TVMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

September 30, 2005

Conference Call

A conference call was initiated by President David Wall at 10:00 am on 9/30/05. The following members were connected on the conference call: David Wall, Ray Erwin, Paul Northcutt, Jim Cruser, Don Telge, Howard Pierson, Craig Johnson, Steve Prather and David Jalowy. Not present, but having sent their recommendations into TVMA previously were Myron Rabalais and Stan Jones. There being a quorum present, the conference call was opened at 10:05 am.

Paul Northcutt read the minutes of the August 2, 2005 TVMA Board of Directors meeting. A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the minutes as read.

Based on the agenda emailed to all TVMA Board Members and Committee Chairs on 9/24/05 the following items was discussed:

Jim Cruser indicated that he had been approached by the incoming Vice President of the Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association who was curious if we would be interested in hosting a joint conference next year. After discussion it was decided that it might be good to continue discussions with the OKVMA but that hosting a joint conference in 2006 might be a little early.

President Wall indicated that he had extended invitations to attend our 2005 conference to the officers / board members of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana vegetation management association; non have replied to this invitation as of this date.

Ray Erwin provided an update on the 2006 conference. All speakers are now in place and most have furnished either outlines or bios. We currently have 16 exhibitors, 14 signed up for golf, 12 for the fishing tournament. Colonel McAlpine, with the Air Force in Colorado, will provide our keynote speech. We have 12 currently pre-registered for training, and 155 pre-registered plus 5 spouse/guests. We have surpassed our room block of 250. Paul will distribute the Quarterly CLIP will be mailed out the first week of October. Paul indicated that he mails out one hard copy to all active members immediately prior to the conference. Don Telge will provide the plywood boards for the door prizes at the conference. David will create a PowerPoint presentation for the TVMA business meeting.

Paul provided an update on the mail out and the web page advertising done for the upcoming October 10, 2005 CEU training in Lubbock. No deadline for pre-registration. Howard Pierson indicated that his company would send approximately 30-35 students.

The 2006 Houston CEU workshop was discussed and the Memorandum of Understanding as prepared by the Texas Cooperative Extension was reviewed. David Jalowy advised the Board of the upcoming two meetings scheduled for January 19, 2006, and January 20, 2006, in Hockley and Baytown respectively. This program has been going on for over 25 years, and TVMA began to sponsor this meeting 4 or 5 years ago. Historically, the extension agents in Harris and Galveston county put on the event. However, new rules now preclude the Extension Service to handle any money. After much discussion, a MOU between the Extension Service and TVMA was to be created which allowed the extension service to organize the event and provide all registration services, and TVMA would collect ½ of the funds generated. Registration fee is $25, and covers the lunch. We will be asked to pay the caterer from TVMA funds and the Extension Service will return half of the proceeds back to TVMA. It was discussed that TVMA no longer maintains a separate scholarship account, but has the ability to “tag” funds toward a certain activity which could certainly be done. David estimates an income to TVMA of from $1,200 to $1,400. David estimates that each day usually has approximately 100 attendees for a total attendee list of approximately 200. The extension service collects all funds, but checks will be made payable to TVMA. Paul indicated that the MOU was distributed to all board members for their review on 9/27/05. A MOTION WAS MADE, SECONDED, AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD THAT TVMA SIGN AND ENTER INTO THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT AS PREPARED BY THE TEXAS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE FOR CEU TRAINING IN JANUARY, 2006. President Wall will sign the document and mail it to the Cooperative Extension.

The 2006 conference site selection was discussed. Paul discussed the 2006 conference property list: 1) YO Ranch, Kerrville, 2) Horseshoe Bay Marriott, 3) Red Lion Austin, 4) College Station Hilton, 5) San Antonio Holiday Inn. The spreadsheet which was sent out to each board member earlier and that spreadsheet was discussed. AFTER CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSION A MOTION WAS MADE, SECONDED AND APPROVED BYTHE BOARD TO HOLD OUR 2006 TVMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT THE KERRVILLE YO RESORT AND HOTEL. It was discussed that a tour of the Kerr Wildlife area might be beneficial, and that hosting a “Texas Holdem” tournament might be very well received and might generate a lot of interest. Paul was directed to contact all hotels excepting the Holiday Inn of our decision. Paul will work up a few slides on the YO for presentation at the conference. Don Telge will contact the Holiday Inn.

David Wall advised that Jim Cruser has agreed to run for Vice President and no other candidates have been received as this position must be filled from the Board. We will have 4 Board members to replace if Jim is elected to the Vice Presidency. We have 5 individuals who have volunteered to run are Michelle McAfee, Austin Energy, Rob Brooks, Dow Agro, Richard Karber of AEP, Scott Dunham of Becker-Underwood, and Richard Lane of Advanced Applicators. David asked if anyone knew of anyone else to please let him know.

David discussed the Lifetime Achievement Award. Two nominations have been received, but biographical information had only been received on one candidate. As chair of the Nominating Board, David recommended that the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award be awarded to Don Telge of Telge Northcutt Training. A MOTION WAS MADE, SECONDED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD THAT DON TELGE BE NAMED AS TVMA’S 2005 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER. THE BOARD ALSO ELECTED TO INCLUDE DON AS AN HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBER IN TVMA AT THE 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE BOARD MEETING. David mentioned that if he receives additional information on the other candidate, he will send out an email to the Board for their review and recommendation.

There being no further business, President David Wall adjourned the TVMA Board Meeting Conference Call at 11:55 am.

Respectfully submitted:

Paul Northcutt, TVMA Secretary-Editor