NCIFT MEETING MINUTES

Meeting Minutes February 18, 2015

NCIFT Executive Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2015

Attendees:
Earl Weak
John Ashby
Martin Gil
Carol Cooper
Marty Potnick
Pam Vaillancourt
Stacey Hawley
Russ Nishikawa
Craig Rothe
Elizabeth Cuff
Melissa Hughes
Brad Olsen

Meeting was brought to order at 1:35PM at the Sheraton Hotel next to the Sacramento Convention Center where NCIFT members and their guests had just heard Richard Stier, Consulting Food Scientist deliver a presentation on “Food Safety in Developing Nations.”

Minutes from Last Meeting-Minutes from our meeting on September 11, 2014 were recapped by Marty, and unanimously accepted.

Elections/Appointments/Needs/Promotions
Marty commented on the Treasurer position and conformity with National IFT, stating that it needs to be an elected position in California.  He also stressed need to review IFT’s policy and bylaws.  Structure has changed but we can maintain things that have worked for us, i.e. Membership Secretary and Elected vs. Appointed Positions.  Board and Ex Com going forward, where Board approves recommendations of Ex Com.   The question was asked, should we include Central Valley (currently a sub-section in the Stockton/Modesto/Merced geography)?  Russ said that membership is less active, despite events that were held in that area like the Gallo winery event and Hilmar Cheese, etc.  Possibility exists for us to include CV members within Ex Con, perhaps as Members-At-Large.  Carol suggested we enlist Nominating Committee to assist with this, and Brad suggested the language to read, “it is preferred to have members from each section and sub-section” as a guideline or goal.

College Bowl Fund Requests
Russ stated that UC Davis is requesting financial assistance from NCIFT.  An overview was circulated around the table, and Russ recommended our donation of $1,000 which was unanimously accepted.  A discussion then ensued concerning our interpretation of IFT’s policy regarding the issuance of checks.  Brad will follow up with UCD’s Food Tech Club.

Budget/Financial Review
Earl circulated the financial report which was also amended by Marty to reflect a budget of $25,000 for the revenue of our annual golf tournament, and $27,000 for expenses for the golf event and expo.  The Cruess Scholarship was reviewed and Marty asked us to consider the award amounts.  Carol asked how the amounts are determined.  Russ suggested smaller amounts, given more frequently.  Requirments?  Liz suggested going to and involving professors.  Marty cited need for student liaison.  What about New Professionals?   Bank of America Cruess trust fund account still sending correspondence and dividend checks to Liz. We need to authorize that the current treasurer receives this mail.

Discussion regarding student travel awards to national IFT convention, the requirements and process.  A motion to accept the budget was passed unanimously. 

Elections
Pam suggested communicating the fact that elections are now open for voting, per recent IFT email blast to members.  Brad reviewed policy and bylaws and suggested using the Ops manual as a guide, and perhaps eliminating out-dated items.

Membership Drive/Activities/Plans/Outreach Ideas
Marty urged everyone to get programs and activities done early this year.  Brad suggested that the outgoing Chair appoint committees for the next year and Liz suggested that it might be easier to conduct our programs at the same time each year.

Marty suggested that our next meeting take place on April 23^rd.

Russ stated that on July 31^st there’s a joint meeting with NCIFT and Candy Technologists at San Ramon Country Club.

Liz asked about this year’s symposium and funding for Dr. Elizabeth Sloane to attend as our speaker.  She will be speaking on current trends.

Earl asked for volunteers for judging in San Jose and Pleasanton

Marty commented about our partnership with SJIFT and requested suggestions.  Russ suggested Regional Ambassadors.

Marty brought up need to hold an event in Reno and Russ and Craig have already discussed and will follow up on.

Carol informed us that Bruce Ferree is being awarded the Cal Wiley Award.

Meeting adjourned at 3:24 PM