Minutes submitted by Diane Ducharme, Secretary
The fall meeting of the WDACAA was called to order by President Stanley Holloway at 10:10 AM. Introductions were made of Haywood Co.'s new horticultural program assistant, Tim Mathews and Madison County's agricultural agent, Carl Evans. March 7th meeting notes were read by Diane Ducharme; a move to approve minutes was made by K. Reeves, seconded by C. Ruth.
WDCAA Treasurer's report was presented for checking, money market, and share accounts in calendar form by Ross Young. Motion to accept report by S. Ducket; seconded by K. Reeves; all agreed.
K. Reeves was asked for an update on the Summit by S. Holloway. K. Reeves states that Roger Crickenberger is supposed to be handling"white" paper. K. Reeves agreed to ask for an update on behalf of WDCAA. Motion for K. Reeves to address "white paper" by R. Young; seconded by B. Skelton, all in favor, motion stands. K. Reeves also discussed some possible outcomes of the Summit, mentioning the term "cost recovery" in our programs. This issue of "cost recovery" was addressed by K. Reeves with the pesticide program, specifically W. Buhler and NCDA representatives. With cost recovery in mind, suggestions for state-wide recommendations should be addressed to make it a cohesive program.
Other comments on Summit are as follows: liked specialist and agent interaction, investigation of outside funding opportunities, movement towards more regional collaborations. Discussion and questions continued concerning grant opportunities. A committee was formed of J. Dorner, C. Evans, S. Thompson, and D. Ducharme to address the charges of researching opportunities for grants. Specifically to develop a funding strategy, a calendar of deadlines and links, opportunities for partnering with other agencies, the possibility of an "alert" mechanism for new deadlines on webpage, establishing a communication linkage for specialist and other agencies, and to investigate the administration of these funds.
An update of the National meeting in Savannah, GA was asked for from J. Hensley. The 2006 national meeting was given to Kentucky and Ohio. There were policy changes: 1. individual states have right to judge on life memberships of national association of county agricultural agents; 2. Retired past president can serve as chair if an active past president is not available. C. Ruth, voting delegate at national had no comments. K. Reeves comments were that it was well organized, transportation and tours good, encouraged agent - agent interaction from other states.
October 11 was the state board meeting. State President would like to put together an association newsletter - director of each district will put together summary of activities and submit to C. Lauderdale for distribution to all members.
2003 State meeting will be in Nags Head, NC on June 10-12, 2003. Holiday Inn rates are $95 Oceanside, $75 streetside plus 20% tax. Look forward to the 2nd Annual Softball Tournament.
Southern Regional Officers Training will be Feb. 20-22 in Asheville, NC at Renaissance Hotel. Shuttle services may be requested.
Voting delegate has been lost due to reduce numbers in memberships. A question of including specialist in the association was addressed. A discussion of the merits of this action followed, with the decision of exploring the possibility of including specialist into the existing districts to promote more agent to specialist interface. This decision will be brought back to the state board.
2008 NC bid for National Meeting - each district will need to raise $500 in 2003, $500 in 2004 to assist if bidding for national meeting in 2008.
President Stanley Holloway asked members for their feelings concerning allowing specialist into the North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents. Thoughts were to investigate % extension appointment and a consensus was formed from the Western District to recommend including specialists.
National President Steve Monk asked if NC would host the Galaxy 3 conference (either at the end or beginning) in conjunction with 2008 National Meeting. (At the Summit this year, it was voted down unless specifically asked by Association at the National level). If willing, we would not have to raise the $1000 for national meeting. Discussions followed in opposition due the lack of family atmosphere, the prohibitive registration costs, and the additional time away from the county. Recommendations were given to consider hosting, but more information is needed, and clarifications on family policy and registration costs.
President Stanley Holloway asked for recommendations for new appointments to chair the Awards & Recognition Committee for the District. President Stanley Holloway asked Kenneth Reeves to chair: Skip Thompson brought to motion, Cliff Ruth seconded. Nomination for Achievement Award are Jerry Moody (IPM Efforts with Dyston Applicators); Distinguished Service Award nomination is Kenneth McCaskill; Young Agent Scholarship Award is Silas Brown; forego the Service To Agriculture Award Recipients
President Stanley Holloway set the next meeting date of March 25, 2003 at the Macon County Extension Center beginning at 10:00 AM.
Ross Young moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by K. Reeves. Meeting adjourned at12:47 PM, followed by lunch.
Field trip to the EnergyXChange in Yancey County converts methane gas from a 6-acre landfill as a source for electricity in commercial greenhouses. http://www.energyxchange.org/partners_ex.html
Members in attendance: Stanley Holloway, Jeff Vance, Ross Young, Kenneth McCaskill, Linda Blue, Silas Brown, Kenneth Reeves, Steve Duckett, Tim Mathews, Skip Thompson, Cliff Ruth, Bill Skelton, Carl Evans, and Diane Ducharme
Retired members in attendance: Johnny Hensley
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Diane T. Ducharme, Secretary
NCACAA, Western District
Updated on 11/25/02
Please send comments and suggestions to John Dorner.