NPIC-AFS

EXCOM Teleconference Meeting Minutes

June 18, 2008

Attending: Eric Knudsen, Jim Shannon, Mark Pederson, Larry Dominguez, Cleve Steward, Tad Schwager, Julie Henning

Approved minutes:  The May 22nd meeting minutes were approved.

Officer Reports

Officers

President.- The ballot was sent out to all members via listserve email. The ballot included the offices of Vice President and Assistant Newsletter Editor, as well as an initiative to change the Chapter name. The deadline for votes is June 30. Jim Shannon will receive and tally the votes.

Eric worked on cleaning up the Chapter web site, especially with regard to archiving the 2008 AGM info. The pages are now prepared for posting the 2009 announcement.

Past President.- No report.

President-Elect.- Larry attended the NPIC-WDFW genetics workshop held in Olympia in June and was very impressed with the high quality meeting. He suggested Todd Kassler be nominated to manage the food at our 2009 AGM.

Vice President.- No report other than the 2009 AGM which is discussed below.

Secretary/Treasurer.- Julie reported that the NPIC taxes were submitted to the IRS by the deadline which was May 15th. An accountant prepared the taxes for the organization and the ExCom thought it was well worth the service that was provided.  It was suggested that we use this accountant again next year.

Committees

Outreach.- The lack of a web master was discussed. Larry suggested paying someone to do most of the more challenging technical work, with the EXCOM members posting information as necessary and within their capabilities. It was decided to wait to see the results of the listserve announcement for the web master volunteer sent out on June 16. We will discuss the possibilities of contracting some of the work during our next teleconference.

Student Coordination Committee.- Tad reported on his discussions with people at the UW campus.  He is very interested to continue to work with Erin Lowry and others interested in being involved with NPIC.  Cleve suggested that NPIC participate in UW Tuesday seminars.  This could include sponsoring a seminar and providing a panel of fisheries professional to discuss the profession and how students can get jobs in their field of study. Eric reiterated the importance of continuing discussions with Dr Dave Beauchamp, who had said it would be good for the Chapter to make a presentation at the fall student colloquium. Cleve suggested organizing a panel of professionals, to present their views on AFS and professional development to the students.

Marine Fisheries.- Mark Pedersen reported that he and Chair Bill Mavros and Tad Schwager held a conference call. They decided their initial task will be to expand the current Marine Fisheries Committee blurb into an outline form, and develop explicit mission and task statements.

2009 AGM Planning. – The 2009 AGM has tentatively been scheduled for April 20-23 at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton.  Jim reported that he now has received response from LCC staff regarding references and has checked on those references.  Jim called the references and they were all positive, except some complaints re AV, which we can surely resolve prior to the conference.  Julie attended one of the LCC conferences to observe their serve and food.  The event that she attended was in their events center and there was a buffet style dinner.  Overall, the event center was set up well and the service and food seemed fine.

Jim moved that we initiate a contract with LCC to hold the 2009 Annual Meeting April 20-23.  Julie seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.

Jim is working on a 1st call for papers flyer for the listserve and website.

2011 Planning.- Cleve reported that Wayne Hubert is working on the theme of the meeting.  Cleve asked for feedback from NPIC regarding the theme.  There was discussion on trying to keep all people interested in participating in the organizing the meeting directed on the same path.  To begin, all interested should coordinate through Larry and Cleve.

Cleve introduced a proposal to the ExCom that requests a no-interest loan from NPIC to SFF for $10,000.  This seed money will cover initial costs associated with organizing and raising funds for the 2011 Annual General Meeting of the AFS, and will be returned in full to NPIC in September 2011, or sooner, if sufficient additional income is raised to cover operating expenses.  SFF will open and maintain a separate checking account at Bank of America (Snohomish branch) to serve as a repository for all monies received or disbursed for AFS 2011 conference activities.  We will vote on this proposal at the next ExCom meeting.

Coastwide Salmon Genetics Conference – Todd Kassler reported on the successful conference, which was co-hosted by NPIC, and managed by the NPIC Coastwide Salmon Genetics Committee. About 90 people attended. There were several opportunities for making plugs for NPIC. Almost all invoices are settled. The Chapter will bill WDFW for payment. When these funds are received, they will be deposited into the special NPIC checking account set up for the conference and the final invoices will be paid. Everyone agreed this was a very successful collaboration for NPIC

Old Business — None

New Business – None

Next teleconference – the next teleconference will be at 7:30 AM on July 10