Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State
Executive Board Meeting
October 2, 2024
Held on Zoom
ATTENDANCE
Present were: President Tana Hasart, Exec VP Cathi Lamoreux, Treasurer Gilbert Plascencia, Secretary John Strong, Past President Don Enstrom, State Program Lead Jennifer Marquis, Patricia Bosh, Erin Hoover, Debbie Benbow, and Steve Spitzer.
OPENING
President Tana opened the meeting at 4:00 pm.
STATE LEADER REPORT
Jennifer spoke briefly about an All Extension dispersed-model conference she recently attended. She is working on contracts, MOAs, and developing a MOA template to help simplify the MOA process for regular county renewals.
She also reported that the Extension Master Gardener National Committee is close to submitting their 501(c)(3) paperwork. Once that is approved, we will turn over the remaining funds they have deposited with us for management during this interim period.
TREASURER REPORT
Gilbert shared the financial reports as of September 30 and noted that he believes all numbers from the 2024 AEC are shown. The conference was clearly a financial success. He reminded us of our committed contribution to the Endowed Chair campaign from conference profits will be about $10,000.
CHAPTER RENEWALS
Tana noted that 2025 is the year for Independent chapter renewals, and it will begin soon.
2024 AEC
Gilbert suggested we send thank you’s to sponsors soon. Debbie said they are in progress. Tana suggested we include an appeal for permanent sponsorships. Jennifer will also include thank you’s from WSU.
Debbie said they met with Live Oak today and had a good recap. 633 tickets were sold (after 8 refunds). Tickets for recorded classes are now available on Eventbrite. There is a tentative plan to create small packages of class recordings for sale at the NW Flower and Garden Festival next February.
A wrap-up meeting of the conference will take place next week, on the 9th, at 10:00 am.
The planning team has asked Live Oak for a 2025 proposal.
BYLAWS TRANSITION
Tana pointed out that with the new bylaws, we have a much smaller Executive committee. It is important that we stay in touch with those moving off the committee, and include them in our meetings when appropriate. Those prior members will be recognized at our November meeting.
STRATEGIC GOALS
It is important to update the goals we set at our prior planning session. Cathi suggested we review them at least annually; Don feels a review every six months will help to ensure the goals are right. Gilbert would like us to get input from a broader audience, assuring we are putting the right things out in front. Debbie suggests a survey at our November meeting. Steve thought to repeat the type of survey he did earlier this year. Patricia suggested sending out our current goals and completion status and then asking for input.
Jennifer wants to have program goals reviewed in parallel with ours, and can use Staying Mission Driven for input.
Tana is close to being finished with a report on our progress. She would like to have an in-person Executive retreat in January, perhaps in Ellensburg.
NW Flower and Garden Festival
Jennifer reported that planning is underway for the NWFGF. Program coordinators have been asked for a list of potential volunteers to work at our booth. Our theme this year will be “Changing Climate”. The booth will have a new look.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT POSITION
The candidate we had for this position is on hold due to family issues.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m