Executive Board Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by President, Richard Boland. In attendance: Richard Boland, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, Ash Tyler, Hilton Holcomb, David Barkley, Charlie Spencer and Cathie Rod.

The members discussed the presentation by Milton Coleman on The NC Cooperative Extension Service Foundation given at the August board meeting. Questions on other associations being part of this service, payment of interest to what party, advantages and disadvantages were raised. Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman will check with other groups that are already invested in this system. Shirley made a MOTION to table the NC Agricultural Foundation Inc. discussion of this matter until November for information to be gathered. The motion was seconded by Hilton Holcomb and carried. Mr. Coleman will be invited to attend the BCMGVA board meeting on November 15. If the board decides to invest in this foundation, Mr. Coleman will be invited to present this proposal to the general meeting on November 29.

Gardens: Hilton Holcomb reported the new shed at the green house area will be constructed next week with the help of inmate labor. This is being built outside the fenced area with partial funds from MG budget. The inmate labor will also address drainage issues in the planted bed areas at the green house plus build more tables for the green house.
The garden areas need plants moved and more plants added. The fountain to the front of the Extension Offices is being repaired and there was discussion on the purchase of a power washer.

Greenhouse: Ash Tyler has picked out plants for the October sale and will be picking these up shortly. Volunteers will be needed to ready all for sale as well as plants for next year's sales.
Ash reported that the Restitution program currently has 9 juveniles working on Saturday mornings. Juveniles are coming from both the Teen court and Juvenile court system to repay their fines from criminal actions.

Vice President: Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman stated all speakers for 2008 general meetings have been confirmed with a list attached. She also stated a change in the October guest speaker to Marcia P. Doering the Arboretum Coordinator from New Hanover County.
Shirley reminded all of the change in the start time for the September general meeting to 10:00 and asked Charlie to e-mail all members of this change.
The NC State MG Conference for 07 currently has 349 registered.
Regarding Brunswick County hosting the State Conference for 08: The registration fee of $125 was determined adequate for the cost of the Sea Trail site. Discussion of the food covered by the registration fee was to eliminate breakfasts in order to be cost effective and keep cost of food under $90 per person. Shirley spoke about getting sponsors to donate cash or merchandise, advertisements for programs and selling space to vendors during the conference from Brunswick, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach as a ways to help defray costs. Reasonable room rates, discounts on golf, free shuttle to beach as well as a spa are some of the perks for this site. A deposit of $1,000 is needed at the signing of the contract which will be taken from the BCMGVA contingency fund as a loan. Any profit from the conference will be split with the host county and the NC State MG Association. Shirley will e-mail a list of the committees needed and is having a meeting on Wednesday, October 3 at 1:00 in the general meeting room at the Extension Center.

Coordinator: Charlie Spencer listed upcoming dates to remember.
Plant sale October 4, 5 and 6 with volunteer help need to set up area.
Heritage Day - Saturday, October 6 at Indigo Farm - an e-mail will give details.
Life on the Farm - October 18, 19 and 26. New volunteers will be partnered with experienced volunteers.
Spring 2008 - recreating 2007 program at Supply Elementary.
Park and Rec. request of labels for plants and trees along newly cut trail through woods next to greenhouse area. This may be started next spring. A donation for these signs has been requested.
Charlie had a hand out for a proposed trip in spring 2008 to many sights in VA to be taken with New Hanover and Pender County MG members.
Charlie stated the need for a 16ft. trailer to be purchased and used by multiple agencies of the Extension Center as well as the MG association. Grant funding will be pursued with more information to follow.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30.

Respectfully submitted,
Cathie Rod, Recording Secretary