SWS South Central Chapter
Fall Business Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2001 – Cleveland, MS

The Business Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists South Central Chapter was called to order at 1130 by Ron Boustany, President, with 32 members present. Boustany welcomed all and thanked attendees for their participation in the meeting. A quorum was declared by Secretary/Treasurer, Rebecca Howard, and the meeting commenced.

Minutes: A copy of the minutes from the May 2001 Chapter meeting in Chicago, IL, was distributed by Howard to meeting attendees for review. A motion was made to accept the minutes, and the motion passed.

Treasurer Report: The 2001 Annual Treasurer Report was submitted to attendees by Howard (Attachment A). The report summarizes deposits and withdrawals to the Chapter account that have occurred since the 2000 Annual Financial Report, which was submitted October 1, 2000. Total Chapter assets as of October 1, 2001 were $7,842.47, which includes $2,000 in a CD opened in April 2001; the CD has a two-year term at a fixed interest rate of 4.88%.

Standing Committees:

1. Membership -- Howard reported that South Central Chapter membership in 2001 stands at 477 people, as listed in the national Society records. At least 20 new members were recruited through the workshops assocated with this meeting.

2. Program -- Marge Holland, President-elect, announced that the Fall 2002 Chapter meeting will be held in Baton Rouge, LA and will be hosted by Dr. Andy Nyman. Details on the meeting will be posted on the Chapter website as they are finalized.

3. Nominations -- Past-President Mark Ford, Chair, noted that the success of the Chapter depends on active participation of the members and tabled this issue for discussion under New Business.

4. Affiliations / ByLaws / Special Issues -- No chairs exist for these committees. The membership has agreed to let these committees remain chairless until a need arises to make them functional.

5. Archives -- Chair Ron Boustany noted that the archives have been established in a file box housed at the National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, LA. He requested that anyone who has any materials appropriate for the archives send them on to him. Howard specifically requested any records of the Chapter finances dated prior to 1998.

6. Special Committees:

SWS 2003. Lisa Gandy, chair of the SWS 2003 planning committee, was not present at the meeting. She provided a written summary of planning progress that was distributed by Boustany. The theme established for the meeting is: ‘Wetland Stewardship: Changing Landscapes and Interdisciplinary Challenges.’ Emphasis areas in the next few months should be developing a meeting logo for use as a graphic in advertising materials. An additional major emphasis must be obtaining sponsorship funds. The sponsorship committee must raise an estimated $60,000 to $100,000 over the next year to effectively conduct business. All committee chairs and committee members are posted on the website, and plenty of opportunities for involvement remain for any new volunteers.

Chapter Website. Chair Darrin Dantin announced that the new website design has been completed and the site is up and running. He solicited feedback and comments for any additional information that should be posted. The site includes a link to a section dealing with the SWS 2003 meeting.

Old Business
1. Meeting Guidelines -- Boustany noted that the guide for planning and conducting the Chapter fall meetings will be updated based on new experiences and additional information. This guide will be posted on the Chapter website.

New Business
1. Fall 2002 Meeting -- Boustany noted that Andy Nyman has offered to host the meeting in Baton Rouge. The location was approved by the Board.

2. Spring 2002 Elections -- Past-President Mark Ford called for nominations for the following positions in the May 2002 election: President-Elect and two Board members. Nominations must be received by Ford by February 2002. The 2002 election will conducted primarily through the SWS website, but traditional paper ballots will be available. Ford noted that 45 people, about 10% of the membership, participated in our last election.

3. New Committee -- Howard proposed that the website be designated as a standing committee rather than a special committee. This proposal was seconded, and a vote will be taken at the spring Chapter meeting; a two-thirds majority is required to establish a standing committee.

4. Board Issues -- Boustany invited any member to submit issues of concern to him for presentation at the mid-year Board meeting of the International organization in January 2002.

The meeting was adjourned by President Ron Boustany at 1230.

Minutes submitted by:
Rebecca Howard, Secretary/Treasurer.

Attachment A
Society of Wetland Scientists - South Central Chapter
Annual Treasurer Report

October 5, 2001

Total Assets: October 1, 2000 $7,239.48
Account Activity: October 1, 2000 - September 30, 2001

Fall 2000 Meeting Profit $565.41

Total Assets: October 1, 2001

Checking Account Balance 5842.47
CD, 2 Years (04/03 maturity) 2000.00
$7842.47

Prepared By:
Rebecca Howard, Secretary/Treasurer