Meeting called to order at 10:05 a.m. by President Jeff Vance. Introductions of all agents and specialist were made. Jeff thanked Bill Skelton and the Haywood County staff for hosting the meeting, and our sponsor for the meal. Skip Thompson gave us a little information regarding the afternoon tour to the trout farm. Jeff next opened the floor to new agents for any questions regarding NCACAA and told them of the benefits to being a member. Johnny Hensley (life member) also spoke on the benefits of the association. Ross Young (treasurer) told new members how membership dues were broken down. Chris Talley (secretary) provided everyone with a copy of last meetings minutes and stated that they are posted on the Web. John Dorner moved and Kenneth Reeves seconded to dispense with reading of minutes and accept them as posted. Ross Young presented treasurers report and stated that $2000 was put in money market as requested at last meeting. Kenneth Reeves moved and Steve Ducket seconded to accept treasurers report.
Jeff Vance mentioned that Association Committees responsibilities have been assigned. John Dorner has updated these on the web and check to see if you are on a committee. Association Committees are on the State NCACAA web site under committees. View the following web page to see what committee you are on http://www.ncacaa.org/west/committees03.html
Cliff Ruth was nominated for the Achievement Award (AA), Eric Caldwell for Distinguished Service Award (DSA) Eric declined as he will be unable to attend national meeting, Ross Young was then nominated. Cliff Ruth won the AA and Ross Young won DSA both will attend state and national meetings to receive these awards. Kenneth Reeves expressed appreciation to Diane Ashburn, Cliff Ruth, and Ross Young for participating and applying for awards. Kenneth regretted that Diane didn't get the Young Agents award and that there was a lot of applicants this year.
Jeff Vance gave a report from the Federation meeting in December where a vote was taken to either allow or not allow Epsilon Sigma Phi, XI Chapter to become a part of the Federation (Ag Agents, 4-H, Secretaries, FCS, and Specialist). The Federation voted not to allow Epsilon Sigma Phi to be part of the Federation. Stated a conflict with the fact that many Administrators were part of Epsilon Sigma Phi and this would allow Administrators to be a part of the Federation. Johnny Hensley explained what the Federation is to new agents and those not familiar with it. James Cochran (Ag Agent, Robeson County) is new president of Federation.
State NCACAA board meeting, issue of Galaxy was once again brought up. NC will place bid to host National Ag Agents meeting in 2008, which coincides with Galaxy meeting. At national meeting in Greenbay (2003), Ag Agents voted against combining with Galaxy. Southern Region of National Ag Agents was main reason Galaxy was voted down, as a result four other regions have expressed that they will boycott national meeting in 2008 (next scheduled year for Galaxy) and attend Galaxy instead.
Elmo Cole, Southern Region director, spoke at state board meeting and suggested that NC go ahead with the bid at the National meeting in Orlando, Florida in July, for the 2008 national meeting. NCACAA will push forward with bid for 2008 meeting.Budget for 2004 NCACAA meeting was given to Dr. Ort and Dr. Mckinney (A&T). Dr. Ort once again expressed his disappointment with not combining with Galaxy, but did express that he will support the bid for the national meeting in 2008.
Stanley Holloway stated that with such a close vote at the national meeting on the Galaxy subject, that it will probably come up again.
National meeting for 2004 will be in Orlando Florida, July 12-16 at the Windham Palace Resort and Spa, which is across from Disney. Special rates will be available for Disney attractions. Registration will be $190 for members, $160 spouse, and $120 for children.
A letter from NCACAA President, Marjorie Rayburn (Gates County), stated that there will be a $250/member fee for those registering and not staying at the Windham.
Johnny Hensley stated that state organization should express a rejection of this fee at next regional board meeting since this information was not provided in bid for national meeting. Concerns will be passed on to Marjorie Rayburn (NCACAA President) and Fred Miller (National Association County Agriculture Agents, Secretary). Jeff Vance will keep members updated on this fee.
State association is asking for $500 from each district to help with cost of putting together the bid for 2008 meeting. John Dorner expressed that we bring up to the board that if we make a profit from 2008 meeting what portion will be shared with the districts?
Ross Young stated that we should see a budget for the bid process, prior to the $500 being given. Kenneth Reeves moved that WDNCACAA approve the money with the request that we see the budget after it is submitted at state board meeting on April 30th. Bill Skelton seconded, motion passed. Board will approve the $500 if budget is worth while.
State wide NCACAA membership is 245, West district is 30.
2004 NCACAA state meeting will be held in Winston Salem June 15-17 at Hawthorne Inn, registration is $50.
Motion was made and passed that West District NCACAA will pay for Softball shirts for those participating in the softball tournament. If planning on going and playing send name and shirt size to Chris Talley so he can check on prices.
Elections for next coming year officers was conducted. Diane Ducharme - President, Chris Talley - Vice President, Sarah McClellan - Secretary, Diane Ashburn - Treasurer.
Rob Hawk gave update on Ag tourism and Tobacco Grant Program.
Diane Ducharme was appointed as the voting delegate for the 2004 National NACAA meeting in Orlando, Florida. Chris Talley will be alternate voting delegate in event Diane Ducharme can't attend.
There was a difference of $70 between sponsorship and actual meal cost. Stanley Holloway moved that the association pick up the $70 difference, Steve Ducket seconded the motion, passed.
Next meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2004 in Mitchell County at 10:00 a.m.
Broke for lunch at 12:10 p.m.
Harvey Fouts, West District Extension Director, Spoke to the group after lunch.
Adjourned at 1:05 p.m. and departed for tour of trout farm and processing plant.
Posted on 06/14/04
Please send comments and suggestions to John Dorner.