March 18, 2003
Meeting called to order by Ann Beard at 9:30 am.
Presiding at the meeting, Ann Beard, Stan Jones, David Jalowy, David Wall, Myron J. Rabalais, Don Telge, Rich Hendler, Ron Held, A. J. Thibodeaux, Steve White, George Pylant, Craig Johnson, and
Treasurer’s report was reviewed by Myron J. Rabalais, with discussions on the scholarship funds, and the need to update the scholarship accts, and checking acct. to account for recreation funds received for the scholarship acct., and scholarship payments made to those receiving scholarships.
Steve White discussed the annual meeting which will be held at the Wyndham hotel in Arlington,TX. The contract has been signed with the Windham for the annual conference on Oct. 27-29,2003. Steve discussed possible agenda topics and speakers, and asked everyone to pass on ideas, and names of possible speakers for the conference. The agenda from the OKVMA was passed around to review for possible ideas and suggestions. Topics considered were, Invasive Species, training and certification, compliance issues.
Rich Hendler presented the Legislative Committee report. Rich suggested we send out a Thank You Note to all the legislators and there representatives for attending the dinner. There is a need to discuss other issues and ideas for next year’s legislative dinner. A list of the attendees to the legislative dinner was captured., with agreeing to send out Thank You notes to all the attendees. Don Telge suggested we consider making the legislative dinner concept an ongoing, year round effort. However, we need to understand, that our tax-exempt status doesn’t allow us to lobby. Ann Beard, continuing this annual legislative event, as well as stay in touch with our legislative contacts, and get involved in certain bills, introduced that pertain to our business. David Wall suggested we get all of our legislative contacts on the TVMA mailing list. Ann mentioned, to get legislative review of our mailings and e-mails, the mailings need to come from someone within this legislators district to get a response. Steve White suggested we put together a TVMA PowerPoint presentation for all board members to use with legislators, as well as present to the TVMA membership.
No scholarship report for this meeting. Rob Brooks could not attend and there were no issues to discuss.
Don Telge, discussed the recommendation that we recommend to the TDA, the concept of a new classification of herbicide applicator certification to be labeled Spray Technician, or “ Certified Service Technician.” David Wall suggested we continue to use TVMA as a vehicle to coordinate, organize and implement future applicator training seminars, however, we don’t want to create more regulations. Don Telge wants to continue efforts to write up a training manual in “ Basic Applicator terminology,” that can be passed on to the managers and owners. Steve White suggested we contact TDA to ask where and how they need help regarding applicator training.
David Jalowy presented the membership update. David and A.J. Thibodeaux attended the County judges and commissioners conference, with good traffic thru the TVMA booth.
A.J. Thibodeaux volunteered to head up the Projects committee with Ann Beard and Steve White.
David Wall agreed to head up a “Recognition Committee to recognize someone for their outstanding service to the industry. Stan Jones and Ron Held volunteered to assist David on the committee.
Ron Held presented an update on the Tax Exempt Status. Ron presented the need to operate under a different name, such as the TEXAS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION to obtain tax exempt status. To change the name we need to invite all members to the next meeting on May 13,2003. Motion was moved by Stan Jones, and seconded by Myron J. Rabalais to invite the total,current membership to the next meeting to discuss changing the name of the association to the TEXAS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. Motion passed.
David Wall then reviewed the distribution tree trimming fact sheet.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am.
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