GVMA Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, June 27, 2002

Electric Cooperative Training Center
Smarr, Georgia
10:00 AM

In attendance: Tim Beale, Mark Dennis, Jennifer Dubose, Mark Heffley, Dan McMillan, John Raese, Steve Timmons, Gary Youngblood, Steve Stewart – for Jimmy Etheridge

Dan McMillan opened the meeting with discussion of 2002 GVMA Conference Evaluation Results (see enclosed handout). Comments from attendees discussed by Board Members included:
- registration slow – discussed possibility of two separate registration tables, one for pre-paid attendees, and one for those who need to pay fees, one person handle money for registration and sponsors/exhibitors, give out name tags and registration gifts together at the beginning of the conference instead of at early registration
- speakers – Jim Taylor had the most “fairs” (last speaker)
- sponsors not allocated ample time to introduce products/introduced late in the conference – suggested letting all sponsors/exhibitors speak before the first break
- 2003 conference location results – Brasstown Valley 35 votes, Calloway Gardens 34 votes

Board Members discussed advantages and disadvantages of Brasstown Valley and Calloway (see enclosed handout).

Board Members voted unanimously to hold the 2003 GVMA Conference in Brasstown Valley, April 23 – 25 and the 2004 GVMA Conference at Calloway Gardens.
Action Item: Mark Heffley will confirm 2003 dates and fishing with Brasstown Valley, Steve Timmons will check into catering and recreational activities. Mark Dennis will assist Mark Heffley and Steve Timmons.

Board Members discussed possibility of equipment demonstrations instead of viewing test plots at 2003 conference. Field tour will focus on proper techniques of mowing, trimming, and pruning.
Action Item: Steve Timmons will check with Mike Kelley at Blue Ridge Mountain EMC concerning field tour.

Tim Beale suggested GVMA continue to offer certified arborist and pesticide applicator testing at annual conference.

Dan McMillan asked Board Members to bring suggestions for 2003 conference speakers to the next meeting.

Board Members discussed the “Memorandum of Understanding Between Edison Electric Institute and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service” (see enclosed handout).
-" Purpose of the document is to have one “across the board method”
-Document not binding, up for comments
Action Item: Jennifer Dubose will reference document with a link to Epson website on the GVMA site, and request that comments be directed to Epson Electrical Institute.

Jennifer Dubose and Mark Heffley reported on quarterly maintenance fee, approximately $270, for GVMA website. Board Members discussed requesting assistance from sponsors to cover expenses. In return, a link to sponsor’s website will be posted on GVMA site.
Action Item: Jennifer Dubose will send Dan McMillan an estimate on the total cost, and he will send a letter to previous sponsors requesting assistance.

The next GVMA Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for:
Thursday, September 12
10:00 AM
Electric Cooperative Training Center
Smarr, Georgia

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