seth Nagy, Barry Foushee, Joanna Radford, Ben Chase, Diane Ducharme, Heather Lifsey, James Cochran
Trust Fund & Proposed Changes
Marjorie Rayburn brought everyone up to date on the Charlotte 88 Trust Funds. The trust fund committee is made up of Everett Davis Chair and 3 past Presidents, Walter Earle, Marjorie Rayburn, and Ray Harris (since Johnnie Hensley retired Ray Harris was appointed). The committee had discussed the management options for these funds that would be in the best interest of NCACAA. They met with our financial adviser Rick Wolfe from Raymond James Financial Services on December 9th , where Rick presented options for these investment funds. After Ricks presentation and further discussion, the committee decided to bring their recommendations to the Board. Marjorie introduced Rick Wolfe with Raymond James. Rick passed out handouts and to discussed the past performance, down market and proposed changes of investment funds and the management options, benefits, that we now have available which would be beneficial to NCACAA.
Rick explained that this recommended management option is a fully allocated equity strategy. Growth Equity achieves its market objective through a combination of growth, value blend disciplines which include large cap, small-to-mid cap funds to international equity funds. The portfolio also includes an allocation to real estate funds to increase diversification. The main points being that Investors for this are primarily seeking growth of assets through a well diversified equity strategy and that more than one economic adviser (the team from Raymond James) give the advice on the funds as well as manage the funds when necessary/ needed.
After a rather long discussion with many questions, Rick concluded his presentation with his contact information so if we ever have questions we can reach him at 1800-332-9409. 919-846-7268, Email richard.wolfe@raymondjames.com
MOTION: Marjorie Rayburn made the motion that the board accept the recommendation from the Trust Fund Committee, that NCACAA move the Trust Funds into the Growth Equity Strategy Program.
Motion was Seconded, Called for Question, Discussion was held with Rick Wolfe answering a few more questions.
Board voted all in favor for NCACAA to follow recommendation by Trust Fund Committee - MOTION PASSED.
Secretary's Report - Ben Chase
The minutes of the October 1, 2004 Board Meeting were sent out over Email. Ray Harris made MOTION to approve the minutes as they have been sent out over Email, Motion was seconded, Call for Question with no discussion. MOTION passed with no votes against.
Treasures Report Barry Foushee
Barry passed out copies of the 2004 Year-end Treasures Report (green Sheet) and the Budget Sheet for 2005 (yellow sheet)
Treasurers report Checkbook Balance 1/01/2004 was $2,442.21. Total income was $46,008.14. Total expenses were $48,397.76 with Balance in checking as of 12/31/2004 was $52.59. Savings Balance 12/31/2004 was $1,518.65. Total balance for checking and savings $1,571.24. Barry asked if there were any questions or comments and there were none.
Barry had not received membership packet from National yet, due back in March 15.
No money was sent nor requested for Horn of Plenty this year.
Mentioned County Agent Prints and Barry indicated that there were several left, it was mentioned that would be a good gift for Dr. Ort.
NCACAA 2005 Proposed Budget Estimate - Total Income $42,920.00 Total Expenses $52,712.00 Deficit $9,792.00
Ben Chase made MOTION to approve Treasures Report as presented. Motion seconded.
Call for Question with no discussion. MOTION passed with no votes against.
Old Business
Barry discussed accountant situation. 2002 situation is hopefully settled. Got letter from IRS and it appeared that the penalties/charges were waived and that we are through with that situation. There was some discrepancy on 2003, but have not heard any more and hopefully that is cleared up.
The accountant situation was discussed and Diane Ducharme was asked to check avenues for a Non-Profit Tax Preparer. For now we will proceed with getting 2004 tax information in to accountant and evaluate situation, and we can shop around. Give accountant heads up about filing on time with I's dotted and T's crossed. Will need to continually evaluate this situation.
2005 State Meeting Agenda - Allen Caldwell, State Chair
Theme: Prospecting For Knowledge
Holiday Inn Select, Hickory
June 14-16
Passed out Agenda for meeting
Hotel is asking for Credit Card or Deposit,
MOTION was made for Barry to get a Credit/ Debit Card and if he cannot get one to write a $500 check to cover the deposit. MOTION seconded, No discussion, MOTION PASSED, with all voting in favor.
Hospitality room will be located in a wing away from hotel guest. Plenty of room at meals for entire group. Golf tournament $26, if more than 32 participants price will go down. Professional Tours will be excellent. Softball Tournament and all will get a chance to eat.
