Western Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference

Minutes of the 74th Annual Meeting

Western Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference
Imperial Hotel, Portland, Oregon
January 5-7, 2000

Call to Order:
The 74th Annual Meeting was called to order by the Chair Tim Smith at 10:00 AM. Chair Smith extended an official welcome to everyone. Introductions were then made around the room. Chair Smith introduced section leaders. They were:

II. Old Business
A. Reading of 1999 Minutes: It was moved and seconded that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and that the minutes be approved as written. Secretary Thomson indicated that the minutes would posted at the registration desk.

Chair Smith called for any other old business. There was none.

III. New Business
A. Committee Assignments: The following committee assignments were made:
Nominations: Bob Van Steenwyck, Helmut Riedl and Elizabeth Beers
Audit: Mike Bush, Phil Van Buskirk and Pat Weddle
Resolutions: Alan Knight and Broc Zoller

B. Other: Chair Smith asked if there was any other new business. Secretary Thomson stated that WOPDMC members needed to be advised of problems associated with the current administrative structure. He suggested that the matter be discussed at the business meeting on the last day of the conference. There being no other new business, Chair Smith adjourned the business meeting at 10:30 AM until after the final paper on Friday, January 7.

Closing Business Meeting:
The closing business meeting was called to order by Chair Smith at 11:00 AM on January 7.

A. Committee Reports:
1. Nominations:
The nominating committee nominated Barat Bisabri as chair elect for the 2002 meeting and Don Thomson as Secretary/Treasurer for the 2001 meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the recommendations of the nominations committee. The motion passed unanimously. Betsy Beers will be the Chair for the 2001 meeting.

2. Audit:
Chair Smith asked for the report of the auditing committee. The treasurers report was audited by the auditing committee and they reported it to be in good order. A motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer's report. The motion passed. Don Thomson then read the Treasurer's Report.

Secretary Thomson then reported on the problems that he had trying to establish a bank account in the name of Western Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference. He tried to open an account in the name of the WOPDMC at several banks in Seattle but he was not able to do so. As a result, he was not able to deposit last year's check made out to the organization.

Secretary Thomson then went over issues related to the establishment of a business/organization bank account. A bank account in the name of a business or organization cannot be opened unless there is a Federal Tax ID Number and in Washington State, a Universal Business Number (UBI). The WOPDMC organization has an Federal Tax ID number. Secretary Thomson stated that it is possible to open a personal account using the name of an organization. However, the account would have to be linked to the individual's social security number and that person would be responsible for any interest earned. In addition, the IRS disapproves of such accounts and as a result, banks are increasingly reluctant to open these accounts.

Secretary Thomson contacted a law firm in Vancouver, WA and received a two-page report on how the organization could be structured. In addition, he spoke with Nancy Hays, a WOPDMC member and a certified chartered accountant about the matter. Secretary Thomson proposed that the WOPDMC set up a committee of three people to further investigate the situation and report to the membership. A motion from the floor was made and seconded. The motion passed. The committee members selected were Don Thomson, Nancy Hays and Glenn Fisher.

3. Resolutions:
The resolutions committee report was requested and then read by Chair Smith. The committee proposed the following:

a. Be it resolved that this conference extend written appreciation to the management and staff of the Imperial Hotel for the courteous service and the fine accommodations provided.

b. Be it resolved that the members of the conference express their appreciation to Chair Tim Smith, and Secretary/Treasurer Don Thomson for their leadership and dedication in organizing the 2000 meeting.

c. Be it resolved that the members of the conference extend their appreciation to Glenn Fisher and Deanna Watkins for preparing the research report abstracts as well as to the section leaders: Tim Smith, Don Thomson, Elizabeth Beers, Mike Bush, John Dunley, Phil Van Buskirk. Jeff Olsen and Rachael Elkins.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the resolutions as read. The motion passed.

B. Relocation to New Facilities:
A new committee was struck to investigate a possible move to new facilities. Betsy Beers and Tim Smith were nominated to the committee. Betsy and Tim reported on their discussions with the Hilton Hotel. The Hilton Hotel would charge $95 for a single/double room and $10 per night for parking. The meeting rooms would be provided at no cost. It was also moved and seconded to conduct a poll of the membership about a move to a new facility.

C. Wine and Cheese Party for the 75th Anniversary
Someone ask about having a wine and cheese party next year for the organizations 75th anniversary. Chair Smith indicated that the suggestion had been previously brought to the attention of Secretary Thomson.

It was announced that the meeting dates for the 2001 meeting will be January 10, 11, & 12th . The meeting will start at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 10th.

Chair Smith thanked those who had attended and helped in various capacities to make the 74th Pest and Disease Management Conference a success. Chair Smith turned over the proceeding to Chair Elect Betsy Beers. She adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Donald R. Thomson

Secretary/Treasurer