Minutes submitted by Alan Durden, Secretary
The meeting opened at 10:20 AM. Ross Young thanked Yancey County for hosting the meeting and Burley Stabilization for sponsoring the lunch. Katheryn O'Brian, new horticulture agent in Cherokee County was introduced. It was noted the association pays the first years dues for a new agent.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer's report was given and approved.
There was no old business to discuss.
Ross distributed a letter on Roan Mountain seedlings from the US Forest Service. Johnny Hensley said he was contacted by the US Forest Service as to the need for a meeting this year, with agents involved in the program.
Concerning supporting the FCS Agents Association, Ross reported that their state association supported Charlotte 88 with a $500 donation, though individual district associations did not contribute.
The NCACAA has given $2000 for the FCS meeting and recommends that individual districts not contribute.
Whether or not the West district would contribute was voted on via district web site, but response was to low to decide the issue.
Tom Harvey made motion to donate $200 to the West District FCS Agents Association for the national meeting. Johnny Hensley seconded. Motion was discussed. Motion passed.
Having an audit of district association books was discussed. This has been done in the past by three appointed agents when books were passed to a new treasurer.
Kenneth Reeves made motion to authorize an internal audit by committee of 2-3 individuals appointed by the president. The audit is to be done on an annual basis and completed by July 1 each year. The motion was seconded and approved.
John Dorner reported on the NCACAA state board meeting:
The FCS National Meeting in Greensboro is a large undertaking. The FCS Association will be asking for help driving vans, etc.
John Ort discussed joining the College of Agriculture and research more closely and hiring a marketing specialist.
The Horn of Plenty will be in Asheville this year.
Gary Hyatt added that the Horn of Plenty will be August 20 at the Taylor Ranch. Lots of help will be needed in serving. There will be six serving lines. Joy Staton is in charge of food procurement. The commissioners have put up funds for purchasing the food. Counties will be contacted for help in serving. Approximately 1000 are expected to attend. The event will start about 5 pm. Aprons with the Extension logo will be furnished. Bill Skelton is working on an educational exhibit to display.
The state meeting will be at the Best Western in Burlington, June 22-24. Golf and a skeet shoot are planned. A hospitality room with no alcohol is planned for Tuesday. Wednesday tours have been arranged as well as a luncheon with a motivational speaker. Tours will include visits to horticulture, livestock and dairy operations, the Duke Primate Center, and Richard Petty Enterprises. There will be professional development opportunities and a program for spouses and children. Call Best Western at 336 584-0151 for room reservations.
Extension Programs- How should this committee be set up? Do the changes reflect the proper group structure for meetings/collaboration? Should agents with same program responsibility meet once a year or should 4-6 county clusters be formed for cluster programming? Are there other ideas?
Association Policy- No changes in policy to report. Notification of any changes must be sent out 30 days prior to state meeting.
Benevolence- Association will provide up to $40. County is responsible for making the arrangements.
4-H and Youth- Need to replace Danny Peek. Tom Harvey is chair of the state 4-H and Youth committee and encourages agents to apply for awards.
Public Relations- Ross is looking for a new logo for caps. Administration is undecided on a new logo. Purchase of new caps is postponed.
Recognition and Awards- State committee is responsible for awards; AA for agents with less than 10 years, DSA for agents with 10 or more years, Young Agent Scholarship for agents with less than 5 years and under 30 years old, and the Pursell Pinnacle Award. Need to try to identify agents who are eligible for AA and DSA and Young Agent scholarship.
Motion by Johnny Hensley that any eligible member of the association who want to be considered for awards, to notify him by 3-15-99. He will forward the proper forms which should be returned to him no later than June 1. Motion seconded and passed.
Johnny Hensley made recommendation of Alan McMurry for the Service to Agriculture Award. Kenneth Reeves moved to accept recommendation. Seconded by Steve Duckett and passed.
There was discussion of the selection process for AA and DSA.
Johnny announced that Ross Young is this years AA recipient and a state winner.
Scholarship- Need an updated list of those who have contributed to the national scholarship fund. June 1 is the deadline for application for scholarship money to be awarded the following year.
Kenneth Reeves made motion to locate all historical records of the district association and move them to Buncombe county as a permanent site for care and keeping. Motion seconded and passed.
Life Member- Need earlier notice of meetings. Also recommended that a quarterly report be sent to retired agents. Secretary will be responsible for sending this report and notification.
Communications- All are encouraged to submit applications for communication awards. Application is brief and easy to complete. There is the possibility of a communications workshop for the upcoming meeting.
Membership Services- Tony McGaha requested input regarding a social event for the association members.
Nominations- Steve Duckett nominated for 1999-2000 district secretary and Johnny Hensly for 1999-2000 vice president of the state association. Both nominations seconded and passed.
Next meeting will be held in Buncombe county, Thursday, May 27 at 10 am tentatively. The meeting adjourned at 1:25 pm. The tour of the methane gas recovery project was postponed to a later date.
Present at the meeting were Katherine O'Brien, Silas Brown, Johnny Hensley, Tom Harvey, Skip Thompson, John Dorner, OG Garland, Gary Ealey, Harrey Silver, Marvin Owings, Mark Lancaster, Roger Hyatt, Ed Terrell, Terri King, Kenneth Reeves, Gary Hyatt, Steve Duckett, Tony McGaha, Stanley Holloway, and Alan Durden.
Posted on 4/19/99.
Please send comments and suggestions to John Dorner.