Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State
Executive Board Meeting
December 4, 2024

Held on Zoom

ATTENDANCE

Present were: President Tana Hasart, Exec VP Cathi Lamoreux, Treasurer Gilbert Plascencia, Secretary John Strong, State Program Lead Jennifer Marquis, Debbie Benbow, Erin Hoover.

OPENING

President Tana opened the meeting at 4:05 pm. Informal discussion about TechSoup.

STATE LEADER REPORT

Jennifer reported on current MOA status re: WSU and local foundations.

15 MOAs are current, 7 of which are on the current template. (That template is being reviewed.) 8 MOAs are much different from any template. 7 MOAs have expired. While we plan to have these renewed soon, there is not significant urgency.

In a review of the health of county <–> foundation relationships, the following describes current status:

  • 9 need regular support
  • 2 are in severe jeopardy
  • 2 have transformed and are very positive
  • 11 are very quiet, and the status is unknown.

Work continues to develop and maintain the important relationship between county programs and foundations.

BOARD SURVEY

The survey will ask for input on the board’s annual report, and ask for ideas for direction for the future. “What do you want us to take forward? what should we leave behind? what would make us even stronger?” Tana and Debbie are developing the survey and it will go out very soon. .

RETREAT PLANNING

Patty Ratzlaff has secured room for us at the Kittitas Valley Event Center, 901 E. 7th, Ellensburg in the Armory Room A. Scheduled January 25, 2025 (Saturday) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Details about a pot-luck lunch to come.

Items for consideration in this meeting:

  • Updated version of our strategic plan
  • Priorities and lead assignments
  • Orientation for new board members, including training in financial affairs, corporate documents, and more.
  • Detailed org chart to depict how we are organized and how we operate.

ENDOWED CHAIR CAMPAIGN

The meeting scheduled for November 25th to lay out the plan for 2025 had to be postponed due to a death in Dean Vicki McCracken’s family.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 6 p.m