Chick Andres, President, called the meeting to order at 8:15 A.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Those present were:

Chick Andres Jerry Joe Barnett Roy Greenfield Gary Jepson Carol Krumwiede Louie Krumwiede Tim Julien Craig Spoores

Jim Mahoney Dave Plueger Rod Scott Kenneth Jones

Tim Rose Jerry Hall, Sr. Rick Benson (proxy) Bill Kasten (proxy)

Proxies were received for Steve Barnes, Jerry Schilling, Robert Waddell, Rod Zullinger. Robert Wilson was absent due to illness.

Due to the sudden illness of Robert Wilson (President of the Missouri Trappers Association), Robert Waddell gave a welcome to the state of Missouri and the convention. (We are happy to report that Robert Wilson was later released from the hospital and was able to attend part of the convention.) Robert made a few comments to the board before returning to work at the fairgrounds. Rick Benson served as his proxy.

Frank was introduced as the representative from USSA. He gave a report on issues & bills related to trapping. He also reported that to date there have been 575,000 participants in the Trailblazer program. Any questions should be addressed to Frank and the USSA. FTA also thanked USSA for all of their help defending trapping.

He reported that the NTA financial situation is looking better. NTA has hired a new convention coordinator. He is pleased to report that the working relationship between FTA and NTA is better than in the past.

A copy of the 2007 board minutes was mailed to all board members following the convention. A motion was made and seconded not to read the minutes at this time. Motion carried.

Carol reported that the financial report for the 2007 fiscal year had been mailed to the board. A copy of the 2008 financial report through June 14 was given to the members of the board. Anyone wishing to see a more detailed report should ask Carol. FTA is currently operating in the black. She also shared some of the changes that she plans on implementing in the treasurer’s office. In the future all money, including membership dues, will go through the office of treasurer. The financial results from the use of Pay Pal were shared. A motion was made, seconded, and carried to accept the treasurer’s report.

He gave a short report on his activities of the past year. The biggest thing he has been involved with has been the Maine and Minnesota lawsuits. We continue to stay on top of the BMP’s with Dave Hastings and Rick Benson attending the meeting in Louisiana in March. The sweepstakes this year has been the best one ever. Thanks goes to Louie and Carol for the suggestion of including 10 tickets with the mailing. The January officer’s meeting was once again a very productive meeting to help us plan for the coming year. He reminded everyone that if you have a problem with a board member or the way something is being handled bring it before the board. That is where the problems should be handled. The Internet message boards are not where it should be discussed. He continues to attend a lot of summer and fall meetings representing FTA. He asked about his expenses and the board agreed they should be paid.

His comments were delayed until later in the meeting as they mostly involve the BMP process.

We currently have 42 active affiliates and 21 active chapters. The Upper Mississippi Refuse issue has been settled. Roy shared the highlights of the settlement. Roy reminded board members to be careful with what they post on the Internet.

No comments at this time.

Gene gave a financial report on the college. Last year there were 56 students enrolled in the college. The 2008 class is currently full with a waiting list. The 2009 College is currently half full. Due to rising costs the cost will need to go up in 2010. The board discussed the tuition issue. There will not be a college in Louisiana, as arrangements could not be completed to our satisfaction. Steven Van Tassel presented a proposal to have a college in Nebraska. It was decided that the college committee would study the proposal.

Robert reported that set-up for the convention was going well. He asked that members of the board help collect the auction items. Tim Julien will be helping with the collection of the items. He shared with the group several of the special events scheduled. He also had some suggestions of things to be added to the convention guidelines. Those suggestions should be given to the convention committee.

Dave reported that things are going well with the magazine and the advertising. Carol and Dave have been working to get the invoices caught up and payments received. Duane Fronek, the new Assistant Editor, has been handling several sections of the magazine. He is also working on a "trapper spotlight" series for the magazine. Dave also asked for feedback from the board regarding things they like or don’t like about the magazine. Suggestions are always welcome.

Data Base Committee There has been some confusion on the application process and that will be corrected. Tim also explained what happens once an application is received and approved. There are currently 19 names on the list.

Life Member Mailing—Details of the life member mailing that was done last year were reported. The response was not as good as we had expected, but donations were made by some of our life members.

