1. Meeting was called to order at 10:05.  Those in attendance were: 
   

   Chris Sieverdes, Clemson University

   Alan Barefield, University of Tennessee

   Gae Broadwater, Kentucky State University

   Greg Taylor, Texas A&M University

   Rick Maurer, University of Kentucky

   Hank Cothran, University of Florida

   Harry Strawn, Auburn University

   Steve Jones (Advisor), Auburn University

   Bo Beaulieu/Bonnie Teater, Southern Rural Development Center

2. Minutes from January were approved.

3. Report from Federal Partners - none.

4. Report from PLC

• Rick and Chris gave an update on the Base Program Team meeting in Kansas City. (Rick to submit a paragraph description to add to minutes)
• There was a general discussion of budget cuts in the southern states.  Many are facing current year cuts.  Most, if not all, of the states are also facing cuts of 10 % or more for the next fiscal year.
• There was also a discussion of multi-state collaboration and the role of the
  Southern region Extension director.

5. Program Leaders Meeting in Savannah

• At this point there is nothing to react to.  The general program will focus on much of what CRD does.  The format will be similar to the Puerto Rico meeting

6. Joint Meeting with North Central - there is still interest.  Bonnie and Bo are working on this.  There will be a conference call in May to continue working on this.  The joint meeting will follow the SAAS meetings in February 2002 in Orlando.

7. CDI Update - The registration has filled.  There are 47 registrants.  Nine states are sending participants.  This is the last annual institute.

8. BRE update - This is a work in process.  An outline was developed in January and has been sent back to those who developed it for comment.  Based on that feedback, we will identify people and locations to find material.  This will be put on the SRDC web site.

9. Non-profit update - Chris and Gae are working on this.  Like the BRE project, this is a work in process.

10. Workforce update - Jeff Alwang is working on this alone.  Bo and Bonnie will be working with him to find others to work with him.  If anyone has suggestions of faculty to work with Jeff, get those names to Bo or Bonnie.  Names submitted were Lynn White and Pam Brown, Texas A&M University and Alan Bayless, Clemson University.

11. Additional topics -

• Chris is working with Beth Duncan to develop a distance education business education and ebusiness program, through New Mexico State.
• Next conference call is May 31.
• Bo - New Mexico is also working on a federal initiative to create an ebusiness extension system.
• SARE/SRDC partnership - The Southern Rural Development Center and the Southern Region SARE group will be working jointly on some Sustainable Communities projects. 

12. Meeting adjourned at 10:35