Present:
Nina Boston, Information/Technology, University of Arkansas
Gae Broadwater, Community Development, Kentucky State University
Beverly Howell, Family and Consumer Sciences, Mississippi State University
Ed Jones, Chair of PLN-EC, North Carolina State University
Lorenzo Lyons, Executive Administrator, Association of Extension Administrators
Paul Mask, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Auburn University
Lamar Nichols, Asst. Director, 4-H, Auburn University
Jon Ort, Asst. Vice Chancellor & Director of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Louie Rivers, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kentucky State University
Thelma Sanders-Hunter, PLC Chair, Family & Consumer Sciences, Tennessee State University
Joe Schaefer, Middle Management, University of Florida
Larry Turner, Advisor, Associate Dean for Extension, University of Kentucky
Dorothy Wilson, 4-H/Youth Development, FCS, CRD, Langston University
Tony Windham, Community Development, University of Arkansas
Ex-Officio:
Ron Brown, ASRED

Absent:
Mike Bratcher
Frankie Gould
Daniel Lyons, North Carolina A&T
Gloria Mosby, Prarie View A&M
Mitch Owen (Not informed)
Shirley Pope, Advisor, Assistant Administrator, Alcorn State University
Noland Williams

Welcome and Introductions:
Thelma Sanders-Hunter, Chair of PLN welcomed those that were present. No minutes were read from the last meeting. She informed the group of the next meeting that will be held in Atlanta, Georgia November 30 - December 1, 2005 at the Hilton Garden Inn. She told them that Kathy Ibendahl is handling reservations there and street location, rates, and deadline for reservations will be shared with them once Emily finalizes the arrangements.Ron Brown indicated that he had attended the ECOP meeting.

Advisors Report:
Larry Turner reported on eXtension and funding for projects and planning grants. There was some discussion in terms of helping to understand the system. He indicated that ECOP wants to work closely with JCEP. North Central Region is looking closely at a common Logic Model.Lorenzo Lyons indicated that the 1890s should have participation in EFNEP. He stated that the suggestion for this participation is to go to Colien Hefferan.Jon Ort discussed the changes in portfolio documents and presentation in policy directions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources
Louie Rivers reported that the fourth national Small Farmers Conference was held in North Carolina. He indicated that Undersecretary Vernon Parker was in attendance. The next conference will be held in Washington. They ANR committee will have its conference call in December.

Communications
No report

Community Development
Gae Broadwater stated that there was nothing currently to be shared. Their next scheduled conference call will be on Monday, October 31.

Family and Consumer Sciences
Beverly Howell reported that the National Association met in Philadelphia in September. They identified program initiatives that will be pursued. FCS worked in subgroups to come up with plans on how to prepare to present their modules. The FCS program leaders will hold their spring workshop in order to move forward on their work plan. They are working with 4-H on the obesity initiative. Larry Turner asked if the obesity initiative is related to the conference led by Nyada Torres earlier this year in Orlando. Beverly confirmed that the program is related to the conference that Nyada Torres led. Modules on housing are in the development stage. Jeorge Antilles is taking the lead.

4-H Youth Development
Dorothy Wilson indicated that they have been working on the modules and on how to move forward with their curriculum. They have a Curriculum Task Force that is looking at 4-H. The 4-H/Youth Development Program Committee encourages all partners of the system to continue their support. Their 4-H conference will be held in Seattle, WA October 30 - November 3. They are working on their modules. Ron Brown stated that there is a percentage of money appropriated by Congress. Opportunity exists to seek caucus membership.

Information/Technology
Nina Boston stated that they held their conference call October 13. Their Plan of Work is ready to be posted within the next week. Information/Technology committee will submit state reports via web report. She asked to have a few minutes on the agenda at the November meeting. The chair indicated that her request was noted. Other discussion pertained to CCEP Module. Larry Lickey is working on a certificate program for completion of course. There is interest in proposals being submitted for this. They will do a survey to ascertain which states are involved in outsourcing programs.

Middle Management:
Joe Schaefer reported that they are planning a conference in Texas in the spring of 2007. They are working on their CCEP Module. North Carolina is taking the lead on that. They have been using email to communicate as opposed to having conference calls for their discussions.

Closing remarks were given by Thelma. She thanked everyone for their participation on the conference call.