Dave brought along samples of the newest model traps. Gary added the newest trap models and equipment is top notch. Use of dry land conibears and guidelines for the use of snares are two of the big issues on the table. One of the best things to report is that we continue to be a part of the process and are invited to attend the meetings.

The financial condition of the association has improved this past year. He thanked Shelly for getting on us the right track and into the 21^st century with our accounting. As a retiring member of the committee, he requested that a regular report be sent to the board members.

Gary reported that the committee has received a request from Indiana Chapter 7C to revoke Scott Parks membership in FTA due to misappropriation of funds. After some discussion it was decided it would be a lifetime ban unless Chapter C agrees for him to once again become an FTA member. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to institute a lifetime ban of Scott Parks with the stipulation as listed above. Chick will inform him of our decision by letter.

Since we did not have an appointed representative this spring, Louie Krumwiede attended the spring meeting in Bloomington, IL. The meeting was very positive and the relationship between NTA & FTA has improved tremendously. NTA appears to be on the right track with some of the changed they have made.

There were 16 nominations received for the position of director on the Governing Board. Replies were received from 10 of the potential candidates with 5 declining nomination, 7 accepting nomination, and no response from 4. Nominations will remain open until they are called to close after calls for nominations from the floor at the National Council meeting. Resumes will be printed in the Fur Taker. Those accepting nominations are as follows:

Jerry Joe Barnett, IN; Rick Benson, GA; Gene Dabrowski, NH; Don Hoyle, AR; Kenneth Jones, TN; Jim Mahoney, IN; Gene Purdy, IA.

We need to appoint a new nominating committee chairman & election teller. Possible candidates were mentioned and they will be contacted to see if they are interested. Note: Matt Bailey from Iowa agreed to accept the position. He will name additional members to the committee. He was also chosen as Election Teller at the Friday National Council meeting.

Tim Rose presented the guidelines for a new promotional program entitled "Dare to be Great". The goal of the program is to increase the current membership and grow our organization to new levels. 2,000 FTA memberships would be given away between August 1 and October 1^st.

After discussion and suggestions a motion was made and seconded that the Promotional Committee implement the Dare to Be Great program. Motion carried.

The committee along with others will work out the details.

The sale of 40^th Anniversary Commemorative trap went very well. We have currently sold all of the traps, except for 8 numbered traps that will be put in the White Elephant auction on Saturday evening. Three new styles of caps are available. Favorite Set books continue to sell well and there is a possibility we will need to order more books. The committee has the authority to make a decision as necessary. An offer for us to sell an upcoming Trapperman book was read. After some discussion, it was decided the book would be in conflict with the books we are selling so decided to decline the offer. Louie has been soliciting "old" items from members and has been selling them on E-bay with the funds going to FTA. A display of patches will be put on the White Elephant auction. Since last year when we first offered the animal cards we have sold approximately 20,000 sets.

Carol gave an update and financial report on the program. Board members were reminded that financial donations as well as gifts in kind are included. The program continues until the end of the year.

A $250 Charles Dobbins FTA scholarship will be given to Zach McBee from Missouri at the National Council meeting on Friday evening. There were three excellent candidates this year and the decision was very difficult.

Although Jerry Schilling could not be in attendance, it was reported that there would be three presentations made for hosting the 2010 convention. They will be from Indiana Chapter 7B, Pennsylvania Trappers Association, and Wisconsin Trappers Association. Note: Wisconsin later decided to withdraw their bid.

Carol reported that the website has been updated since last year. She also asked that everyone contact her with suggestions, additions, and/or changes for the site.

A request has been received from California for a donation. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that we send them $500. A request from Montana has been received to financially assist them in the amount of $2000 with a billboard. This program was approved last year. At the request of the Indiana Fur Taker chapters a letter from the Pro-Active committee urging the Indiana DNR to reconsider their stance on the live trapping of coyotes was sent. Dave represented the Pro-Active committee in Isle, MN during the winter meeting. An idea regarding a "You Tube" video clip was presented, but no decision was made at this time. Members were reminded to promote the Pro-Active brochure and CD.

Nothing to report at this time.

