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Meeting Minutes East Coast Shellfish Growers Association First Annual meeting February 24, 2004 at 7:30, at the 24th Annual Milford Aquaculture Seminar.
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 by Bob Rheault. Bobs PowerPoint presentation gave an overview of the development and progress made by the association so far. Introduced our new Executive Director Ed Rhodes, who was hired on at Ό time.
Gef Flimlin displayed charter member certification for those first members who joined in 2003. Discussed Bylaws and their ratification. Not all members had viewed them and where concerned about voting on ratifying a document they had not seen. There was some discussion about modes of communication. Future meeting notices will be sent in the mail. Policy review and discussion will still be through e-mail (especially listserve) unless a member requests copy via mail.
It was stressed that the bylaws were required by the IRS. Perry Hall made a motion to approve and ratify bylaws. Seconded by Jeff Gardner. Passed unanimously by voting members present.
Slate of officers discussed. President Bob Rheault Vice President Tom Gallivan Secretary Karen Rivara Treasurer Gef Flimlin
John Wadsworth made a motion to approve slate of officers. Seconded by Jeff Gardner. Passed unanimously by voting members present.
Bob reviewed the accomplishments of the ECSGA over the last year. They are:
Attended NOAA/NMFS Fish Fry this was a lobbying event in DC. ECSGA went as guest chef. ECSGA members Bob Rheault and Tom Kehoe along with our Executive Director, Ed Rhodes, lobbying on Capital Hill with members of the Pacific Coast Growers Association and the Gulf Coast Oyster industry. Ed Rhodes and ECSGA members met with CT, NY and RI congressional reps. Members were able to tag along with National Fisheries Institute members to discuss COOL (Country of origin labeling), ACOE interest in treating shell as fill in Humboldt Bay, and specialty crop marketing.
ECSGA committee reports: Marketing Committee - Tom Kehoe stated that they met at the Boston Seafood Show. Discussed bringing in members. BMP Committee- Sandy Macfarlane reported that he survey of the industry showed that the East coast was comprised of mostly small growers. She is confident that we will get funding to produce BMPs germane to the east coast industry. She said that a majority of the budget would be devoted to the extensive travel required. Communication Committee See minutes above regarding accomplishments. Regulations Committee - Bob Rheault reported emphasis put on environmental benefits of shellfish farming. Research Committee - Gregg Rivara reported he would like to send a letter to a list of Grantors that would introduce our association and involve us in RFP development, setting funding goals, review proposals and increase our chances of getting funding. Would like grantors to know who we are, not only so we can receive funding but also so we can help them stay focused on industry needs. Asked for suggestion regarding grantors to add to list.
Bob Rheault continued to review goals and accomplishments of association. He outlined: Marketing goals such as involving the ECSGA in events like the Fish Fry. Communication goals; the need for products such as benefits brochure, action alert distribution to members, website development, and development of BMPs. Issues and priorities as stated in our mission statement. Grant funding
o Jefferson grant for food/ food safety/farm-to-market issues. A grant
of $30,000 could go toward salary and o Grant proposal due 2/24, will know in April if we got the grant, will get $ in Sept. Eel grass interactions research proposal outlining benefits/impact of shellfish aquaculture. Tessa Getchis is working on this proposal.
Other issues: Regulatory consistency; ACOE/NMFS Cadmium concentration is shellfish. COOL Post Harvest Treatment requirements for shellfish. Bob stressed that on these issues the ECSGA will operate by consensus. Group suggested that the next meeting be held at the Maryland Watermans show. Members are asked to come up with ideas for contacting legislators. Meeting adjourned 9:30pm
Minutes submitted for review by Karen Rivara - Secretary |