The annual Epsilon Sigma Phi meeting of the Alpha Tau Chapter was held Wednesday, October 12^th at Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia, MO beginning at 7:00 a.m.  Jo Turner, president, called the meeting to order and welcomed members and guests.

Jo reported that copies of the secretary, treasurer and committee reports were posted on the ESP website for members viewing.  

Secretary’s Report – Cathy Allen distributed the minutes of last year’s Annual meeting.

Treasurer’s Report – Bob Schultheis reported that we currently have $4,702.06 in available operating funds ($670.20 in checking; $ 3,786.41 in money market; $265.00 dues and $19.55 outstanding checks.) Bob reported that we are $300 ahead of where we were one year ago.

Rebecca Travenicheck moved the treasurer’s report be accepted.  Tom Henderson seconded.  Treasurer’s report approved.

Committee Reports:

Awards Committee: Rebecca Travnichek reported three award applications were received this year.  Award winners were recognized at various events during Annual Conference, October 10‑12. Please plan now to nominate a fellow ESP member or colleague for an appropriate award next year.

Membership Committee: Roxanne Miller stated that in 2005 there are 52 Epsilon Sigma Phi members; six new members (and counting) and 98 life members. 

Professional Improvement: Barb Cassady reported Missouri was a recipient of a $1,000 mini‑grant to be used for professional development.  More information on the use of the grant will be forthcoming. 

Loan and Fellowship: Pat Snodgrass informed members that the purpose of the Loan and Fellowship Committee is to award monies for professional development and to promote the fund for memorials and honor our colleagues.

Applicants who have an extension appointment as a university faculty or professional staff member with two years of consecutive employment are eligible to apply.  Up to $1,000 per award is available at one time to reimburse for professional development opportunities.  The total amount individuals may receive during their university tenure is $1,500.  The application is available on‑line.

Fellowships have been approved for 6 individuals totaling $3,250 with another one for $1,000 pending.

In recognition of the retirement of Dr. Tom Henderson, the Missouri Alpha Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Extension honorary society, is suggesting contributions to the Missouri Extension Loan and Fellowship Fund. Over the years, the fund has provided financial assistance to Extension professionals to help make them better educators.

Nominating and Elections Committee: Beverly Coberly announced the candidates and results of the President-Elect and Treasurer election via e-mail, with paper ballots being sent to retirees.  Candidates for President-Elect were Bill Cassady and Mark Stillwell. Candidate for treasurer was Bob Schultheis.  Bev announced that Mark Stillwell and Bob Schultheis were elected.  Continuing officers will be: Nancy Flood, President; Jo Turner, Past President; Cathy Allen, Secretary; and Van Ayers, Annalist.

Jo recognized the committees and committee chairs for their active and strong leadership.

Installation of Officers: Beverly Coberly installed the new officers with the exception of Van Ayers who was not present.  She used a pearl theme to recognize the characteristics and responsibilities of each office.

New president, Nancy Flood, received the gavel from Jo Turner.

New Business:

Induction of New Members: Nancy Flood and Roxanne Miller inducted Michelle Klem, Karisha Devlin, Wendy Brumbaugh, Meridith Berry, Mary Ann Patten, Sandy Stegall, Byron Morrison, Bob Broz and Eleanor Kloeppel as new members of the Alpha Tau Chapter.  The membership welcomed the new members by jointly reciting the Extension Creed. 

President’s Message:  Nancy thanked Jo for her spirit and enthusiasm for ESP.  She was presented with a gift of appreciation.  Special thanks were also given to the officers and committee chairs.

Nancy announced that this is the 75^th anniversary of our Alpha Tau Chapter.  Karla Deaver and Rex Ricketts, Past Presidents, have agreed to chair the celebration committee.

Lisa Wallace will chair the Loan and Fellowship Committee this year.  Thanks were given to Pat Snodgrass for her many years of leadership to this committee.

Rhonda Gibler will be chairing the Professional Development committee.

Marsha Alexander will be leading the Awards Committee this year.

Jim Ollar does a great job chairing the Retirees and Life Members Committee and has agreed to continue as chair.

Roxanne Miller will continue as chair of the Membership Committee.

Jo Turner, Past President, will stay on the board and serve as Chair of the Nominations Committee. 

In closing, Nancy charged all members to look at the JCEP Challenge.  The challenge is available on the web, but will be mailed to all members. 

Beverly Coberly and Nancy Flood will be attending the National Epsilon Sigma Phi meeting in Colorado Springs, CO.  Anyone interested in attending should contact Nancy.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy S. Allen
Secretary

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