Dan could not be in attendance at the meeting, but sent a written report for Chick to share with the board. Highlights of that report are the following. The animal cards are still selling and a new order has just been received from the printer. He thanked Louie for doing the collating of the cards. He asked the board if they would like him to work on a second set of cards. (The board indicated that they would like to see another set produced.) Work on a safety video is still going to happen. Dave Plueger has obtained the use of professional camera and someone to do the editing. He hopes to have the video ready for viewing at next year’s convention. The board discussed contents of the video and those suggestions will be forwarded to Dan.

Carol, Tim Julien, and Owen Hall have been reviewing the by-laws. Most of the discussion to this point has been via e-mail or by phone. They hope to meet sometime this fall and then be able to make some recommendations to the board. Each change will need to be voted on separately and approved by a 2/3 majority vote, so if a vote comes your way don’t forget to vote. One area of concern the committee would like the board to consider is the election of officer’s timeline. Please send comments, concerns, or questions about the by-laws to Carol by mail and/or e-mail as soon as possible. Suggestions are welcome, but please put them in written form, as it is easier to share with the whole committee.

Carol expressed some concern over the lack of nominations this year and the members who did not submit a vote on awards. It was mentioned to the board that it might be time to look at another procedure for determining award winners.

A list of committee members for 2008 was presented. Several positions were discussed and it is possible that Chick will need to make a few additional appointments. A motion was made and seconded to accept the committee members. Motion carried.

Tim Rose was elected by the Governing Board to be the chairman of the board for the upcoming year.

Nominations were open for the position of secretary. Paul Ellsworth was the only person nominated so a vote was not required. Details about Paul and his background were given to the board.

The motion did not pass.

A motion was made and seconded to make payment not to exceed $800 per month to individual (s) for the purpose of assisting the treasurer of FTA with data processing involving the membership. Motion carried.

Comments: The treasurer wanted to make sure it was understood that is not a contract, but payment for services rendered. There was concern that $800 was too much money, but that amount was just a limit. The exact amount will be determined later and will mostly likely be around $400. This person will not be handling any funds, but helping with the keeping of records and mailings as the treasurer finds necessary.

A motion was made and seconded that Governing Board members would not be eligible for the following awards during their term in office: American Heritage, Fur Taker of the Year, Distinguished Service, unless no other candidate has been nominated. Motion carried.

Comments: While discussing this motion some suggestions were given to improve the award process.

A motion was made and seconded to add the following to the duties of the secretary: shall be in charge of the renewal application process for chapters and affiliates. Motion passed. A motion was then made to rescind the motion based on the fact that it was not necessary to add this to the by-laws. Motion carried.

A motion was made and seconded that the National FTA would receive a percentage of the net profit from each yearly convention. Motion failed.

Comments: Even though we could always use additional funds, we felt we set ourselves apart from others by not making it a requirement. There was some concern that associations would not want to host our convention if this motion passed. Bids are made based on our guidelines and associations already committed to hosting our conventions could not be included. We have never required any money from the hosting association, but in most cases when a profit has been made, the association has made a donation to the national FTA. We would hope that they would continue this practice.

Duties of this position involve attending the board of meeting of both organizations, attend a NTA regional meeting, and set up a table at the NTA convention. Dave Hastings volunteered to fill this position.

Everyone was reminded that the secretary and treasurer organize the FTA table set up at the convention, but the other directors/officers need to help out. There is also a table set up at the NTA convention and help is needed from those of you who might be in attendance.

Louie and Carol Krumwiede have volunteered to store FTA items that need to be archived. In order to keep things from being misplaced it was decided it would be a good idea to store them in a central location. Dave Hastings will work on archiving articles from past FTA magazines.

Roy Greenfield, General Organizer, gave the board members copies of a FTA Chapter Guidelines document he has put together. These are guidelines that he has used in the past, but had not been in report form. These will be shared with any group who desires to become a chapter. If these guidelines are not followed, the charter of the chapter can be revoked.

A booklet entitled "FTA Chapter Considerations" was given to the board. These are the guidelines that he has used in the past and were recently put into written form. They will be shared with any group that is interested in becoming an FTA chapter.

Prior to considering any new chapter/affiliate requests, Chick requested a change in policy with regard to approving new chapters/affiliates. He would like to see it become a board decision rather than a General Organizer decision.

As a result of the discussion a motion was made and seconded that after the General Organizer puts his approval on an application, he would forward to the Chairman of the Board so that he can call for a majority vote. Motion passed.

