12-17-20 NCNWTF Board Meeting
Conference Call - 7:30pm
Attendees: Henry Smith, Howard Rumfelt, Robert Smith, Tim Draughon, Perry Bryant, George (Jason) Huffstetler, Luke Gibson, Jessi Sackett, Bonni Stephenson, Richard Plattenberger, Roger Reynolds, Greg Ward, Bill Collart, Brent Phillips, Ryan Stanley (Guest), Bobby Phibbs (Guest)
Robert Smith started the meeting at 7:41 pm with opening remarks and welcomed all visitors.
Robert Smith started discussions on the Seed Subsidy Program and how it would be different for this year.
Current information on the program is that the Superfund can be used in the amount of 15% (normally 50%). Robert discussed that last year we allotted $7,500 and spent $6,736 +/-. The Board needs to decide whether we want to participate or opt out this year, and if we do participate the Board needs to determine a budget for the program and stay within this budget.
Jason Huffstetler asked how much is in the Superfund and we currently do not know and will not know until June. We need to find out as soon as possible.
Henry Smith gave an overview of what we paid and funded in last years program. Last year Chufa was $80 per bag and members paid $40 per bag. We expect a slight increase this year in the cost.
Roberts Smith opened discussions on the Conservation Seed Program which includes corn and soybeans. A lot of our members depend on this program and utilize it. Robert feels it wouldn’t hurt for the NCNWTF to spend some additional funds on this program. Several board members felt this was a valuable program.
Jason Huffstetler made a motion to continue to support the program and subsidize at 50%.
Henry Smith provided an update on the finances including funds raised by the December Raffle and a brief overview of the cost of the seed if we continue.
Robert Smith stated the Executive Committee met previously to discuss the programs and agreed we should continue to fund at 40% was the recommendation but 50% is feasible.
The motion received a 2nd by Bill Collart
Richard Plattenberger had further discussion on exactly how much are we spending? Amounts were discussed.
Robert Smith stated we can set as tentative until we get a price, we can proceed getting forms online and get the word out. Sissy will have cost after the New Year and we can discuss.
Bobby Phibbs asked about putting a cap on the number of bags to help manage cost, Robert Smith stated we normally place a cap on the amount of money spent.
Robert Smith asked for any other comments. Roger Reynolds stated this is a good program and typically have been selling out.
Jason Huffstetler amended his motion to fund 50% not to exceed $7,500 (NCNWTF fund roughly $3,500). Motion received a 2nd by Greg Ward. Board conducted a vote and the motion carried.
Howard Rumfelt gave a brief update on the Seed Program and his conversations.
We need to be more efficient in collecting money. Howard brought up we could limit quantities if desired. The program should run smooth order the seed, ship the seed and collect money.
Edgefield will offer a line of credit until August 1, 2021 and then it needs to be paid back. Recommendation was to continue as we have been but tighten up on getting funds collected timelier.
Robert Smith started discussions on the Dixie Deer Classic.
Currently it is still a go with 97% of the vendors paid up. Wake County Wildlife Club is looking for the NCNWTF to be there.
Calls for the kids was discussed, and the Wake County Wildlife Club will be discussing in January. Robert has ordered 1000 box calls and we have the $5,000 from the Habitat Foundation to be used.
Robert Smith has spoken with Ted White and Brent Phillips regarding the contests normally held at the event. We need to move forward with getting the website updated. Board agreed we need to move forward and are looking forward to it.
Bobby Phibbs discussed the National Convention and that it will not be held this year due to COVID.
Robert Smith discussed the State Chapter President call from last week. There was a challenge issued to all states to raise $5,000 for the virtual convention. For each $5,000 raised chapters get put into a drawing for a VIP table at the 2022 National Convention for the Awards Dinner or the Auction. This is not mandatory.
Ryan Stanley stated this does not have to be a raffle it could be donations. We need ideas for fund raising.
Robert Smith discussed an Eastern North Carolina Bear Hunt he and Zach Morton have been discussing.
The NCNWTF has been offered a bear hunt at Carolina Ranch. The hunt will include 2 people for the 2021 season, includes meals and lodging. Hunt is normally $4,500 / person so it is a $9,000 value.
This should get a lot of interest on the Grand National Auction. Zach is to receive more information on the hunt. This hunt will be straight donation to the NCNWTF.
Jason Huffstetler made a motion to use this hunt for the $5,000 pledge to the National Convention. The motion received a 2nd by Howard Rumfelt. Board voted on the motion and the motion carried.
Greg Ward asked how the hunt would be sold. The hunt will be donated then auctioned off at the National Convention. It should bring good money. Robert Smith also discussed possibly having Chris Douglas film the hunt as well.
Robert Smith brought up a discussion on incentives for local chapters located on the NWTF website. Help support the membership drive cost is $35 and you get a $25 Bass Pro Gift Card. The top 10 chapters in the Nation get a VIP table at the 2022 National Convention. This is also a good way to renew a membership. This will go live Monday and an email was sent out with a link that takes you to the NWTF website.
Robert Smith brought up a discussion on the one call system for all the State Chapters. This is a good way to communicate with the members via email, text or call. It can include NWTF members, Chapter Leadership and Board Members as options. A few questions are outstanding like who pays for it and how much? It depends on the number of people you wish to reach.
Brent Phillips asked about the opt out option and the do not call list. There are ways around this.
The Board had several questions regarding the cost and how the process will work. If the cost is not that expensive it would be worthwhile. Board discussed getting further information and conducting further discussions on this item at the January Board Meeting.
Robert Smith brought up the January Board Meeting and conducting a virtual award presentation for the Wildlife Officer of the Year. The Meeting will be January 16 and 17, 2021.
Richard Plattenberger gave details on the next Board Meeting and the location. It will be held in Wadesboro in Anson County. The location - Buchannan Shoals. Accommodations will be provided along with breakfast and dinner. Arrive at 12:00 pm on January 16th. Robert Smith to send out more details on the meeting.
Jessi Sackett brought up a discussion on the scholarship program. Her local chapter has come up with a fund-raising idea. A few questions were discussed all applications must be submitted online this year through the National website to be considered for the National Scholarship. Jessi discussed the fundraising idea of a 50/50 drawing. Selling 1,500 tickets for $10 each.
After further discussions it was decided to table this until the January Board Meeting and review tax implications as well.
Meeting adjourned at 9:18 pm.
