Minutes as proposed:

Southeast Chapter American Bamboo Society, Inc.
Minutes: August 25, 2002 meeting
Wakoola Water Gardens
Cumming, Georgia

The morning program featured presentations by members of the Zoo Atlanta staff, Robby Russell, a short presentation by Mike Yamakami, and Bamboo 101 by Adam and Sue Turtle. After a picnic lunch provided by Cla Allgod and his staff. Robert Small gave the afternoon presentation on designing with bamboo. Robby then recognized Adam and Sue Turtle for their years of service to the Chapter and presented them with a cake. Over 50 members and guests attended one or more of the meetings.

The President Robby Russell called the business meeting to order at Wakoola Water Gardens, Cumming, Georgia at 3:10 PM with 35 members and guests present.

Sue Turtle the ABS Treasurer reported that the she had a check for $3,148.50 in dues that she was giving to Robby to deposit in the chapter’s account.

Mary Ann Silverman, the Chapter’s representative on the ABS Board of Directors, reported that the ABS wanted all chapter representatives to present a report on the chapters activities during the past year at this years ABS annual meeting. She summarized her report and asked the members for comments, corrections or additions they felt should be made to the information.

The Chapter librarian reported that the library has been used very little. After a discussion, it was agreed that the librarian was to use her own discretion in acquiring additional books.

On the recommendation of Adam and Sue Turtle, Mary Ann Silverman reported on the requirements for participation in the Annual Maymont Flower and Garden Show. After a discussion, it was decided not to participate as they wanted $400.00 for an educational booth and the chapter was not allowed to sell anything. Mike Hotchkiss reported that another organization had contacted him about participating in their show at no cost. He was to report back when he had all the details. The Chapter plans to participate in the Annual Southeast Flower Show in Atlanta.

Initial nominations for officers for the election to be held at the February, 2003 meeting are as follows:
President: Robby Russell
Vice President: Mike Hotchkiss
Secretary: Harry Abel
Treasurer: Lester Agnew

According to the Bylaws one (1) Advisory Board member needs to stand for re-election. The selection is to be made by drawing:

Nominations are still open until the winter newsletter deadline: Robby and Mike indicated they would be willing to withdraw their nominations if any one wants to come forward to run for their offices. You are free to nominate yourself or any other primary chapter member, but you must have their permission to nominate them.

The Secretary is to contact Mike Turner to see if we can publish the newsletter deadline dates and report back to the chapter.

Bert Silverman presented proposed changes to the bylaws to bring them up to date. Most were technical and did not deal with policy. There were no objections to the proposed changes to the bylaws. However, after a lengthy discussion the Secretary is to review the election process for officers and directors as called for in the bylaws compared with what is actually done and report any recommended changes back to the membership for review and revision.

Bert Silverman reported that he was compiling a list of standing committees and resolutions that the chapter has adopted in the past. He was instructed to use the past issues of the newsletter to compile the list as past minutes are not available. He indicated he would have the list ready by the February meeting when a new Secretary is elected.

Adam Turtle called for the duties and requirements for all officers, directors and committee chairpersons be developed. No action was taken.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM.

Robby Russell
President