A request for a chapter was received from the Minnesota Fur Harvesters. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that they be approved as Chapter 25-C.

A copy of Dave’s contract was given to the board. The contract includes an additional $50 raise and reflects the raise of $250 he was given earlier for a monthly total of $1400. The new contract takes effect on July 1, 2008.

A motion was made and seconded that we approve the contract. Motion passed.

Dave Hastings is asking for direction in determining what to do about Steve Gappa as a writer in the Fur Taker. This is ultimately Dave’s decision, but he would like clear direction from the board as to what the board would like him to do. The discussion included both the pros and the cons of having him as a writer. Following a lengthy discussion, a roll call vote was taken and it was determined that the majority would prefer he not continue as a staff writer for the Fur Taker.

Dave indicated he would abide by our vote.

Based on the cost of the June issue, the yearly cost to service a member is about $21 a year. That includes printing, shipping, contractor’s pay, and additional financial assistance. It was decided to continue mailing the first issue to new members. Magazines are available to chapters, affiliates, and other groups for no charge, but we do ask that they help with the shipping.

Based on rising costs, it was determined that we have no choice but to raise dues for 2009. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to raise dues, effective January 1, 2009, as follows:

Regular Dues--$30, 2 years $55, 3 years $85

Junior Dues--$15

Life Dues Under 65--$700

Life Dues 65 or older--$300

Comments: The life member payment plan will be revised to reflect the dues increase. The use of credit card will be researched.

Chick has been involved with both of these issues and reported the following. As you all know the FTA has intervened in the Minnesota and Maine lawsuits. The Maine lawsuit was settled with the trappers still being able to trap. The Minnesota lawsuit continues on with the API winning a summary judgment with the judge saying that we had to come up with a remedy proposal on June 2. Our lawyers presented the judge with our proposal. Now we have to wait on the judge to review the proposal and make a ruling. We will keep you informed on what happens.

A motion was made and seconded that we continue our membership in the American Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in the amount $250.00. Motion carried.

Chick has been in contact with another company regarding blanket coverage for the FTA, but has nothing to report at this time.

Motions were made, seconded, and carried to make the following donations:

USSA--$5000

Trailblazers--$2000

USSA (MAINE & MN Lawsuit Fund) $5000

A donation to Traps4Kids will be postponed until such time as FTA receives information regarding the program. (Information was later received and a donation of $500 was made.)

Awards for signing up at least 5 members will be presented at Friday’s National Council meeting. The drawing for the trip to the Trapper’s College or $750 will also be held at the meeting.

It was reported that a meeting with trap and snare manufacturers is scheduled for Thursday evening starting at 7:00 p.m. Governing Board members are urged to attend the meeting.

Chick Andres gave a financial report on the 2008 sweepstakes. We will need to check with Don Hoyle to see if legal issues or permits are needed to hold a sweepstakes. We will conduct a sweepstakes again next year. Rod Zullinger will obtain the prizes and Louie and Carol Krumwiede will be in charge of the mailing.

We have not received any donations this past year. Our current balance in the fund is $1167.76.

On Saturday, June 20, we will be having a Calcutta as a part of the bare-foot bear trap setting contest and the skillet throw.

Any suggestions for changes and/or additions to the guidelines should be given to Jerry Schilling, chairman of the committee, as soon as possible.

Chick shared with the board samples of some plaques that could be used for the awards. No decision needed to be made at this time.

A motion was made and seconded that we continue this program that pays for half of the FTA College tuition for state biologists for another year. Motion carried.

Requests were received from N.E. Ohio Chapter 8 for Vernon Snyder, Michigan Trappers Association for Adam Bump, and Mid-Michigan Independent Trappers Association for Joel Lundberg. Since only two can be chosen, it was decided to pay for Mr. Snyder and Mr. Bump to attend the FTA Trapper’s College.

A motion was made and seconded that we continue the opportunity for each chapter/affiliate to designate two schools/organizations to receive the Fur Taker magazine. Motion carried.

Note: We currently have 60 schools/organizations who are benefiting from this program. We are financing their memberships through the Education Fund.

Being no further business before the Governing Board, a motion was made and seconded that we adjourn. Motion carried and President Andres adjourned the meeting at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Krumwiede, Secretary