SWCS-NCC Meeting Notes
January 10, 2008Participants: George Utting, Ross Braun, Suzy Friedman, Larry Holmes, Michele Laur, Allison Wiedeman
Chapter Award(s) - Norman A. Berg Conservation Legacy Award: Nominees: Larry Clark, Tracy Mehan, Marc Safley, and Tom Simpson. Agreed to have two 2008 awards (no award in 2007). Discussed the nominations for each of the candidates. Voted on nominations. Selected awardees: Larry Clark, Tom Simpson. Ross will provide an expanded bio of Larry Clark. Request that Bill Boyer obtain plaques. Awards will be presented at one a Chapter spring event.
Treasurers Report: Checking $3,042.04 and Savings $11,462.27, total $14,504.31. Larry will file our non-profit organization electronic filing notice with IRS when the IRS comes out with final procedures. Larry reported that the 990 form does not need to be completed. The National Capital Chapter uses the 501(c)(3) non-profit status through the SWCS parent organization in Ankeny, Iowa. Contributions to the Chapter and Chapter activities are tax-deductible. Allison motioned to accept the treasurer's report; Michele seconded, approved unanimously.
Energy Conservation Workshop: Bill Boyer and Ross Braun, with Eric Norland and Wilhelmina Bratton from the NCSAF, had a teleconference with Lynn Knight and Craig Best of EnSave, to discuss EnSave's proposal for a workshop on energy conservation in Washington, DC. The purpose would be to inform and educate agricultural policy makers about energy conservation. EnSave would like to increase their services for the agricultural sector. EnSave will submit a written proposal and Ross will distribute it when he gets it. Discussion focused on location, target audience, and what sort of agenda would be interest to policymakers. Concern was expressed that it would be difficult to attract policy makers, especially for a full-day event.
Smithsonian Soils Exhibit: Jan Surface, Maxine Levin, and Ross met with Paul Kamps, Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) to discuss ways that SWCS-NCC could contribute to the exhibit. Paul is the coordinator for the Smithsonian Soils Exhibit. The Chapter could provide a cash contribution, but the Smithsonian has 95% of the funds needed for the exhibit. They are interested in efforts we could provide to promote the exhibit, especially on July 19 when the exhibit opens to the public. The VIP grand opening will be July 18. Suggestions included teaming up with other organizations, an event at the Museum, distribution of promotional items by SWCS members, and identification of items that could be sold at the Museum Store (for example, T-shirts or sweatshirts provided by the Association of Women Soil Scientists - AWSS). Ross has been in contact Dena Marshall, AWSS president, and AWSS members Cheryl Simmons and Maxine Levin and they are very interested in collaborating with us. Paul Kamps suggested that our Chapter might coordinate involvement of ag-industry and environmental organizations. We need someone to coordinate this activity and volunteers to help.
Spring Tour/Workshop: Tabled because we have two other activities already under development.
NCC Leadership Forum: Tabled
Speaker Series: Tabled
Minutes recorded by George Utting and Ross Braun
Next Meeting February 6, 2008, 11:45 am, Location: Room 7402 USDA South Building.
The SWCS-NCC Board meets the first Thursday of each month from 11:45-12:45.
The location will cycle among the organizations represented by Board members and be announced prior to each meeting.