MAPPA Executive Board Meeting

December 4, 2007, 1:00pm – Conference Call

In Attendance: Sandy Wilson, Vernon Spriggs, Linda Smith, Nora Becker, Ervina Johnson, Nancy Brady, Walt Biscoe, Anissa Walker, Keith Adkins, Ann Ferkler

  1. Business Reports
  2. Minutes – There are currently no minutes from the previous few meetings. Sandy has some notes from those meetings and will put those into minutes.
  3. Treasurer’s Report – Anissa joined the meeting late. Her report was encompassed into the Annual Meeting Report below.
  4. Vice President Report – None
  5. President’s Report – Sandy is excited about the work that was accomplished at the conference and looks forward to the upcoming February meeting.
  6. Committee Reports
  7. Credentialing – Discussed policy to encourage latecomers to recertify. Half of the people up for recertification did not recertify. Ann asked if we know why they chose not to recertify and could we send out a survey to find out why. Linda suggested we personally contact those who did not recertify and divide the task by region. Nora suggested sending out a survey with a recertification packet and asking them to at least complete the survey if they are choosing not to recertify. Sandy feels that personal contact is a better approach. Several membersoffered to contact people in their regions. We also need to decide what MAPPA’s policy will be on recertifying those who missed the deadline. MAPCB has a policy in place for late recertification so that may provide a guide. Walt offered to investigate this and bring it back to the Board. Ervina agreed to help and Sandy will ask Keith to assist as well. That team will bring a recommendation to the Board at the next meeting.
  8. Annual Meeting Committee Report – Vernon reported on the annual meeting. Evaluations were generally good. Only one person gave overall negative feedback. Most of the constructive comments referred to the lack of time during workshop sessions. Vernon reported that we took in $4,455.00 in registration fees and another $1,275.00 is outstanding. Conference costs have not yet been calculated. Forty-nine people attended the conference including presenters. Anissa reported that the Doubletree Hotel has to recalculate our bill due to tax issues. The hotel is requesting a copy of our tax exempt certificate which no one seems to have. Ann suggested contacting the Comptroller’s Office for a new card. Anissa said that ballpark expenses for the conference were roughly $4,600.00. Everyone was very pleased that a profit was seen from the conference. Sandy asked about having the conference at roughly the same time and place next year and to have Vernon coordinate the event again. Anissa made a motion to have Vernon spearhead the annual conference for 2008 at the same place. Nora seconded the motion. The motion carried.
  1. Regional Updates –None
  1. Old Business
  2. Appointment of vacant positions – Sandy had several nominations. After discussing with the various nominees, several people agreed to take the vacant positions. Walt Biscoe is nominated for Vice President, Cindy Shifler for Treasurer and Ann Ferkler for Secretary. These are one year terms from January 2008-December 2008. Sandy asked for discussion. Everyone was in agreement and there was no dissention. Vernon made a motion to accept the new Board as stated. It was carried.
  3. Financial Committee – Vernon volunteered to assist with the financial committee in addition to Cindy and Anissa. Anissa suggested that we consider finding a bank with less fees. Nora asked if MAPPA has non-profit status and Anissa said that we are. Nora has information on a foundation that may be a help to us with our financial operations. She will forward this information to Sandy.
  1. New Business
  2. Dena Trail represents MAPPA on the Maryland Addiction Director Council and there has been some talk of a joint conference with MAPPA, MADC and BSAS.
  3. Linda Smith is representing MAPPA on Thursday, December 6th at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Injury Research and Policy from 5:30 – 9:30 pm.
  4. February Summit - Keith Adkins is searching for a location in Anne Arundel County to hold the February meeting. Nora suggested several locations. Anissa asked if we could find someone to donate time to run the meeting. Ervina suggested that since Linda Walls began the process at the conference that it would be helpful to have her continue. Ann agreed with Ervina and Nora offered to help Linda prepare to perhaps offset the cost. Sandy said for a ½ day meeting, Linda charges $500 plus $75 per hour of planning time. Keith asked about possible dates. February 22nd was chosen with a snow date set for February 29th. Keith and Nora will begin contacting venues. Nora asked about the amount of space we needed. Sandy hopes to have 50-75 people present. Linda Smithmentioned a church in Odenton that may be a possibility. It is called the Living Waters Worship Center. Sandy will check with Linda Walls about her doing the summit and will discuss space issues and a ceiling price.
  5. Logo Bee – Ervina reported that an application was sent into Logobee.com for their logo contest. If we win, we would get our logo redesigned and some free stationery.
  6. Sandy asked if the group would like to send a contribution to the scholarship fund in memory of Marty Pusey’s son. The group unanimously agreed. The amount will be decided by the Finance Committee.

The meeting adjourned at 2:00pm. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for

January 3rd at 1:00pm and will be by conference call.

MAPPA Executive Board Mtg., December 4, 2007