John Dorner is working on getting registration on line.
Lenny Rogers passed out 2005 NCACAA State Meeting Proposed Budget (Gold Sheet)
Motion was made and Seconded to Accept Proposed Budget. No discussion. MOTION PASSED, with all voting for the motion.
Ray Harris - Fund raising efforts looking ok at this point roughly over $6000.
Softball Tournament - Lenny - committee has met and will meet again at annual conference.
Come to Hickory prepared to be educated, have fun and to shop.
Broke for Lunch
Lenny Rogers - 2008 National Officer nominee Fred Miller
Passed out Brochure, Fred has served NACAA and North Carolina well while currently serving as National Secretary and former Southern Region Director.
Lenny made MOTION for North Carolina to nominate Fred Miller as North Carolinas candidate for National Vice President.
Motion was seconded by Barry Foushee.
President Tucker called for question. Vote was unanimous to nominate Fred Miller as North Carolinas candidate for VP - MOTION PASSED.
Fred Miller - Thanked Board for support and asked for someone to serve as Campaign Manager other than President Tucker (since Mark was serving as AMPIC Co-Chair) Lenny was asked and agreed to be Fred's Campaign Manager. Cannot officially have a State promote the AMPIC until the year before, but Fred's name will be in the forefront since he is running for VP.
Hospitality Room - At the Adams Mark in Buffalo the hospitality rooms are small, and not conducive for any size crowd. At this point it appears that there are few candidates or states running a bid, so if we do a hospitality, we may be the only one. Fred suggested that we may look at sponsoring the voting delegates breakfast. National secretary is responsible for the voting delegates breakfast, last year Florida had to pick up and support, NC could do that this year and in turn ask for a few minutes for some one from NC to speak on behalf of North Carolinas VP candidate. That is what Fred suggest unless things change with the arrangements for a hospitality room and the motel. Will have to find out if we will be allowed to do this at the voting delegates breakfast, will find out more when the National Board has a conference call on January 27. The other option could be use the meeting area for hospitality, but you have to use the hotel for finger food/beverages and such.
MOTION was made by Marjorie Rayburn that Lenny Rogers is confirmed as Fred Millers Campaign Manager for the office of Vice President NACAA, and the NCACAA start out with support up $3000 for the campaign/hospitality. As Campaign Manager, Lenny will have the authority to make the decisions how the allocated money is spent. Motion is Seconded, No more discussion. All Voted in favor- MOTION PASSED.
National Update
To find out what is going on at the National level, go to the Website at www.nacaa.com
Winter Board meeting, in Buffalo, site of next national meeting. Adams Mark will be head quarters located 10-15 min from airport, 15-20 min, from Niagara Falls. Buffalo is very nice. Registration fee is $215.
Tuesday is States Night Out - Pearl Street Brewery ~$18
Awards Edition of County Agent should be out soon Electronic communication will be utilized more this year, go to Website and look at committees (go to state Website and check the NC committees) AMPIC Survey Results.
President Tucker - Last Board meeting approved chairs of Executive Committee, since then we have had first Executive Board meeting and from that Karen Neil and Mark met with Greensboro Visitors Center & Convention Center folks about AMPIC/NACAA 2008. Have not got a general space requirement from National, and it takes along time to figure this out. As far as the contract, some changes or clauses that have to be added that there was some confusion with the motel and Karen is working on that. Karen has talked with administrations (NCSU and A&T) about funding, and will be doing a proposal of funding that was similar to last year, for administration. Fred and Marjorie suggested using what the other state associations had received from their respective administrations in the past. Ohio and Wisconsin had gotten strong administrative support. Having the meeting in Greensboro is also an opportunity since this is the home of an 1890 institution.
Specialist Membership - Membership Chair in each district is suppose contact those specialist. At the Executive Board meeting for the AMPIC/NACAA 2008 Meeting, the consensus was to get more specialist involvement, and use this as a way to get them involved with the association. A letter is going to be sent to specialist inviting them and to let them know what is going on or coming up and asking for their involvement. Next Executive Board meeting will be held at Annual Extension Conference at end of February beginning of March.
Try to have a Kick-off for 2008 at State Meeting, like to have the 88 Chair, to speak as inspiration and Lenny has already talked to him about it.
