January 19, 2005 ESP Board Meeting

Minutes of the
Epsilon Sigma Phi Board Meeting
January 19, 2005
(Via CentraOne Conference)

Call to Order: President Jo Turner called the Centra meeting to order on January 19th at 1:35 p.m.

In attendance: Cathy Allen, Van Ayers, Barb Casady, Nancy Flood, Wilma Jean Lower, Roxanne Miller, Jim Ollar, Bob Schultheis, Jo Turner

Minutes – Minutes from the November 11, 2004 Annual Meeting held at Windermere Conference Center were posted to the ESP website prior to the meeting. No additions or corrections were noted. Minutes stand approved as presented.

Treasurers Report – Bob shared the treasurer’s report. There is currently a total of $3,612.66 in available operating funds. Treasurer’s report stands approved as submitted.

Bob reported that membership is ahead of where it was last year at this time, as a result of the membership drive and being able to pay dues with Galaxy registration. There are currently 44 Epsilon Sigma Phi members. Last year there were a total of 49 members at the end of the year. Dues need to be received by Bob before 2/1/05 for national reporting and awards purposes. Members are encouraged to get dues in by this time, but can join ESP at any time.

Committee Reports

Awards Committee – No report was available. Jo will communicate with Rebecca. Jo also announced the March 1 deadline for ESP Ruby award.

Loan and Fellowship Committee –Pat Snodgrass is currently recruiting committee members. Possible names should be e-mailed to Pat. Jo suggested identifying names from current paid members. Jim Ollar reminded board members that Loan and Fellowship is a fundraising committee, raising monies for the Loan & Fellowship fund. Bob stated that you do not have to be a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi to apply or receive these funds.

Membership – Roxanne will send out a reminder to pay ESP dues. She will also look back to see who has been a prior member. A January 29^th deadline will be given to allow Bob time to create report and send dues to national. Roxanne suggested that we focus on what members can do as professionals for Epsilon Sigma Phi and divert the focus from what ESP can do for members. A possible suggestion was having ESP board members write up why they joined ESP. Jo Turner agreed to the approach and also suggested highlighting the role Epsilon Sigma Phi can play in advocating for the University. Jim Ollar suggested ESP offer assistance to the Alumni Alliance on Legislative Day and suggested promoting Legislative Day to all life members. Bob suggested life members should visit with legislators in Jeff City and tell their story. Jo suggested Roxanne communicate with Sandy Stegall and Susan Mills-Gray to explore the possibility of involving ESP in Leglilastive Day 2005. Jo will place an article in the weekly news reminding staff to pay dues.

Memorials/Courtesy – Wilma Jean reminded board members to help keep list current if a death occurs. One name Roy Hager, Farm Management Specialist was added. Kudos to Wilma Jean for the recognition program presented this fall at Galaxy.

Professional Development – E-mail names of possible committee members to Barb. Jo reported, it was announced at the last UMEA meeting, that a fall Galaxy conference would not be held in 2005 due to Annual Conference being held in the fall. Discussion was held as to the role ESP should have in Annual Conference. Grants for Professional Development are due March 1 from the ESP National Endowment. Nancy Flood reported years ago ESP hosted a pre-conference session prior to Annual Conference. Up to four $1,000 grants are available each year. Applications are due February 1. Another possibility discussed was co-sponsoring an annual conference speaker with UMEA. Nancy Flood suggested focusing on organizational strengths and mentioned the book “Good to Great”. Barb and Jo agreed to put together a proposal and submit it prior to February 1.

Retirement – Jim Ollar reported retiree meetings will be held this spring around the state. Epsilon Sigma Phi will be recognized at each of these meetings and membership will be encouraged. Reminder if someone does not want to pay the $200 life membership they can pay yearly dues. Bob asked if anyone contacted Dr. Ron turner about becoming a ESP life member prior to his retirement. After some discussion, Jim Ollar agreed to contact Ron about becoming a life member.

Nominating – Beverly Coberly absent. No report.

Old Business No old business was discussed.

New Business

Budget – Treasurer Bob Schultheis, presented the proposed 2005 budget. Discussion was held. In a previous motion it was decided to increase the JCEP line to $250. A motion was made by Jim Ollar and seconded by Van Ayers to accept the proposed budget with the revision of $250.00 for JCEP. No discussion. Motion carried.
JCEP- February 22-24. JCEP will be held in Milwaukee, WI. Nancy Flood is planning to attend. The budget currently reflects $150 for JCEP expenses. In 2004 $165 was spent. Bob made a motion to allow up to $250 to cover expenses for JCEP. Barb seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion carried. It was also stated that money could be available from National Epsilon Sigma Phi, Loan & Fellowship funds or $600 Professional Development funds. Jo pointed out Professional Development funds are only available to Regional Specialists.
Newsletter deadlines:

February 18^th due to Nancy                        March 1 published
May 20^th due to Nancy                                June 1 published
August 26^th due to Nancy                           September 1 published

Public Issues Leadership Development Conference – April 17-20, 2005 Arlington, VA. Bob and Roxanne shared their positive experiences from previously attending. It was suggested that representatives attending report back to the Epsilon Sigma Phi membership with a written report about the conference. Nancy and Van each expressed interest in the conference. Money and scholarship are available. Additional information concerning the PILD conference is available on the web.
Upcoming ESP Centra meetings:
- February 18^th9:00 -10:30
- May 20^th9:00 -10:30
- August 26^th9:00 -10:30

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Cathy Allen, Secretary

Web Manager: Bob Schultheis
Webster County Extension Center
Email comments to: schultheisr@missouri.edu
Last revised: 11/05/09