Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State
Executive Board Meeting
May 7, 2025

Held on Zoom

ATTENDANCE

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

OPENING

President Tana opened the meeting and called on Jennifer to report on three topics: MOA Template work, WSU Budget, Green School.

STATE PROGRAM REPORT

MOA

Jennifer reported that the work of the committee to review and recommend a template for MOAs between local foundations and WSU Extension is complete. Each section’s intent was clearly defined and agreed upon. Several of the important details included:

  • Show clarity of the relationship between WSU Extension Master Gardener Program (EMG) and Foundations (MOA partners.)
  • Clearly state that the role of foundations is to support EMG, and only EMG. Foundations will not provide material or financial support to any entity that is not directly related to EMG.
  • Help to define the requirements for foundation boards and membership, including voting rights.
  • Clarify and emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation between the MOA partners.
  • Volunteers, while wearing two hats – that of EMG and of Foundation must always approach business as EMG volunteers first.
  • Recognize that together we have a matrixes organizational structure. Both EMG and Foundation have roles and responsibilities that are, at times, unique. Decisions by Program and Foundation each impact the other partner. But both must work together and make decisions together.
  • Language in the MOA must be clear, without being overly prescriptive.

Tana and Jennifer will meet on the coming Friday to develop a companion document, which will help to explain the MOA template.

WSU Budget

Today’s financial environment is creating challenges across the board. University enrollments are down; the State has budget shortfalls, Federal programs are in flux and leave many questions about funding.

WSU leaders are asking departments and programs to plan for budget reductions from one percent to ten percent. They have made clear that there will be no blanket cuts, but that each budgeted entity will be reviewed for its importance to the overall mission of the University. They have placed a strategic pause on hiring, travel, and new spending.

Green School

Marketing has begun. Materials are being finalized. Green School is on track for a successful launch this fall.

It is important that local programs and foundations market both tracks of Green School.

Local training teams are working on their roles in the training. Feedback so far indicates that the lesson plans available have been a great help in developing that training.

The new handbook (the text of the course) will be available for no charge to master gardeners when accessibility requirements have been completed, probably in 2026.

FINANCIAL

Gilbert reviewed the April reports, which show limited activity. Of note is that over $5,000 in AEC sponsorships has been collected so far.

AEC

Cathi noted that we have four open slots in the program. It is noteworthy that some potential speakers (especially those from government agencies) are non-committal, with concern that they may not be employed in the near future, and that their agencies may or may not be able to participate.

The AEC committee has spent some time talking about 2026-27. Alternate formats and new creative ideas are being considered. This year’s format, with six locally hosted watch parties, will be informative in those future plans.

Registration opens June 1st, and Early Bird pricing goes until the end of June.

Erin noted that her new podcast, to be released soon, has all the details about the conference.

Sponsorships: Dave Scott has been out of country, but is now making contacts. We are finding that potential sponsors are non-committal, perhaps with the economic uncertainty that is affecting several of the other topics in these minutes.

COMMUNICATION TEAM

Joyce has been doing a great job with social media, email and more! We are looking for ways to grow our mailing lists, for AEC, podcast, and newsletter.

1% FOR THE PLANET

Jennifer related an experience she had while socializing in Maine recently, during which she met the owner of a brewery that she enjoyed, and was impressed by his success and the way he supported climate change and other social concerns. Upon researching it she discovered that his business is a member of 1% For The Planet.

Dean Wendy Powers has researched this organization, and says that she would support MGFWS if we choose to join with them. Tana asked for our recommendation about joining. No response was heard. It seems that we don’t feel we have enough information to recommend either for or against participating with them. Tana will resend information to us all.

BOARD ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

Tana said the Handbook is ready for posting and distribution following a final review of links. She referred to a proposed schedule of orientation training segments to be held at remaining full board meetings this year. The group agreed the schedule is a good one.

FULL BOARD AGENDA

The proposed agenda includes a review of Policies and Procedures, MOA, Officer nominations, AEC, and UFW review by Mike Peronto. A suggestion was made to develop a list of fund-raising ideas that local chapters use, and make it available to all through the website, as another service provided by MGFWS.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m