NCF Board of Directors
Minutes of Meeting
September 16, 2003

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

• ED outlines "self-sufficiency" challenges
• Work starts on 2004 draft Budget
• Directors enthusiastic about new start page and more

Minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors

The meeting was called to order at 7.20 p.m. with Chris Cope as Chair and Sandy Campbell as Secretary.

1. INTRODUCTIONS

   Board members present:
   Christopher Cope (bz787), President/chair
   Sandy Campbell (dt820), Secretary
   Andrea Holland (es170), 2nd Vice-President
   Mark Mielke (al278)
   Don Francis (ba990)
   Michael Mei (be195)
   Graeme Beckett (aw958)
   John Hennessey (ev776)
   Mary Anne Dugmore (er983)

   Regrets:
   Gary Eikenberry (aa353), 1st Vice-President
   Vanessa Kanu (ev216), Treasurer
   Michael Williamson (cm324)
   

   NCF Management/Staff present:
   John Selwyn (es347), Executive Director
   Sheila Alder (bw306), Office Manager

   Members/Guests:
   None

   Once around the table . . .
   Informal pre-meeting conversation, with Directors taking turn offering personal views and commentary on interesting things that might not make it to the Agenda.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MEETING
   (see minutes of prior month)

   MOTION: That minutes be approved as published.
   Moved by: Sandy Campbell
   Seconded by: Michael Mei
   VOTE: All in favor

3. REVIEW OF THE AGENDA
   (see draft agenda)

   MOTION: That the agenda be adopted
   Moved by: Mary Anne Dugmore
   Seconded by: Sandy Campbell
   VOTE: All in favor

4. ONGOING BUSINESS
   1. No items in this category.
5. REPORTS
   1. Executive Director's Report (John Selwyn)
      (see accompanying report)
      

      Executive Director Selwyn elaborated on his PowerPoint presentation summarizing current status, ongoing developments, and the "marketing" challenges for the remaining months of 2003. (Timeframes have been renegotiated to January/04 for SmartCapital and to March/04 for HDRC, allowing a cushion for NCF to achieve self-sufficiency, i.e. to have members' donations cover all expenses.)
      He emphasized that it will require much hard work to achieve that goal, including "raising awareness" with the launch of the Smart Capital and HRDC projects, coupled with "grassroots brand-recognition." Several Directors volunteered to help distribute new pamphlets in appropriate sites, and others offered to participate in a meeting to help refine marketing plans. The Board was enthusiastic about the new start page and praised the efforts of the development for its efforts.

      MOTION: That the ED's report be accepted.
      Moved by: Graeme Beckett
      Seconded by: Michael Mei
      VOTE: All in favor

   2. Treasurer's Report (Vanessa Kanu)
      (see financial statements for )

      In the absence of the Treasurer, ED Selwyn reviewed the financial statement, noting a smaller new donations could be due to new credit card system accepting the $5/mo suggested donation. He suggested consideration of changing the "tone" from NCF being a "free" service to that of being a donation-based "co-operative" service.

      MOTION: That the Financial Statements be received
      Moved by: Graeme Beckett
      Seconded by: Sandy Campbell
      VOTE: All in favor

   3. New Business

      ED Selwyn announced work will begin on developing the draft budget for 2004 with emphasis on careful planning and forecasting expenses/income related to achieving the goal of self-sufficiency. Treasurer Kanu will be asked to lead the process.

6. Announcements
   1. NCF will have a booth at the upcoming GTech show in Ottawa
7. NEXT MEETING

   OCTOBER 21, 2003 at 7 p.m.
   Old Forge Community Resources Center
   2730 Carling Avenue, Ottawa

8. ADJOURNMENT

   The meeting adjourned at 9.10 p.m.