Member Meeting Welcome, Kyle Walker, President
Kyle called the meeting to order and recognized John Jackson for attending 40 straight ASAC annual conferences. A gavel was presented to past president, Ethan Robertson for his service as president 2020-2021.
Financial Report – Russell Morgan, CFO
Russell Morgan presented the interim ASAC financial report (ASAC’s fiscal year is now the calendar year). This report was from 01/01/2022-10/22/2022. This was not a typical month-end report since significant financial activity (primarily related to the Annual Conference) occurred after 10/01. Morgan mentioned that a final end of year report would be presented to the BOD at the January 2023 meeting, after which the report will be made available to the general membership.
Accreditation (CAC) Committee – Bill Zweigbaum, Committee Chair
Kyle Walker reported that there is now an online form for members to report their continuing education credits
Bylaws Committee – Keith Dickinson, Committee Chair
Keith Dickinson reported proposed changes to the bylaws. The committee reviewed Article IV, Section A, subsection 1b: Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) requirements. The committee recommended revised language to the sections discussing conflicts of interest and receipt of income from the sale of products. The committee also reviewed the bylaws for the usage of the term Executive Vice President due to the board’s desired change of title to Executive Director and found 11 instances. A membership vote will be held later in the meeting.
Continuing Education Committee - Russell Morgan, Chair
Russell Morgan discussed the member benefit, Notes from the Field, and the plan to continue this offering. The continuing education committee has hosted a webinar and shop talk each month. On November 18, ASAC will partner with ASFMRA for our next webinar. The committee is also working on two courses that will count toward the CAC designation.
Ethics and Grievance Committee – Ethan Robertson, Committee Chair
No reports were made this year.
Marketing & Promotion Committee - Paige Gilligan, Chair
Paige Gilligan reported that the format of the Communique changed this year from a PDF to an e-newsletter. She also shared about the purchase of banners and table covers to use at future meetings/trade shows. Website and social media analytics were also discussed.
Membership Development Committee – Ron Rabou, Chair
Ron Rabou presented that 13 new members joined in 2022. Ron challenged all members to each bring on two new members in 2023.
Nominating Committee – Ethan Robertson, Committee Chair
Ethan Robertson presented the slate of candidates which was voted on later in the meeting.
Vice President/Secretary - Dave Mielnicki
CFO - Russell Morgan
Northern Region Director - Don Tyler
Western Region Director - Ron Rabou
Strategic Alliance Committee – Norm Brown, Committee Chair
Norm reported that the SAC has built a foundational framework for future Strategic Alliances over the past couple of years. Currently, ASAC has established strategic alliances with ASFMRA and CAFA. The committee is building strategic alliances with ag lenders and other ag-related organizations. It is anticipated that these past endeavors will lead to new future strategic alliances.
Finance Committee –Keith Raynor, Committee Chair
Keith Raynor presented that the committee prepared an annual budget which was submitted to the board of directors. No financial matters arose throughout the year that required attention.
New Business - Voting on By-law changes
Motion to accept the proposed bylaw changes presented by Keith Dickinson made by Keith Raynor. Second by Pete Weisenberger. No discussion. Motion carried.
New Business - Voting on Nominations
Motion to approve the slate of candidates as presented by Ethan Robertson. Second by Julie Strain. No discussion. Motion carried.
Motion for the secretary to cast one unanimous ballot made by Keith Dickinson. Second by John Jackson. Motion carried.
Passing of the Gavel
Gavels were presented to Kyle Walker and Pete Weisenberger. New ASAC President Pete Weisenberger presented his vision for the organization. His emphasis will be on consulting business ethics and furthering ASACs brand, reach, and growth.
