Minutes submitted by Alan Durden, Secretary
Meeting was called to order at 1:10 pm by Ross Young.
Mark Lancaster reported on the mornings ERS Skeet Shoot and CQI Turkey Shoot and presented awards to winners and other notables.
Susan Lyday greeted agents and announced salary increases would be in October checks. Also, there may be more travel money available this year.
Ross Young welcomed retired agents.
Kenneth McCaskill introduced Silas Brown, new Agriculture Agent in Clay County.
Ross thanked Henderson County for hosting the meeting. Bill Skelton thanked Farm Credit for $100 sponsorship of the meal.
Ross introduced officers and explained why the secretary/treasurer position was split into two separate offices. John Dorner will serve as treasurer for 3 years. He will also serve as vice director this year and follow on through the rotation.
Copies of the minutes from May 98 meeting were distributed for review. Noted that Brian Beer is no long eligible for Young Agent Scholarship since leaving the district. The Service to Agriculture award paperwork has not been completed. Minutes were approved.
John Dorner gave treasurer's report. Discussion on moving some funds from checking account into Money Market Account. Treasurer's report was approved.
Bill Skelton reported on the recent NACAA Annual Meeting in San Antonio. Ten+ agents and retirees from the West District attended. 70+ people from NC attended State's Night Out. 125- 130 agents, spouses, children from NC attended the meeting(65-70 agents).
Ross Young, this years voting delegate to the national meeting, reported that a paid, executive assistant position had been approved on a 1-year trial basis. The position will provide a centralized, permanent contact point for association business and communication needs. Scott Hawbaker, editor of 'The County Agent' magazine was named to the position. This position will also be responsible for fund raising. A $10.00 increase in national dues was voted down.
Danny Peek gave a brief report on the state meeting at Atlantic Beach. "It was fun. Any questions?" John Dorner commented on the high quality of the tours.
Jim Ray, National Life Member committee chair, reported that it was suggested at the national meeting that life members should chair the state lifemember committee. This would take a change in state by-laws, but should help with communications to life members. Jim discussed life member situation noting an updated mailing list was needed. It's difficult to keep up with deceased life members. Ross appointed Roger Hyatt as co-chair of Life Membership and Retired Agents Committee.
Ross discussed changes in state by-laws and noted that district does not have it's own by-laws but follows state by-laws.
Ross Young discussed committee charges and changes in membership. Purpose is to have stronger, more active committees. New committee assignments were distributed. The combination of Professional Excellence, Professional Training, and Resource and Program Development committees into one was explained.
John Dorner handed out and went over draft of changes in charges for each committee. Discussion of charges by members included suggestions for additions/changes to draft of charges as follows:
General discussion followed. Committees should rewrite or change charges if needed and return to Ross.
Marvin Owings shared a letter from Henderson County Commission Chair regarding legislative goal of the NC Assoc. of County Commissioners that would benefit agriculture through additional land use tax exemption. Encouraged agents to share and support through county commissioners.
Tony McGaha and Marvin Owings have caps for sale.
Next meeting will be February 11, 1999 in Yancy County at 10 am. Meeting adjourned at 2:35 pm. Group toured tomato packing house.
Meeting was adjourned for tomato packing shed tour.
Left to Right: Silas Brown, Kenneth McCaskill, Alan Durden, Jeff Vance, Mark Lancaster, Ross Young, Bill Skelton, Stanley Holloway, Johnny Hensley, Cliff Ruth, Photo taken by John Dorner
Left to Right: Jeff Vance, Stanley Holloway, Silas Brown, Ross Young, Alan Durden, Bill Skelton, Kenneth McCaskill, Mark Lancaster, Photo taken by John Dorner
Meeting was attended by: Silas Brown, Tom Butzler, David Curtis, John Dorner, Steve Duckett, Alan Durden, Johnny Hensley, Stanley Holloway, Mark Lancaster, Susan Lyday, Maurice McAlister, Kenneth McCaskill, Tony McGaha, Marvin Owings, Danny Peek, Jim Ray, Clifford Ruth, Bill Skelton, Jeff Vance, Grover Westmoreland, and Ross Young.
Posted on 11/02/98.
Please send comments and suggestions to John Dorner.