AISWCD Communication Focus Committee
Monday, December 10, 2008
Northfield Inn Conference Center, Springfield

Members Present:
Eric Suits
Ken Kesler
Dan Doedtman
John Maudlin
Norbert Rider
Phyllis Mace
Lee Bunting
Rich Nichols
Jannifer Powelson
Josh Joseph
Cindy Moon
Phil Fossler
Stacy Stremsterfer
Don Beisiegel
Sheila Lane

The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Eric Suits

Approve Agenda:
Eric called for approval of the agenda. Lee Bunting made a motion to accept the agenda and Dan Doedtman second. Motion carried.

Roll Call:
The roll call sheet was passed around to those present.

Approval of Minutes:
Chairman Eric asked if there were any additions or corrections to the September 15, 2008 minutes. Lee Bunting made a motion to accept the minutes as submitted, second by Butch Rider. Motion carried.

Old Business:
Much discussion went on about how we should consider our marketing strategy. Many suggest were made. The AISWCD was contacted by a company called Election Mall, they host a web site. They would link to our web site. We discussed the amount they would charge us.

Dan Doedtman wanted to question whom we wanted to target. Rich Nichols stated our objective is the urban areas. We need to educate the legislators in the northern counties, county boards, public, green groups and keep in touch with our farmers.
Rich acknowledged that there other organizations that we can get to help us.

Education Committee joined our committee and the discuses continued on how we should market ourselves, and whom we should target.

Funding is one of the biggest problems that we might face. We could have a membership drive and ask for $25.00 a member, ask the district for a contribution. We could put it in the Conservation Catchall. The group from Farmer Market to help show where the food they sell comes from.

When speaking we tend to use our own language, not realizing that the community may not understand.  Sometimes we need a marketing firm that will understand and speak our language. Get the right message out.

Stacy has put a marketing slide together that will be showed to the directors on Tuesday.

New Business:
No new business at this time.

Chairman Eric call for adjournment: Phil Fossler made a motion to adjourn, second by Butch Rider.

Submitted by Phyllis Mace