Empire Sheep Producers Association
Annual Meeting
18 January 2003
Cornell Teaching and Research Center Ithaca, NY

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Sheep & Goat Marketing Summit and the Quinterly Sheep Management Day at Cornell. Bob Padulla gave an overview of the Loan Defiency Payments for Wool.

Present were officers Keith and Kathy Stumbo and Betsy Hodge. Jim Dunham was unable to attend. About 30 people stayed on for the meeting in the pavilion. Our ASI rep from southwestern Pennsylvania attended the meeting.

Meeting starts about 4:30. Keith will run the meeting today.

Dave Campbell made the motion to wave the requirement/by-laws to hold regional elections of directors and allow the members present at the annual meeting to do the elections for 2003. Seconded by Pat Parsons. Passed.

A motion made to elect six directors and slate of officers by Gene Wright and seconded by Dave Campbell. Passed.

Region 1 – Heidi Simmons
Region 2 - Don Otterness
Region 3 – Jean Walsh
Region 4 – Mary Gloster
Region 5 – Mark Fiegel
Region 6 – Pete MacDonald

Officers:
President Keith Stumbo
Vice-President Todd Parsons
Tresurer Kathy Stumbo
Secretary Betsy Hodge

Kathy reported that Jefferson County joined as an associate member. Betsy will find out who their representative will be.

Make it with Wool Contest – 2 Candidates are going to National ASI meeting in Washington DC

Kathy presented the treasurer’s report. Frank Wiles made a motion to accept the report and it was seconded by Mark Fiegel. There was discussion about the roof repair item. Should it be included in the annual budget of presented as a separate item.

Frank made a motion to accept the budget without the roof line item. Seconded by Mark and passed.

Dave Campbell made a motion to pay for the roof at the same amount as in the budget. Seconded by Heidi Simmons and passed.

Discussion of the ASI national convention. Keith reported that Nancy Morey was interested in attending. Todd Parsons was also interested or encouraged to go. A cap of $500.00 expenses was set.

Todd Parsons proposed a resolution to support the continuation of the Northeast Marketing Program in any way that ASI can. Mary Gloster seconded the motion. Passed.

Discussion of the Newsletter in Country Folks: Mary Gloster wondered if we should try to put it in the Journal of Northeast Agriculture. Jean Walsh has offered to help coordinate the newsletter. Betsy Hodge also offered to work with Jean. The contact person is Janice Handy at Country Folks. The contents must be to her by 1 week before the date.
Dates: Feb 24
April 24
June 30
Aug 25
Oct 27
Dec. 29

General Discussion:
Frank Wiles suggested that a small portion of our membership fees go towards the marketing program. At this point there is not enough money but with greater membership that would be possible

Keith Stumbo suggested that we might consider having two vice-presidents in the future – one for meat and one for wool. He also suggested that we change from elections to nominations voted on at the annual meeting. The topics will be taken up by the board at a later date.

There was some discussion of a list of responsibilities for the directors – like membership recruitment.

Jean Walsh had sent word that she thought we should be assisting Todd Parsons with the Wool Festival. Todd said that he didn’t need monetary help but needed participation and volunteers.

Keith said he would like to see our important dates listed in the ASI bulletin. Get dates to Betsy!

The next Board of Directors meeting was set for Friday May 30th at Cobleskill at 7:00 pm

Meeting Adjourned