Southern Division American Fisheries Society Business Meeting Minutes February 2003

President Jeff Boxrucker called the Business Meeting to order at 0815. Secretary/Treasurer Dick Luebke determined there was a quorum present. President Boxrucker recognized previous Southern Division Presidents who were in attendance (Jack Dequine, Mike Van Den Avyle, Fred Harris, Bill Fisher, Larry Wilson, Larry Olmsted, Barry Smith, Rich Noble, and Scott Van Horn).

AFS Executive Director’s Remarks: Dr. Gus Rassam indicated he was impressed with the quality of the Southern Division’s Spring meeting. Because of the economic situation, Dr. Rassam indicated that it was important for AFS to remain solvent. He also indicated that AFS services have been improved and new services have been added. Dr. Rassam spoke more on AFS activities at the plenary session.

AFS President’s Remarks: Fred Harris reported that the AFS Governing Board would meet in Bethesda, Maryland from March 6-8 and that members were certainly invited and would be pleased with the leadership and direction of AFS. During the meeting, officers would be going to Capital Hill to meet with key congressional leaders involved in natural resource issues. The purpose of the trip to Washington is to let national leaders klnow that AFS is a valuable source of information and ideas for Congress. Mr. Harris also said that AFS continues to focus on membership diversity. So far this year, membership has increased 3.5%.

President’s Remarks: President Boxrucker said that his experiences as a member of the Governing Board have been remarkable and that the AFS is on solid ground. He reminded students to take advantage of the opportunities that are available because it will advance professional development. The only way to benefit as a member of AFS is to become active. Jeff concluded by thanking the members for allowing him to be president.

President Elect’s Remarks: President-elect Steve Filipek summarized the tremendous work done by Southern Division Chapters and Sub-Units. Steve also presented plaques to Kent Nelson (Meeting Chair), Tom Kwak (Program), and Keith Ashley (Local Arrangements) of the North Carolina Chapter for their efforts in coordinating the Spring Meeting.

Vice President’s Remarks: As vice president, Larry Connor attended many chapter meetings across the Division to discuss Division activities and accomplishments. As vice president, Larry also served as chair of the Division Membership Committee. A revised Procedures Manual should be available online by this fall. Finally, Larry encouraged members to become more involved in Chapter and Division avtivities.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Remarks: Secretary-Treasurer Dick Luebke stated that the Division’s account balance as of December 31, 2002 was $19487.50 and details of the income and expenses were discussed at the EXCOM meeting. Dick then thanked the members for the opportunity to serve the Division and encouraged individuals to participate.

President Boxrucker then stated that minutes from two business meetings needed to be approved. A motion was made to accept the minutes from the fall of 2001 by Dick Luebke and seconded by John Odenkirk. The motion carried without discussion. A quorum was not achieved at the fall 2002 business; therefore the minutes from the spring 2002 meeting could not be approved. A motion was then made to approve the minutes from the spring 2002 business meeting. The motion was seconded. The motion carried without discussion.

Award Presentations: Gene Gilliland presented the Division’s Outstanding Achievement Awards to Barry Smith (American Sportfish) and Gene Wilde (Texas Tech University). The Outstanding Chapter Award went to Virginia Tech. Representing the Reservoir Committee, Gene Gilliland presented two Robert M. Jenkins Memorial Reservoir Research Scholarships, each for $1,000, to Jessica Thompson of North Carolina State University and Hoffman of Tennessee Tech University.

Stuart Welsh, Chair of the Student Affairs Committee presented the Outstanding Student Subunit was to the University of Georgia. The Best Student Paper Award from the 2002 spring meeting went to Rebecca Blanton (Tulane). Second place awards were awarded to Jason Schaffler (Clemson University) and Heather Connelly (State University of West Georgia). The Best Student Poster from the 2002 meeting was awarded to John Kilpatrick (Virginia Tech).

Mike Van Den Avyle awarded the Lifetime Service Award to Jack Dequine, the first President of the Southern Division, for his timely and untiring work over the 51 years since his presidency. President Boxrucker awarded Bill Pine (North Carolina State University) the Jack Dequine Scholarship.

Chris O’Bara, Chair of the Warmwater Streams Committee, presented the Jimmie Pigg Memorial Outstanding Student Achievement Award to David Hewitt of North Carolina State University.

President Boxrucker welcomed AFS staff member Christine Fletcher who provided a comprehensive overview of the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program including insight from past Hutton recipients.

President Boxrucker introduced the new officers: Steve Filipek (President), Larry Connor (President-Elect), Pat Mazik (Vice President), and Vic DiCenzo (Secretary-Treasurer).

Incoming President’s Remarks: Newly installed President Steve Filipek thanked the North Carolina Chapter for their hard work in hosting the meeting. President Filipek also thanked Christine Fletcher for attending and discussing the Hutton and outgoing Secretary-Treasurer Dick Luebke for his work the past two and a half years.

President Filipek outlined his plan of work for his presidency that focused on aquatic stewardship. information transfer and outreach, and membership services. President Filipek would like to help organize a symposium at a Southern Division Spring meeting or AFS annual meeting on fisheries stream stewardship. He would also like to see the Division continue to assist the Farm Bill committee and perhaps have the Division offer a small stewardship grant.

President Filipek would like to know the feasibility of developing a Southern Division list serve. He would also like to write an article for the Southern Division newsletter explaining the Farm Bill and encourage readers to become involved in the Farm Bill process. President Filipek is also going to encourage a member to write an article in laymen’s terms, describing a successful fisheries management project for both the newsletter and a popular fishing magazine. Finally, the Division will continue sponsoring leadership workshops.

President Filipek would like the individuals paired in the student-mentor luncheons to maintain communication beyond the spring meeting to give students a little more professional input. President Filipek would also like to diversify the Southern Division in marine science and also by getting scientists from Mexico. An ad hoc committee may be formed to gauge the interest level in a marine committee.

A motion was made by Fred Heitman and seconded by Rich Noble to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and President Filipek adjourned the meeting at 0930.