Eastern Coal Region Roundtable

Meeting Minutes 1-10-08

In attendance were: Craig Hartsock, Alice Jones, Dvon Duncan, Kristin Robinson, Keith Pitzer, Allan Comp, Sarah Walters, and Luke Elser.

This was a conference call meeting, called to order by Chairperson Craig Hartsock at 9:10 AM. Craig asked for any revisions to previous meeting minutes. Dvon motioned to accept minutes. Kristyn seconded, motion carried.

Sarah reported that the financial condition of ECCR was manageable at present time. A

Project Flow grant is also being managed by Sarah. This is a locally implemented educational grant. Sarah also reported she is working on a presentation to be given at the TWG Conference in Corpus Christi at the end of the month.

Sarah reminded us of Mike Steinmaus’ memo about board terms currently being unequally staggered. Board officer elections are also scheduled for January each year. Craig suggested we extend terms until the training and board meeting in March when we

are hopefully all attending and will be in the same room. Allan suggested forming a nominating committee for officers. Craig will do so. Alice motioned to extend terms until the March meeting. Dvon seconded, motion carried.

The Executive Director selection committee results were presented by Dvon. A candidate rating matrix developed by Dvon was used to evaluate fifteen different skills or area strengths. Adam Webster was the top scoring candidate. Dvon called Adam’s references and received positive reports. Keith, Allan and Alice spoke in support of various strengths they have witnessed in Adam. Dvon motioned to offer the ED position to Adam Webster. Alice seconded and the motion carried. Mike Steinmaus and Bruce Golden had proxied to vote follow the committee’s recommendations. Dvon had called Adam to confirm his continued interest and that, if offered the position, could start in mid February. Craig will call Adam and offer him the position. The grouped commended Dvon for her work on the evaluation matrix.

The board then discussed the Hope and Hard Work/TWG Grant. The two trainings are: Northern Coal Country will be Canaan Valley Resort on March 26 through 28. The ECRR Board meeting will be the evening of the 26^th. The Southern Coal Country will be at Breaks Interstate Park (VA-KY border) on April 9-11. There are some budget constraints to offering travel expense to attendees. There are also questions regarding number of trainers needed, etc. It was decided to put out the announcement of the trainings with a “hold that date” urgency. Tuition (training, room and meals) will be covered for attendees while travel expense will not. When an ED is in place some more adjustments can be made in the budget but it is important to begin the recruitment and registration process earlier rather than later. Dvon motioned to announce the training with the suggested offerings of tuition, room, meals but not travel expense. Alice seconded, motion carried.

In closing, a phone conference meeting date of Feb. 7 at 9AM was scheduled to give some direction of immediate priorities for the incoming ED. A phone conference with the ED and board will be scheduled for late in February as well. Sarah will send out

a reminder and conference calling info.