NCIFT MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Minutes August 27, 2015

NCIFT Executive Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2015  

Attendees:
Marty Potnick
Elizabeth Cuff
Carol Cooper
Erin Evers
Bruce Ferree
Russ Nishikawa
Craig Rothe
Brad Olson
Stacey Hawley
Nikoo Arasteh
Olivia Nahoum
Irene Pagana
Pamela Tom
Earl Weak
Kirin Basva
Brian Chau

Meeting was brought to order at 6:30PM at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Pleasanton.  

Minutes from last meeting-Minutes from last meeting were not reviewed.

Introductions: Each member was asked to introduce themselves along with their new position they’ll be responsible for in the coming fiscal year Sept. 1-Aug. 2016.  Marty welcomed the new members.

• Brad suggested sending out job descriptions to not only inform people what is expected of them this year, but also to obtain feedback and input if revisions need to be considered.
• Marty reminded everyone that you must be a member of IFT in order to hold a position, and echoed Brad’s comments about needing to review position descriptions.
   

Bi-Laws: Marty review bi-laws and legalities

Appeal to volunteer: An appeal was made to invite more people to volunteer their time and abilities in order to make NCIFT sufficient to meet the needs of our membership.

• We discussed student scholarships along with how to engage UCD students in our programs
   

Budget Review: NCIFT has 935 members and we reviewed the 2015-2016 budget.  We also discussed the Cruess Scholarship Trust and how we need to separate funds.  Also define what they expect from us.  Craig has just accepted an invitation from National IFT to serve as the Chair of the 2016 William V. Cruess Award for Excellence in Teaching Jury.

• Marty thanked everyone for the success of this year’s events and asked for input regarding next year’s events.
• Dues adjustment-discussion ensued about if we should adjust dues and Russ made an emphatic plea to increase to $20.  Stacey seconded and while the motion carried, there was one person opposed to it.
• Marty made an appeal to generate revenue
• Bruce motioned to accept/approve budget and motion was seconded by Russ and motion was carried unanimously.  
   

Central Valley Chapter: Bruce provided a synopsis of the current state of affairs with CVIFT.  Highlights include:

• The CVIFT is in violation of their bi-laws
• Suggestion to dissolve this chapter
• Events should be planned in their area, including a New Professionals meeting
• Legal review
   

Record Keeping: While we could really use a Historian, we were reminded that we need to keep better records, including flyers, sign in sheets, pictures, etc., and these should be provided to the Secretary.

Hornblower: Carol made an appeal for event pictures.  Also, all articles should be submitted by 9/15.

Upcoming Events: Erin has NP scheduled for a Brewery Tour on Sept. 10^th and another event planned for Oct. 12^th during the Almond Board meeting in Modesto. Liz discussed the Oct. 13^thOctoberfest at Beep’s in Livermore and our Dec. 3^rd Holiday Party at Wente Vineyards in Livermore. Marty brought up a tour of Mercer Foods and suggested that we also hold FSMA training.  Other events discussed included UC Davis night in February, the Symposium in May along with our Expo and Golf events.  Brad suggested that Exec Com plan the events and for everyone to take ownership. Nikoo brought up FIG in Sacramento.

We recognized Marty for his outstanding leadership as past Chair of NCIFT and welcomed Liz into her new role.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.