Call to Order: President Diane Ducharme called the meeting to order at 10:10 am.
Attendance / Introductions Participants introduced themselves. In attendance were: President - Diane Ducharme, Vice-president - Chris Talley, Treasurer - Diane Ashburn, Secretary - Sarah McClellan-Welch, Steve Duckett, Jim Turner, Rob Hawk, Kenneth Reeves, Cliff Ruth, Johnny Hensley, Tammara Cole, Skip Thompson, Bill Skelton, Silas Brown, Jeff Vance, Stanley Holloway, Earl Smith (retired), Jeremy DeLisle, Elizabeth Tolley, Marvin Owens.
Reading of the Minutes: Copies of the Minutes from the last meeting, Oct. 5, 2004 in Mitchell County were distributed. Minutes are posted on the web at
Treasurer's Report: Diane Ashburn distributed copies of the Treasurer's Report and stated account balances are: $414.44 In checking, $ 32.80 in shares, and $ 5,103.94 in the money market account. Report was accepted as by unanimous vote. Membership is about the same as in the past, 32 district members, 258 members statewide.
NCACAA Highlights: The State Meeting Agenda was distributed. The 2005 State Meeting is planned for the Hickory Holiday Inn, June 14 - 16. See the following website to review NCACAA Board Meeting Highlights - January 7, 2005 http://www.ncacaa.org/minutes/2005-01-board.html
Diane noted that updated membership lists & committee lists are also posted on the Association website.
Charlotte '88 Trust Funds - 1988 National Meeting in Charlotte
Moneys left over from the National Meeting in 1988 AND other "Board Savings" were invested in mutual funds. Stipulations were set on the use of this money (FROM THE NATIONAL MEETING); it would go toward professional development and awards, not toward expenses of the association. A Trust Fund Committee was established and charged with managing funds. This committee currently consists of Everett Davis, and three recent past presidents - Walter Earle, Marjorie, Ray Harris. (taking Johnny Hensley's place due to retirement). The committee chose Rick Wolfe (with the Board's approval) to manage the day-to-day activities of accounts and report back to the Trust Fund Committee. Committee members and NCACAA officers get quarterly statements on the performance of the funds. The committee would take Rick Wolfe recommendations under consideration and offer a recommendation to the State Board; where action would be voted upon. Several years ago, Rick met with the State Board due to concerns of decreased earnings and lost of invested moneys.
As of December 31, 2004 we had $111,884.34 in the "Charlotte '88" account and $14, 120.24 in the "Board Savings" account.
In the last State Board meeting, it was decided to transfer moneys invested in mutual funds and reinvest funds in a "balanced" fund. This fund would provide a more stable portfolio in the long run. This types of investment was not available previously. Rick met with the trust fund committee last fall and the committee brought this recommendation to the board at the last meeting. Rick also met wit the Board to answer questions.
Chris read the section of the minutes discussing management of Association trust funds. A growth equity strategy - blended fund, diverse portfolio with more than one economic advisor - is the current approach. The current balance was not presented. Kenneth Reeves asked that the balance be presented to the District.
Asset Identification: Diane D. and Cliff lead a brainstorming session to create a list of the areas of expertise within our membership. Diane prefaced this activity by saying that we are all dealing with a lot of change - the tobacco buyout, ERS reporting (capture what we are actually doing), the Summit, specialty crops, diverse markets, etc.. Diane asked, "How can we support each other dealing with this change?" This exercise is the first step to create a forum to help each other and to establish a unified voice to ask for help from "higher up".
Kenneth related that a unified voice carries more clout than single requests to Administration. He supported the idea of multi-county efforts to address common needs and thought Harvey would support it also.
During the activity, we silently brainstormed our own strengths and weaknesses.
The Summit defined 5-6 focus areas. (Stanley pointed out that the 7 critical issues reflected the Urban needs, not necessarily our needs.) We listed the 7 critical needs identified at Summit as:
From our own personal brainstorming we listed the Program areas represented at the meeting:
Future, Growth Areas, & Opportunities were identified as:
From these lists the Association will suggest a future District meeting to move toward coordinating efforts on these topics. Diane asked for members to review these minutes and send updates and additional entries to Diane Ducharme & the Extension Programs Committee (Steve Duckett & Elizabeth Tolley).
Kenneth suggested presenting this at the May 3 & 4 District CED Retreat.
Diane is asking current officers to each write a job description of their position.
Sarah offered her resignation at secretary inorder to participate with the initial organization of the eastern Extension Agents serving in Indian Country. A Motion was made to accept Sarah's resignation and it passed. Sarah will serve as Secretary until the end of the National Meeting, which is July 21st. The Nominating Committee nominate a new Secretary to be presented at the next regular meeting.
Kenneth Reeves announced that Diane Ducharme is our AA award recipient; no DSA for 2005.
Bill Skelton announced the Annual Conference Committee Chairs met to discuss fund raising. The State Board is asking each agent & life members to provide some donation. Their fundraising goal is $300,000.
Tammara Cole informed the group that Blake Brown, State Tobacco Specialist, will be airing a program on PBS addressing the serious tax implications of banks offering a 100% loan to farmers in the tobacco buyout however that loan may be taxed up to 40%. See Tobaccobuyout.cals.ncsu.edu
Rob Hawk reminded everyone that the Community Leadership Development Institute training begins this spring.
Next Meeting Date: Thursday, October. 6th in Cherokee.
July Retreat: Tony McGaha will organize a social event for Agents and families. A central location was suggested. Kenneth moved to contribute $100 from checking toward the event. Seconded by Bill Skelton. Unanimously supported.
Adjourn: The business meeting was adjourned at 12:33 pm. Lunch in the room of pizza and a tour of Fullam Dairy followed.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah McClellan-Welch, Secretary.
Posted on 04/29/05
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