SWCS-NCC Meeting Notes
July 09, 2008
USDA South Building - Room 6165-SParticipants: Ross Braun, Tom Hebert, Larry Holmes, Michele Laur, and Bill Boyer; teleconference: George Utting and Jan Surface
Renewable Fuels Standard Seminar: Paul Argyropoulos, EPA, is available to give the overview. Bill reserved one section in the rear of the cafeteria for August 5. Suzy has not been able to secure speaker for the panel. Ross will contact Bob Looney, CHS Inc. This topic is very controversial, so we need to be seen as the un-biased discussion host. Ross will also contact Craig Cox and ask to participate in his new role in the Environmental Working Group. Michele will contact reps at the Department of Energy. Tom Hebert suggested we invite a rep from the Corn Growers and he will contact them. Decision was made to postpone this event-Bill will cancel the room.
Treasurer's report: no change since June.
Fall Tour: Tom suggested we talk with the National Park Service and tour Rock Creek Park to see dam removal and fish ladder replacement construction. Also see how they are dealing with non-point source pollution, storm water management, and archeology issues. Ross will contact Melvin and Phil and ask them to pursue this.
Annual conference: silent auction: Jan Surface will make one or two baskets to donate from the NCC. Jan, Tom Fedewa and Ross Braun will contribute to the basket(s). Bill has purchased a pair of Pintail decoys. All items should be sent via UPS of FedEx to Becca Bentley, 1907 Artist Draw, Heber, AZ 85928.
Representatives of the SWCS Northeast Region have been discussing creation of an exhibit at the Tucson conference. Bill will follow-up with the NE chapter reps; NCC and Maryland chapters are willing to contribute money, but PA and NJ will not because they do not have any quality display items.
Smithsonian Soils Exhibit: Ross and Tom Fedewa have completed docent training. July 18 is the reception at Whitten Building patio. Exhibit opens to the public July 19, 10:00-4:00. They need volunteers for 7/19. Officers approved $100 for refreshments and Ross will handle this. Tom H. suggested we invite the soils folks in CSREES and Forest Service. Ross will follow up.
Berg Fellows Program: This is a good networking opportunity for young professionals. We should keep the discussion local until the new Executive VP is in place. We could talk with the California Ag leadership program and consider contracting this out to them or NACD. Tom H. will talk with Krysta Harden, NACD. Bill, Doug McKalip, and Tom Hebert. will meet to flesh this out.
The national membership committee has been dissolved but chapters are strongly encouraged to maintain a chapter membership chair and committee.
Next Meeting: TBD
TO DO Items:
Renewable Fuels Standard, brown-bag forum:
Coordinate speakers and set date - Michele Laur & Suzy Friedman
Contact Bob Looney and Craig Cox to present at forum - Ross Braun
Contact NCGA for presentation or suggested presenter - Tom Hebert
Make meeting room arrangements after Michele & Suzy set the date - Bill BoyerSWCS Annual Conference - Tucson:
Make basket(s) and send: Jan Surface
Contribute to baskets: Tom Fedewa, Jan Surface, & Ross Braun
Purchase and send pintail duck decoys: Bill BoyerBerg Leadership Forum:
Coordination meeting - sponsorship, outsourcing, etc: Bill Boyer, Tom Hebert, Doug McKalip