Middle Management Committee Meeting
August 27-29,2001 - Savannah, GA
August 27, 2001

Judith Jones - Advisor Report

Several institutions are facing financial difficulties now. Some have been down this road in the past. Potential to lose lots of valuable experience but programs remain strong because of involvement of local people in programs. Part of success is due middle management group. Strong programs will carry the day. This will pass. Extension is strong and will remain strong.

PLC Representative Report

Fred Broughton - Middle Management Conference in April was attended by over 100. 1890's did not have a lot there. Financial crunch is probable reason. We will be putting forth effort to get more 1890's involved because of benefits of involvement in this conference. Referenced 4 questions that will be presented for PLC. (Addressed later).

Claude Bess - Referenced 4 questions that came from yesterday's overall PLC Meeting. Also, a reminder to prepare action item for Administration for 7:00 am meeting on tomorrow. Next PLC Meeting will be August 25-28, 2002 in Nashville, Sheraton Music City Hotel. Rumors of meeting following that in Kentucky in 2003. Yesterday's PLC Meeting contained much discussion on how to do more programs state to state. Ron Brown talked to yesterday's group on how to do this more efficiently. Likened to corporation in terms of efficiency and duplication. Sharing of resources - idea is to look at resources from state to state and then look at gaps and duplication. Staff development is an area where Middle Management can do more sharing. Module type pieces can be developed in the various states.

Mitch Flinchum read the 4 questions developed by the overall PLC Committee that each of the program committees is to address:

1. How do we (PLC and Program Committees) address the needs for multi-state programming better and more efficiently.

* What approaches can be used?

* What are some existing issues that can be addresses?

* What are some emerging issues that can be addressed?

* What staff and organizational issues need to be addresses?

* What issues can be addressed on a multi-committee basis?

2. How can PLC facilitate better communications between directors and administrators and the work of the committees? How can we speed up the process of multi-state programming?

3. What is the role of director and administrator's advisors to the regional committees?

4. What do you see as the role of the Executive Director of ASRED in relation to PLC?

 

Appointment of Nominating Committee to elect:

1. Representative to PLC Committee from 1890 institution - 3 year term to replace Fred Broughton.

2. Secretary for Middle Management Committee to replace John Mowbray. One year as secretary, then move to vice chair and then chair of Middle Management Committee.

Nominating Committee: Chair is Bill Davis. Others are Charlene Jacobs, Fred Broughton Jacquelyn Wright. Mitch Flinchum challenged the committee to come back with two candidates for each position and report back tomorrow.

Delayed presentation by Bonnie Stevens - not here yet.

Charlene Jacobs asked about status of last year's action items.

Claude Bess said that action item on SELD program was to go before the directors.

Judith Jones commented on action item regarding identification of PLC Mid Management Representatives and appointment of these representatives for 3-year terms so there would be some continuity in who was coming. Said directors wanted to appoint for at least 3 year term. Can reappoint for longer term at their discretion. She was still having difficulty in getting reps identified due to turnover in director ranks.

Action item on Character Education. It was also to be reported out of 4-H Committee. Claude said no discussion by directors yet but he would check on it.

Discussion on Question 4 from PLC Committee - See report to PLC for summary of comments.

Discussion on Question 3 from PLC Committee - See report to PLC for summary of comments.

Discussion on Question 2 from PLC Committee - See report to PLC for summary of comments.

"Moving in New Directions With Extension"

Carol Webb introduced Dr. Bonnie Stevens, Faculty, Parks and Recreation at Clemson for program on "Moving in New Directions with Extension". Series to help Non-Profit Organizations assess where they are in their growth and development.

Hosting of the 2003 Middle Management Conference

Virginia - Judith Jones (on behalf of Fred Custis who was not able to attend due to recent surgery) extended an invitation for Virginia to host the Middle Management Conference. It has not been in Virginia since the early 90's. Proposed the Hotel Roanoke - used to be owned by Norfolk Southern Railway. Quite elegant. Noted for food and service.

Texas - Texas came prepared to invite the group to Texas in 2003 but would forgo in favor of Virginia.

No other offers. Bill Davis moved that we accept Virginia invitation. Voted and agreed to accept.

Appointment of Program Committee for 2003 Middle Management Conference

John Mowbray - Chairman (guidelines call for vice chair to chair this committee)

Martha Ray Sartor (Next year Mid Mgt Chair)

Secretary -Russell King (elected on 8/28)

Host State Representative - Fred Custis

Advisor - Judith Jones

1890 Rep - Judith Jones will appoint

Mid Mgt PLC Reps - Claude Bess

Helen Brooks (elected on 8/28)

Themes and Ideas for 2003 Conference

The Next 10 Years : How we can help the universities position themselves - crime, health families - it's not all agriculture.

Other Business:

Southern Region PLC Committee and Middle Management Roles and Responsibilities.

Charlene Jacobs shared handout spelling out roles and responsibilities of individuals and committees for discussion. This has been in the works for two years. This will be reviewed and put on PLC Site for access when needed. Thanks to Charlene!

Elder Financial Abuse Awareness and Prevention Program

Fred Broughton shared information on this program. Oct 16-18, 2001. Sponsored by Extension Services in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee in addition to Central Alabama Aging Consortium. Come one, come all. Bring a team.

Share Sessions

PLC Middle Management Report Form was handed out for each state.

Urban Symposium in Texas

Bonnie McGee gave a brief overview of the 2002 Urban Symposium in Dallas. More tomorrow.

Discussion of Question 2 from PLC Committee (continued) - See report to PLC for summary of comments.

Adjourn for the day

August 28, 2001

2001 Middle Management Conference Report

Bonnie Teater presented an oral and written report on the conference. Dollars left from this conference to help get next conference off the ground. (Don't spend it all). Conference account is at the SRDC. Refer to written report following these minutes.

Urban Symposium in Texas

Bonnie McGee gave more information on Urban Conference in Texas. Scheduled for May 20-22, 2002. Regional Urban Conference approved for rotation among regions. Southern Region next year. Every-other year is in North Central Region.

Nominating Committee Report and Election

Nominating Committee presented the following slate for consideration:

Share Sessions (continued)

PLC Middle Management Report Form was handed out for each state.

Adjourn for the day

August 29, 2001

"Program Evaluation/Impact Statements"

Program by Michael Lambur of Virginia

Dr. Ron Brown

Dr. Brown addressed the group and focused his comments on cooperation on things we haven't considered in the past. Feels that this is really the focus of his job. Also discussed improved interaction with other PLC Program groups. Commented on need to work better with and through the advisors to improve communications within PLC. Also, need to provide some type of orientation of advisors to PLC and Representatives to PLC to improve understanding of their roles and improve communications. Group asked that Dr Brown make sure Middle Management Group is aware of emerging issues among directors and others so we can address those issues when the Middle Management Group comes together.

Share Session (continued)

PLC Middle Management Report Form was handed out for each state.

Thanks to Georgia for Hosting by Mitch Flinchum

Report on PLC Breakfast Meeting

Other Items

Meeting adjourned