Mid-Year Board Meeting

by Sandy Smith


As a staff employee for the NCBC, part of my job is to attend the twice-a-year in-person Board Meetings. My goal is to report the meeting topics, but also to give some insights about how the board works. By the way, all the monthly minutes are now posted on the NCBC website, under the Board link (thanks, Trisha).

This mid-year meeting had a one-day packed agenda. Below is a recap of the topics, but I want you to know that every year, the Board members take on more work outside of the meetings in order to be really prepared to make decisions at the meeting.

Michigan State University
Maureen Conner gave an update on the five-year plan. After this conference, the program is going into it's second cycle. The classes will be more spread out over the 5 year cycle, so MSU students will be able to go to other sessions starting next year. We have many potential graduates next year, so plans are under way for a special celebration. MSU is working on developing a Master's program, more news coming soon!

Benefits Committee
See the great write up from Kathy in the Benefits Committee article.

2008 Conference Update
So far, almost 400 folks have registered, but more hotel rooms are booked. So we're expecting closer to 500 attendees. TXWB is checking into the cost of using shuttle service to get folks from their hotels to the conference. The Board is developing guidelines for conference sponsors to address conflict of interest issues.

By-laws Committee
A draft of the revised By-laws was reviewed by the Board. Suggested edits were made. The final draft will be published in an upcoming Impact edition as the membership will vote on the changes at the conference.

Awards Committee
The presentation of the various awards will be done throughout the conference.

Historian
Mary Lynn is looking for photos and materials from past conferences. Please bring what you can share to the conference or contact her to send via email.

Dues Review
The Board held a discussion on increasing dues. The Board agreed to consider this in the future, but felt the timing was not good and some research was needed to determine an amount.

2009 Conference Planning
Conference is set for June 29 through July 2 in St. Petersburg, Florida. This is a Monday through Thursday as July 3rd is a court holiday. The President's Reception will be held Monday night, although other Monday activities, such as MSU classes have not yet been scheduled.

2010 Conference Planning
Potential sites were discussed, but no decisions made. Possible regions to look at are the mid-west and the southwest.

2011 Conference Planning
The Board agreed to strongly consider holding the conference in New Orleans.

NCBC Board Orientation
Some Board members suggested providing an orientation packet to new board members so they can get on board a little faster. John agreed to start by putting together guidelines for trip reimbursements.