NDCCC Meeting Minutes
January 8, 1998
The meeting was called to order by President James Link. Those present included: James Link, Ben Axtman, Dennis Hill, Patricia Estes, LeAnn Achtenberg, Gaylen DeBey, Bob Breuer, Kim Nesvig, Bill Nelson, Frayne Olson, Liz Reinhiller, Denise Spanjer, Robert Carlson, David Crothers, Everett Dobrinski and Ken Astrup.
It was moved by Robert Carlson, seconded by Gaylen DeBey to approve the minutes as distributed. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by Everett Dobrinski, seconded by Gaylen DeBey to approve the financial report as distributed, with the notation that Cenex has not yet paid their dues from last year. MOTION CARRIED.
Old Business:
Burdick Center For Cooperatives: Frayne Olson updated the group on the Burdick Center activities. The USDA survey on non-ag co-ops and the potential for them has been completed and is in the process of being compiled and published. The web site is still in progress. The Burdick biography is progressing slower than expected. The draft is not yet back from the editor. The update on Dr. Cobia's textbook is dragging out. The University is putting together a focus group for discussion of traditional co-op needs to see if there is anything the Center can do to help them. Ralph Morris will be the speaker at the Al Bloomquist Lecture Series, March 31. The Center is developing an intensive training program for directors of new generation cooperatives. Dr. Bill Nelson was introduced as the new director of the Center. He has been in the Ag Econ department at NDSU for a number of years. He reviewed his background and some of his vision for the Center. His number one priority is to move forward as rapidly as possible on the training for new generation co-op directors.
Cooperative Development Center: Denise Spanjer distributed a written update on the projects the Center has been working on and reported on the status of Northern Plains Premium Beef. Sixty percent of NPPB contributors want to find a partner and continue the project. The Board has been downsized to eleven, eight that are elected and three appointed, and the members fee increased to $300. Liz Reinhiller reported that the Center has received a Federal Grant of approximately $150,000 for next year. Response has been positive to Dakota Prairie Beef, a 10,000 head cattle finishing feedlot, to be located at Gascoyne. Membership will cost $250, with shares at $55-$60 per head. Kim Nesvig reported on the co-op housing project in the Grand Forks area. They are focusing on Townhouse style housing. There will be a Rural Development Conference in Bismarck, April 1 and 2. The Rural Development tour is scheduled for May 27 and 28. All NDCCC members are invited to participate.
Marketplace Co-op Night: Discussion was held on the event. Approximately 200 people participated. Sessions were interesting. There needs to be some 'meat' put into the sessions. The names of the speakers and their topics need to be publicized better. It was moved by David Crothers, seconded by Everett Dobrinski to continue NDCCC sponsorship of the event and that a committee should be appointed to assist in planning. MOTION CARRIED.
The subject should be the driving force as to the format, but the group likes the idea of only a small number of sessions. Possible suggestion for next year could be Co-ops in Telecommunications/Technology. The focus should be motivational, informational, social. There was no interest in having the NDCCC put on a skit similar to the play presented this year.
State Fair Co-op Day: Is planned for July 20. The activities will be the same as last year.
Co-op Month: Patricia Estes distributed their report. It was moved by Everett Dobrinski, seconded by Gaylen DeBey to sponsor Co-op Month. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by Gaylen DeBey, seconded by David Crothers to continue sponsorship of the Spirit Award. After much discussion, the motion was withdrawn and the issue will be on the agenda for the next board meeting. It was moved by Gaylen DeBey, seconded by Robert Carlson to have the communications committee work with the Burdick Center to get NDCCC information on their web site. MOTION CARRIED.
Ken will send the dues bill along with the minutes.
The issue of co-op taxation was raised. Ken will contact all NDCCC members to determine what kinds of taxes each of them pay and will in turn send the information to all NDCCC members.
Election of Officers:
The following were all nominated and elected unanimously.
President: Everett Dobrinski
Vice-President: Craig Headland
Treasurer: Dennis Hill
Secretary: Ken Astrup
The next meeting will be July 28, the night before Co-op Day at the State Fair. It will begin with a meal.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Astrup, Secretary