Communication Focus Area Committee Minutes
September Quarterly Board
Northfield Inn
John Beckhart, Chairman
September 10, 2007

Present:                                                  Absent:
Lee Bunting                                                Mark Besse
Jody Christiansen                                        Van Bitner
Sarah Dillman                                     Dick Breckenridge
Ken Kesler                                         Chris Davis
Phyllis Mace                                       Terry Davis
Rich Nichols                                        John Beckhart
Norbert Rider                                      John Maudlin
Amy Ishamael    
       

Chairman John Beckhart was absent; Lee Bunting called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.

Sarah Dillman took roll call.

Approval of Agenda
Sarah Dillman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Amy Ishamael, MCVV.

Old Business
Radio Spots
Lee Bunting inquired about the radio ad run dates with Learfield Network.  Sarah Dillman explained the spots would run the weeks of October 8th and October 22nd.

Discussion was held on the Farm Family Banquet.

Discussion was held on the remodel of the AISWCD website.

The Executive Committee recommended a conference call that all districts could participate in.  Discussion was held on what would be appropriate and how to coordinate such calls.

Lee Bunting suggested a conference all with all AISWCD officers, directors, and Area Vice Presidents.  The conference was proposed to be two weeks prior to Quarterly Board Meetings. The meeting would be for informational purposes for AISWCD board members to take to Land Use Council meetings.  Lee asked for Quarterly Board packets to be sent to Land Use Council chairs to take to their counsel meetings.  Lee Bunting made a motion to setup conference calls for all AISWCD board members, officers, and Area Vice Presidents two weeks prior to Quarterly Board Meetings, seconded by Norbert Rider, MCVV.

ICCI
Rich Nichols gave an update on forestry verification.  AISWCD can no longer serve as a verifier of forestry acres but Rich is hoping to resolve the issue so districts will be allowed to verify.

Rich Nichols stated a Memorandum of Agreement between districts and AISWCD has been drafted and would be discussed at the board meeting.  Rich stated three districts had sent responses in regards to forestry qualifications, and those individuals would be included in his proposal to the Chicago Climate Exchange in hopes of becoming a verifier of forestry acres again.

New Business
The Illinois Channel
Rich stated he was contacted by a representative of the Illinois Channel who wanted to do a story on AISWCD.  Rich met with the rep and discussed doing a feature on the ICCI program, conservation activities, and/or Envirothon.  The investment was $5,425.  Phyllis Mace made a motion to further pursue the endeavor and explore grants to cover the costs, Sarah Dillman seconded, MCVV. The Illinois Channel programs would air when general assembly is not is session.  Discussion was held.  The committee felt a representative of Illinois Channel should be present to speak at December Quarterly Board.

The Communications discussed recommendations to the Annual Meetings Taskforce to have the Auxiliary’s silent auction, ISWCDEA 50/50 raffle and shirt sales, registration, and expo in one area at next year’s Summer Conference.

Adjournment
Norbert Rider made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Phyllis Mace.  MCVV. The meeting adjourned at 2:14 p.m.