Thelma Feaster, 1890 Representative -
All 1890 programs are engaged in PSD venues. The 1890 system is working on developing a PSD initiative. Joe Waldrum, 1862 Representative -
Selection of a new 1862 representative will need to be conducted. A commitment is needed from this person. Missing 2 meetings (in-person, phone, etc.) will mean dismissal from the position. The PLC groups, which began in 1989-90, have developed into an effective tool for the Southern Region. People are working well together. The new representative will have a cooperative group to work with.

Paul Warner, ASRED Representative -
Paul Warner discussed items from the ASRED retreat. Specific items for the group to work on include:

Ron Brown, ASRED -
Ron provided some feedback on a few other items of interest. These included:

Scott Cummings (TX)
Co-Chair Roger Renekamp (KY)
Co-Chair Scott Cummings (TX)
Howard Ladewig (FL)
Robert Richard (LA)
Michael Lambur (VA)

1862 Representative - Herb Byrd (TN) & Roger Rennekamp (KY) No other nominations were received. Michael Newman moved to close the nominations and Howard Ladewig seconded. Passed. PSD Secretary - Greg Price (GA) & Susan Seal (MS) No other nominations were received. Della Baker moved to close the nominations and Michael Newman seconded. Passed.

Mitch described that based on past experience anyone could vote. Ballots were sent around. Results were:
1862 Representative - Roger Rennekamp
PSD Secretary - Susan Seal

e-Extension - Tim Cross (TN) provided a white paper on the Middle Managers view of e-Extension. He discussed the need to build e-Extension and our capacity. Ron Brown was asked for his comments. Ron discussed that e-Extension calls for teams based on expertise, not geography. These are 'Communities of Interest'. The scope of e-Extension is broader than what CSREES does. There is currently no strategy for those areas beyond the traditional areas. Fred Piazza gave an additional update. The idea of e-Extension was generated several years ago. The Southern Region has pushed it forward. There is interest across other regions and financial support from CSREES. In February 2003 the Directors asked for a business plan on e-Extension. $50,000 was committed to Accenture to develop this plan. It was presented in February 2004 and approved. An assessment was placed on each state with additional funds committed by CSREES this fiscal year and next fiscal year. A governing committee was formed and bylaws and a governing document were developed. A finance task force is working on a 3D line for federal funding of 8 million dollars and is also looking at foundation monies. Staff has also been hired to move e-Extension along. The governing committee selected Dan Cotton as Executive Director, Kevin Gamble as Associate Director for IT, and the team of Carla Craycraft and Craig Wood as Associate Director for Program Content. This team will provide leadership. Fred discussed several other points. There is a plan to role CECP into e-Extension. A question was asked as to the difference. It was explained that e-Extension is primarily for external audiences and CECP is intended for internal audiences. In addition, an IT and Communications committee has been formed to keep things rolling. This is a diverse group from across the U.S. They are looking at core technologies, both short-term and long-term, including content management and learner management. An RFP has been developed to assist with this. A question was asked as to how agents would be involved in this effort. Ron said that has not been decided. It is intended that e-Extension will assist with repetitive questions and free up time for agents. It will also have tools to help agents do their jobs. Agents will use information more than they will put information into the system.

Issue Identification - Mixed groups from the MM and the PSD worked on issue identification. Directions for the groups were to focus on issues of importance to both groups over the next 3-5 years. Specifically, they were asked to address the following question "What are the issues that Extension will be facing in the next 3-5 years that may have implications for PSD & MM PCs?" The groups brainstormed individually then did round robin discussion of issues. They then prioritized the top 5 and reported out to the larger group. The themes identified were:

Leadership Programs - A discussion was held on leadership in the SR. Key points were how we move forward to keep leaders for PLC, that leadership is about succession with PLN. There is nothing concrete now but focused leadership activities are needed with the audience of PLN and future PLN leaders. Many questions still remain as to what is needed or being asked for by the directors. Charles Cox joined the group to try to shed some light on this subject. He stated that there is recognition of a lack of leaders coming up in the ranks. There is still a need for programs like NELD. With the PLN or future PLN as the audience there is a need for better orientation and training for people who want to be PLs and MMs. Russell King asked how to bring these groups together. The directors need to know how to get a handle on this.

A work group will be formed made up of all PCs that would develop a leadership program for new PLs and MMs, and aspiring PLs and MMs. Mitch and Debra will develop an action for PLC.