NDCCC MEETING MINUTES
JULY 23, 2002

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm. with the following present: Jerry Meyer, Ed Moen, Patricia J. Keough-Wilson, Bill Nelson, Frayne Olson, Margaret Lougheed, Denise Pinkney, Bruce Anderson, Leonard Larsen, Roger Johnson, Marilyn Kipp, Lynn Clancy, Chuck McCay, Buell J. Reich, Everett Dobrinski, John R Long, Dennis Hill, Adolph Feyereisen, and Ken Astrup.

It was moved by Long, seconded by Dobrinski, to approve the minutes as distributed. MOTION CARRIED.

Dennis Hill distributed the financial report. It showed income of $11,477, expenses of $2,803, leaving a balance on June 30th of $8,143.71. We also have a note receivable for the Quentin Burdick biography of $7,500. It was moved by Reich, seconded by Long, to approve the financial report as distributed. MOTION CARRIED.

Old Business:

Quentin Burdick Biography: Ken reported that Mark Watne had visited with the author, Dan Rylance and was promised that the prologue would be sent this week and everything would be done by August 15th.

New Business:

Marketplace and Marketplace for Kids: Roger Johnson, Marilyn Kipp, and Lynn Clancey distributed a packet of information and provided an update about the programs. Over 6,600 people attended the Thursday session of Marketplace last year, with over 1,000 participating in the Wednesday programs. Over 15,450 kids participated in the seven Marketplace for Kids programs. That program will expand with an additional location next year. They are considering having more programs on Wednesday next year, including a keynote speaker.

They are very appreciative of the involvement of NDCCC in their programs and invited us to have an expanded role in the Wednesday program next year.

Marilyn told the group that the advisory group of teachers involved with Marketplace for Kids is very interested in expanding/developing a curriculum on cooperatives. They would like to see a program developed to start Credit Unions in all North Dakota schools. They are trying to get grad credits for teachers involved in the Marketplace programs. Career exploration will be a bigger part of next year's program.

Listening programs will be conducted around the state this fall to get more input on Marketplace. They are working on getting a business plan contest for college students incorporated into the Marketplace program.

The combined budget for the Marketplace events is $450,000. They try to get 50% of the funding through federal grants and rely on organizations and individuals to fund the balance. They are now a 501(c)(3) corporation. They would like to see the NDCCC increase their contribution for the programs. Many of the grants they receive require a matching contribution.

Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives: Bill Nelson distributed handouts about the Center and the programs they are involved with. He then reviewed the past year's activities and some of the Center's plans for the future. He also informed the group that Margaret Lougheed is now a permanent full time employee of the Center.

State Fair Co-op Day: Ken reported for the committee. Breakfast begins at 7:30 am. The committee met today and mixed the batter and began setting tables. Anyone that wishes to help with set up should be at Pioneer Park by 6:30 am. The ice Cream social will begin at 3:00. The committee would like approval to purchase another grill, for approximately $400. It was moved by Moen, seconded by Buel, to purchase another grill. MOTION CARRIED.

Communication Committee: Denise distributed a handout, outlining the committee's activities and reviewed plans for Co-op Month. They are featuring co-op employees and Williston, as a co-op community this year. Last year's Co-op Month promotion won 1st place in the ND Professional Communicators contest for an institutional relations campaign and a media kit. She also presented their 2003 proposed budget, showing a budget for Co-op month of $1,895 and Legislative Day of $850. It was moved by Keough-Wilson, seconded by Hill, to increase the 2002 Co-op month budget to $1,720. MOTION CARRIED.

Co-op Development Center: Dennis distributed the 2001-2002 annual report. The Center has applied for a grant for next year and should be hearing about the status of the grant in the near future.

Budget: Ken distributed and presented the proposed, compiled by the executive committee. Chuck McCay informed the board that the Farm Credit Federation would not be renewing their membership in 2003. The board has decided to concentrate their membership efforts with the two major farm organizations. He said they would like to consider funding NDCCC projects on a case by case basis. It was moved by Hill, seconded by Long, to amend the proposed budget, by deleting $500 from the membership income, adding Project Revenue and putting $500 in this category, adding $500 to Co-op Month Expense and deleting $1,000 from Co-op Day at the Legislature. These changes would leave revenue at $10,500 and reduce expenses to $11,000. Motion carried.

Other Business:

Dennis distributed a copy of the testimony given by Dennis Boyd at the April 15 meeting of the Legislative Electric Industry Competition Committee. Discussion followed.

Marketplace: the role of the NDCCC at Marketplace was discussed. The QBCC is planning on holding an educational session on Wednesday, prior to the main Marketplace. They are planning on focusing on new co-op development, with the selection of consultants being one of the topics. Nelson urged that board to share any additional ideas for topics with him.

Everett Dobrinski explained the proposed joint venture between Dakota Pride Cooperative and Cantera Seeds. Cantera Seeds is a Canadian seed company. If all goes according to plan , the joint venture should be in place by spring 2003.

Next meeting: The next scheduled board meeting will be held in conjunction with Marketplace in Grand Forks. It will be held Wednesday, January 15, at the Alerus Center. We will plan on having dinner in conjunction with the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Ken Astrup, Secretary

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