OUTDOOR WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA Board of Directors Meeting — Fall, 2007 October 7, 2007 Ironstone Vineyards Meeting Room, Murphys, California
President Gary Graham called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM. Roll Call included: Board members: Gary Graham, Craig Hanson, Ken Jones, Jack Holder, Kathie Morgan, Bill Becher, Bill Ryan, Alexia Retallack, John Henigin. Others included: Executive Director Zack Thomas and Treasurer Shirley Miller.
The minutes were accepted as reviewed. Craig Hanson moved. Ken Jones 2nd. Passed unanimously.
Committee Reports: BY LAWS — Kathie Morgan reported that the committee has been working diligently on a revision and update of the current by-laws. They indicate it will be at least another 9 months before they are finished.
AWARDS COMMITTEE — Bill Becher, committee chair, presented revisions to the awards. Bill Ryan moved and Ken Jones 2nd that we accept the revisions as presented. Passed. Becher told that he plans to pre-plan the program to make it shorter and interesting. Zack Thomas asked that all photos from the conference be sent to him so he can forward them to the host and place some of the photos on our web site.
CALIFORNIAN OF THE YEAR — Craig Hanson, chair of this committee, announced that the 2007 award would be presented to State Senator Dave Cogdill of Modesto. Sen. Cogdill won the award primarily for his work on Assembly Bill 7, known as the Inland Fisheries Restoration Act of 2005, which dedicates up to 33 1/3% of the revenue from sport fishing license sales to maintain a schedule of fish production for state hatcheries based on a poundage per license formula.
CRAFT IMPROVEMENT — Craig Hanson, chairman, said there would be four (4) presentations during this fall conference. We are interested in have more of these craft improvement sessions in the future.
CONFERENCES — Zack Thomas and John Henigin reported that we have set up to future Conferences: Spring 2008 will be in Tuolume County (headquartered in Sonora, CA). Fall 2008 the conference will be held in Santa Barbara the 1st or 2nd week in October. Lassen County has indicated an interest for Spring of 2009 Eureka is considering a Fall conference in 2009
ETHICS COMMITTEE — Jack Holder reported that he has reviewed the Ethics Committee suggestions developed by Bill Sunderlund several years ago. These were accepted at that time and they still seem to be pertinent to our present needs.
MARKETING — John Henigin reported on any marketing development ideas, which may be under consideration.
HISTORY — Kathie Morgan keeps the History of OWAC. She suggested that we include in the newsletter reports on Past-Presidents— once each month. She will develop it.
MEMBERSHIP — Gary Graham reported membership has reached 152 with Supporting Membership at over 50.
DIRECTORY — Zack Thomas said he has nearly completed a printed version in Microsoft Word on the complete membership. This Directory will be available on line for any member (or supporting member) who wishes to view it or to download it to their computer. Updates will be available on a bi-monthly basis, if needed.
ONLINE DIRECTORY — Graham said there are 98 to 100 people who have not filled in their information on the web site’s Online Directory that is private for members. If you wish to participate, please e-mail Gary at: garygraham@bajafly.com on how to do that.
NEWSLETTER— Zack is working to make the OWAC NEWS newsletter that is on line, a fancier publication. He wants to include a Photo Gallery, but that can only be accomplished if members submit their photos to him. Send to: z.thomas@mac.com.
OUTDOOR OUTREACH — Ken Jones presented names of five non-profit organizations that deal with the outdoors, environment and/or kids, who have applied for grants from this program. Acorn Soupe Lassen Park Foundation Yosemite Outdoor Advertising Placer Nature Center Anza Borrego Foundation and Institution Bill Becher moved we donate $250 to each of these organizations. Kathie Morgan 2nd. Passed unanimously.
SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE — Zack reported that there is a great deal of support from our supporting members due to the fact they have a solid contact in our organization. Their number has reached over 50, which is higher than in the past.
PUBLICITY — Bill Becher reported that 14 articles about Bishop have been turned in but more are needed. If members have had an article printed on ANY conference, they are encouraged to send a copy to Ken Jones (kenjones@pierfishing.com) for entry into our contest for a free registration for a conference. Additionally, information about the published article should be sent to Bill Becher (bb@becher.com) because he needs to know when and where the public has seen articles.
DIRECTORY, AGAIN — John Henigin, Craig Hanson and Jack Holder all brought up the subject again in favor of a printed directory. It was suggested we sell ads in the back to help pay for the printing costs. Bill Becher moved and Alexia Retallack 2nd moved that we appoint Henigin, Hanson and Holder a committee to investigate the way to pay for a printed directory. They will investigate electronic feasibility, distribution options, sponsorship of the project and/or increase in membership dues. Passed.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — Zack Thomas told how they are working to expand the newsletter. Editorial Guidelines and Contacts for Members Only will be included. There will be Updates on conferences, new Supporting Members listings and offerings. He is also working on an updated Supporting Member brochure. Graham stated that he is has found Zack very easy to work with and help coordinate all of the necessary materials and information to keep the organization running smoothly. He has been delighted with his performance and Zack as met and exceeded all of our expectations for the office of Executive Director.
BY-LAWS — A discussion followed asking for submission of the revised by-laws to be presented at the Spring 2008 board of directors meeting. Bill Becher moved and Ken Jones 2nd that the by-laws be changed to show that the Annual Meeting of Members will be held after the Board of Directors meeting at the same conference. Passed.
LEGENDS OF OWAC — Jack Holder presented an idea about a special “award,” or “presentation” or “plaque” for a Legend of OWAC. The consensus of the board that this idea should be dropped until something more concrete is presented.
RAFFLE — Bill Ryan suggested that our raffle proceeds should be designated to a specific place. He suggested something to honor John Reginato. Following a discussion, it was agreed that this is not necessary and we will continue to forward the money to our Outdoor Outreach program that supports other non-profit organizations in the State of California.
AUDITS — Gloria Jones is working on Audits along with Zack and Gary. One-third of all members are audited each year.
FAM TRIP — John Henigin said he would like to see some type of Fam Trip to Baja California offered for working members of OWAC. He and Zack will look into it.
Gary Graham thanked everyone for attending the meeting — we had 100% of our board at the meeting. Jack Holder moved and Bill Becher 2nd the meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Zack Thomas Executive Director
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