Pledge forms - Directors and Vice Directors need to encourage and explain the pledge forms back in your districts, the what's, why's, and where they can find the pledge forms, this can be found on our Website. Every meeting this needs to be done the districts. The later we wait on this, the less money will be contributed. (need to include retired agents administrators and others) Discussion was held about different ways to encourage participation, and maybe deadlines. Possibly set goals for participation with possible door prizes and get districts to compete with percent participation from districts. ALL IDEAS ARE WELCOME, let Walter Earle-Fund raising Chair, or Bill Skeleton Vice Chair know.
Federation Report - James Cochran (can check website for further details)
- Epsilon Sigma Phi membership was turned down
- Dues $50 from each Association
- Officers - Past President, President, President Elect, Vice President, (3 year terms), Secretary, Treasurer and Webmaster (1 year term).
- Campus Building changes
- Increase Travel Allotment Permanent
- EMAPS Ratings and Merit Pay
- New Chancellor - Jim Oblinger
- No positions being frozen, is difficult to fill some of the positions
- Salary Adjustments (asking for 4 Million)
- CES to provide Leadership on Campus for the Engagement Processes
- Fee for Services - Possibly changing Smith Lever
- Agent Training - Permanent reoccurring budget - New Agent Training
- No subject matter training at annual conference. If doesn't pertain to all CES then personnel training request would be denied, but would be accepted for other separate In Service Trainings.
- Information sharing across the State & Nation - E-Extension Marketing
- Mecklenburg County - Memorandum of Understanding
- Horn of Plenty
Lewis Howe Scholarship - Ben Chase
After discussions and E-mails with Cyndi Lauderdale - Horticultural Chair (& Scholarship Committee Member)Ben Chase - Scholarship Chair, Mark Tucker NCACAA President and others, the Board was informed of the 4 options that they came up with for the Scholarship.
- Spend out or deplete the funds
- Hang on to the funds for establishment of an Agent Memorial Fund. These funds would be added to in the event that a Memorial is given. In the set up of this fund it will be noted that the fund was established in memory of Lewis Howe but is a memorial scholarship fund for all passed, retired or deceased NCACAA members. When a contribution is given, the name of whom it was given in memory of will be added along with Lewis. When the contribution is given in the name of someone, a card would be sent to the family to let them know that a memorial had been given in individuals name.
(If this option is selected, guidelines would be set, for how much $ would need to be given. I would assume to start with that maybe the Hort. and Scholarship Committees would work together to set guidelines for the scholarship? Then I would assume the Scholarship committee would handle the scholarship process - application and selection) - Raise enough money to Endow.
- Deplete these funds, and set up a memorial scholarship fund with set amounts. If enough money is given to endow in memory of an individual, it may/could be made a Horticulture, Tobacco or a Livestock Scholarship). (These guidelines would be set by the scholarship committee if in a general memorial fund, otherwise it would be handled by specific committee i.e. Horticulture etc.)
Committee members were asked to keep in mind about having to raise money for the 2008 meeting in Greensboro.
Had a few responses from committee members, and from those responses could not draw clear conclusions.
Board discussed the Scholarship at length and determined that the issue be handed back to the Horticulture Committee and for that committee to report back to the Board at the April Board Meeting with recommendation. If no recommendation, the Board will make the decision.
Other Issues -
Cyndi Lauderdale has raised a topic for discussion. There are concerns about the NC State health plan needing $220 million from the legislature and probably yet again the state employee will have to cover the def. through benefit cuts, increased deductibles and increased premiums.
Again we are going to be cut and the Ag. Agent Assoc.(along with all the Ext. groups associations) should be an active voice in lobbying our interests - in this is not acceptable. Teachers have folks fighting for there interest and we seem to be taking whatever is dished out. We have not gotten raises until election year and our raise was barely cost of living & state government taking OUR retirement money to balance the budget.
This is not just an Ag. Agents fight alone, perhaps this is a job for the Federation Forum. Perhaps there is a group of retired agents willing to be our voice, Or hire someone.
A long discussion was held and it was decided to table for now, need to wait and see what the Advisory Council does as well as the State Employees Association.
JCEP & PILD - Motion had been made, Seconded and MOTION Passed to pay expenses for Mark and Lenny to attend these meetings representing NCACAA.
2006 Meeting - Discussed sending survey on preferences where people would like to have the meeting, cost and activities (New Bern, Wilmington etc.)
Next Meeting April 15? April 29? Mark will let us know. Board Meeting will take place at State meeting on Tuesday night at 5:30.
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted
Ben Chase
NCACAA Secretary