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Assembly of Extension Program Leaders Executive Committee

Conference Call (May 20, 2005)

Present: Ralph Rayburn (Chair), Nancy Balcom (Chair-elect), Paula Cullenberg (Secretary/Treasurer), Bill DuPaul (Past-Chair), Jim Hurley (At-large), Frank Lichtkoppler (Great Lakes Regional Rep), Jim Murray (National Sea Grant), John Woeste (Sea Grant Review Panel), Paul Olin (Pacific Regional Rep), Dale Baker (Mid-Atlantic Regional Rep).

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ralph Rayburn at 12:30 Central time.

Review of Agenda for Assembly meeting at Sea Grant Week: Ralph noted that the Assembly meeting begins at 8:30 on Sunday, June 5 at Samoset Resort. Jim M. noted that he has talked with Ron Baird about his comments.. Jim suggested that we think about Sea Grant Extension institute concept, since Ron is interested in our thoughts on that. (Paula – I suggest scratching what Ron Baird might say – because it would pre-empt him or he might change his mind on what to say)

Paul Olin asked about new initiatives he had heard about, $750,000 for regional programming - is there a new competition happening? Jim noted that the RFP hasn't come out and that Leon Cammen is the contact. He'll ask Ron Baird to address it. He'll get more information for the meeting. Jim thinks idea was to pick up three regions for $250,000 each.

At the meeting, Jim will also present the results of the extension staff survey and will discuss the role of Ports and Harbor specialists, CCD and Law program. Ron will be asking the Panel to review these programs.

Jim Hurley gave an update on the National Extension Award. Winner has been chosen. He would also like to recognize the regional winners during the Assembly meeting. Group agreed that program leaders will speak briefly about each of the nominated programs.

Jim Murray also noted that the position, formerly held by Lynne Hinkey, is open through today. Another position at COS is called outreach manager. Funded by a Sea Grant FTE, this position has been filled by Trish Ryan.

Other Items for Sea Grant Week meeting:

• Bylaws have been updated and reviewed by the bylaws committee. Paula will see that they are posted on the Assembly website.
• Discussion of the next Beltway Brown Bag. The administration is expected roll out the aquaculture bill next month, so a brown bag focusing on offshore aquaculture in mid June would be timely.
• Nominations committee. Current committee can continue or can come up with new names at the upcoming Assembly meeting to develop a slate for nominees later in the year.
• 06 Assembly meeting. Ralph received and passed on a packet from Chapas with information about the ASGEPL meeting next spring in Puerto Rico. A group will be assembled at the Sea Grant Week meeting to help Chapa and his staff organize this event.
• Survey from Assembly members – Ralph will summarize the points that had the most consensus and we will discuss officer term limits, etc.
• Survey of all SG extension professionals is still under revision and will be reviewed at SG week. Draft will be sent out in the packet prior to the Assembly meeting.
• Bill DuPaul has organized Past Chair Awards – all plaques have been made and he will absorb the cost.

Barry Costa Peirce asked to have a USAID rep from the Coastal Resource Center at URI speak about international programs. Jim M. noted that an international aquaculture program is looking for technical assistance needs in about 7 countries. He'll be emailing the assembly about opportunities to send folks out. There will be a number of international Sea Grant presentations. The sentiment was that Barry could perhaps address the SGEPL at the end of its Sunday meeting.

Ralph noted that he will be gone for the Wednesday session that starts at 10:30. Nancy will chair.

Discussion of upcoming Beltway Brown Bag.

These have served as a good exchange to date and a positive initiative for Sea Grant.
Mid June administration's offshore aquaculture bill is expected to be rolled out and this may be a good opportunity to do a brown bag. In recognition of Alaska's concerns, Ralph reiterated our role as an honest broker. June 20th has been identified as a possible date. We have to make sure that it is coordinated with NOAA's own PR program. Jim noted that Jamie can help with that and also that he would be on leave that week.

Meeting ended at 2:55 Central time.

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