1998 Annual Meeting

October 16, 1998
Waterloo, New York

Meeting called to order by President Joan Petzen.

Minutes of Nov. 17, 1997 Annual Meeting presented.  Motion to accept made by Andy Dufresne, second by Paul Lehman, all in favor.  Motion carried.

Committee Reports

Keith Severson.  Information included in annual meeting packet.  All Ag Agents should be encouraged to apply by March 15, 1999.

National Directors Report

Jim Welshans, NE Director, NACAA.

• Congratulations to NY for their part in raising funds for 97 NACAA Conference in Burlington. A total of $170,801.94 was raised to support the conference.
• National meeting in Texas - 2157 in attendance.  NY voting delegates were Joan Petzen, Les Hulcoop, and Ed Staehr.  Voted on proposal to increase dues to be able to hire an executive assistant for NACAA.  This was defeated.  Compromise motion passed to hire assistant with money from the 99 budget and funds raised. Scott Hawbaker who publishes the County Agent has been hired as Exec. Secretary.
• All are encouraged to submit articles for the County Agent.
• New committee structure: still have vacancies to be filled.  NY agents are well represented on national committees.  The new structure will have a stronger subject matter focus allowing greater involvement.  Several open committee positions.
• Northeast Region Leadership workshop for board is Feb. 11-13, 199 in Wilmington, DE
• Next national conference is Sept. 12-16 in Omaha, Ne.  One question that will be raised for consideration at that meeting is about a Galaxy conference for 2003.
• Scholarship fund: more applicants than dollars, but feel confident they will reach goal.  In 1998 funded 21 members for a total of $25,000.
• Award programs are there for members - apply!
• Some discussion about changing regions since there are so many members from the south (55%).  This creates a voting block.

President's Report

• Enclosed in packet.
• developing professional improvement opportunities for field staff:  Lead-NY for field staff and inservice training in March99 on conflict resolution
• clarifying procedures for DSA/AA
• Bylaw changes and ACCEE affiliation (discussed under New Business)
• met with Dean and Director to talk about a number of issues: ag economic development; technology competency; soils lab; faculty status for field staff; salaries; university outreach; collaboration with sister agencies; and inservice training.
• dues for 1999 are the same, but they are due earlier, need to get to national by Dec. 31, so we are asking members to pay dues by Dec. 1 or better yet at Spaghetti dinner on Nov. 16.

Old Business

• NYSACAA web page developed by Beth Spaugh. Members should check it out.
• Also have a listserv operating.
• Newsletter coordinated by Linda and John Ameroso.

New Business

• ACCEE Affiliation.  Discussion. Jim Hilson asked about costs/benefits.  Andy Turner, ACCEE President explained that in order to become an ACCEE section we needed at least 20 NYSACAA to be members of ACCEE.  ACCEE dues are $25, $5 of which will come back to NYSACAA as a section.  Currently ACCEE is working on improving communication (listserv and website planned).  Hope to host a conference annually or biennially.  Gives system one voice. Dave Weaver made motion, second by Joel Allen, that NYSACAA become a section of ACCEE.  All in favor, motion carried.
• New Member Dues proposal:  state share of new/first time member dues paid by association.  Discussion:  Lisa Kempisty contributed proceeds of last year's 50:50 drawing to start a fund. Agents in Capital District also have some funds to contribute. Jerry LeClar (via letter) stated that he opposed this proposal as it does not really serve as an incentive.  Several new agents present felt it was an incentive (and paid their dues). Motion made by Nate Herendeen, second by Lisa Kempisty, motion carried.

Treasurer's Report

Account summary and proposed budget distributed to members present.  Proposed budget includes membership estimated at 85 total (10 new, 75 continuing).  Expense item included to provide a $50/meeting reimbursement for board travel to directors meetings.  Motion made by John Thurgood, second by Charlie Mazza to approve 1999 budget, all in favor. Motion carried.

New Business continued

• By-law changes: two proposals presented.  Discussion.  Jerry LeClar (by way of letter) and several other members present felt that this change would give board too much power.  John Thurgood reminded the members that the membership approves the annual budget which includes dues. The change would give the board greater flexibility in making changes.  Motion made by Nate Herendeen to adopt the change in bylaws to allow the board of directors to establish the annual dues, second by John Thurgood. In favor of motion: 16. Opposed to the motion: 7.  1 abstention. Motion carried.
• Recognition of outgoing board member: Mike Baker has completed two terms as director from the Finger Lakes.
• Nomination of Officers:  John Ameroso presented the slate:
  • Keith Severson as President
  • Monika Roth as Vice-President
  • Steve Hadcock as Secretary
  • Treasurer - Charlie Mazza
  • Past-President - Joan Petzen
  • Secretary cast one ballot, slate of officers for 1999 approved.
  • Incoming President Keith Severson recognized Joan Petzen, immediate past President for her service as NYSACAA President in 1998.
• Directors for 1999 were installed.
  • Western District: Paul Westfall (continues)
  • Finger Lakes: Tom Nally (new)
  • Central: Ed Staehr
  • Southern Tier: John Thurgood (continues)
  • Capital: Ken Carnes (new)
  • Northern: Beth Spaugh (continues)
  • Southeast: Les Hulcoop (continues)
• New members:  Sally Cunningham, Erie County; Karen Dean, Erie County; Kelly Radzik-Marsh, Ulster County; Shawn Bossard, Cayuga County; Dean Sprague, Cattaraugus County; Cameron Clark, Delaware County. All welcomed in the traditional Wa-poo-chee style.
• Other reminders: Spaghetti Dinner is being held on Nov. 16 of Ag Production Week, 5:30 PM in Riley-Robb Hall. Pay dues by Dec. 1! Apply for Awards in 1999!

Meeting adjourned 10 am.

Monika Roth, Secretary