**Minutes of the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter (GSMC) Meeting**

**July 21, 2005**

**WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND GUESTS**

GSMC members met in the Wackenhut Theater for the 11:30 a.m. meeting.

The meeting began at 11:36 a.m., with Chapter President, David Mikeska,
providing a welcome to new members: Diane James and Shownya Acree. David
mentioned that no certifications have been received.

**PROGRAM**

Program speaker, Marcia Whitson, CPPM CF and National Delegate was
invited to speak to the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter on the National
Education Seminar (NES) to be held in Nashville, TN, August 26 --
September 2, 2005. This years' NES is hosted by the Great Smoky Mountain
Chapter.

Marcia commented on the large number of Chapter members who were going
this year as provided in a recent survey conducted by the National
Seminar Committee. It is anticipated that nearly 600 -- 700 attendees
will be attending the seminar. The GSMC sponsors several members whose
employer does not allow provision to attend miscellaneous activities
and/or events. Sponsored members will work at desks, assist with
workshops, stuff registration bags, or be available for other assistance
as needed. This sponsorship includes room and transportation as well as
seminar registration.

Marcia noted that there are more workshops than there are seminar
workers. The seminar is in need of individuals to provide desk coverage,
workshop assistance, and stuffing registration bags. Contents of the
seminar bags might include ice scrapers, ink pens, Opry Mills VIP card,
note pads, etc. Door prizes will also be given away.

A question was raised if there will be a survey available to attendees
that will provide feedback on instructors, material, and seminar
activities. It was unknown at this time as to whether a survey will be
made available, however, Marcia will research and respond.

During the meeting, Marcia routed a listing that contained all the
workshops and asked if anyone was interested in helping to please mark
which workshop they were interested in.

Conversation followed regarding if the Chapter was doing a basket this
year. Background on the baskets is that the baskets are prepared and
raffled off at the seminar in order to raise funding for those members
who are interested in taking courses (NCMA, NPMA, other courses, etc)
whose employers are not able to budget. In order to apply, you must be a
member for two years. The Foundation gives between seven and eight
scholarships.

An interesting note by Marcia was that there will be no conference
proceeding available before the workshops.

Other highlights of the seminar are:

-   Dinner on the General Jackson showboat

-   Keynote speaker will be the Fire Chief from September 11

-   Banquet to be held on August 31, 2005

-   Property Challenge

This will be a good year to attend the NES because of its locale plus
the fact that GSMC is the hosting Chapter. Next years' NES is planned to
be held in Minnesota with the following year in Seattle.

**BUSINESS MEETING**

-   ***Minutes of meetings*** are posted on the Chapter website --

-   J D Huddleston motioned to accept the Chapter minutes. Bill Price
    moved with a second. Motion to accept the June minutes was
    recognized and approved.

-   ***Treasurer Report*** (June) - Rebecca Whitehead discussed
    pertinent details of the report with beginning and ending balances,
    checks issues, and interest earnings. The report was issued for
    review and filed for audit.

-   ***Committee Reports*** -- V.P., J. D. Huddleston, called for
    reports from Committees:

-   *Awards Committee* -- Dewayne Raines asked if the previous discussed
    funds from the Programs budget be transferred. \$100 to be
    transferred.

-   *National Seminar Committee* -- Marcia's report was already provided
    as part of the program.

-   *Finance, Nominating Committee, and Membership* -- Nothing to
    report.

-   *By-Laws Committee* -- The By-Laws Committee requested a change in
    the by-laws to the membership for approval as follows:

*"Article XII, Section 1, change"...in accordance with the latest
edition of "The Amateur Chairman, "Robert's Rule of Order, Revised." To
read: "...in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised."*

*The reason for the change is that Robert's Rules of Order has been
revised. The 1990 Edition, 9^th^ Edition is names "Robert's Rules of
Order Newly Revised".*

Marcia Whitson so moved to accept the by-laws change. Copy of record for
file provided to Chapter Secretary.

-   Chapter President, David Mikeska, mentioned that if members have
    received a salary survey from the National Office, it is not too
    late to respond. David discussed an example where a company he was
    familiar with used similar type information to provide a comparison
    between a low-entry individual who was conducting upper-level
    activities and how this salary-type survey assisted the company in
    adjusting the person's pay scale to match actual activities being
    performed. Bill Price also provided comment regarding that there are
    differences amongst companies in how they determine pay and job
    titles/descriptions.

-   Brief mention that the Delegates Handbook will be discussed at the
    next meeting.

-   Chapter Report -- as provided to NPMA Corporate. David read the
    report to the Chapter which reflected a history of the Great Smoky
    Mountain Chapter.

**Old Business:**

-   Marcia mentioned that in the past, in lieu of preparing a basket for
    raffle, that the Chapter has purchased a bear and attached a check
    or gift certificate. David described that some items that were
    donated for a basket were items that relate to Tennessee, Oak Ridge,
    or the Chapter. A vote was taken to determine whether the Chapter
    would prepare a basket or donate a bear with check/gift certificate.
    Dewayne suggested that the Chapter donate a Smokey instead of a
    bear. A vote to provide a Smokey with check/gift certificate was
    unanimous.

Raffle tickets are \$5.00.

-   A motion was accepted to transfer the \$100 from the Chapter's
    savings account to the Awards Program. A motion was initiated
    by J. D. Huddleston with a second motion presented by Bill Price.
    Motion was passed.

**New Business**: None

**Property Question:** Chapter members and guests were challenged with
two property questions:

Question 1: What is Benchmarking?

Answer 1: A process of identifying, sharing, and using best practices to
improve business processes. (American Productivity & Quality Center)

Congratulations to Bill Price and Bill Beedle who gave the correct
answer!

Question 2: CFR 109-1.5202. If a property administrator has not been
designated, who is the property administrator?

Answer 2: The Contracting Officer.

Everyone got this one right!

Next Meeting -- August 18, 2005, Wakenhut Theater, 116 Mitchell Road,
Oak Ridge, TN.

The meeting adjourned at 12:25 with J.D. Huddleston motioning to
adjourn. Marcia Whitson seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned.

**RECORD OF ATTENDANCE**

**Members in Attendance (15)**

Lisa Bartosch

William Beedle

Lisa Copeland

Connie Dagley

Bessie Davis

JD Huddleston

David Mikeska

Larry Osborne

Rita Paulk

Bill Price

DeWayne Raines

Kathye Settles

Rebecca Whitehead

Marcia Whitson

Dawn Umstead

**Excused Absences (12)**

Tracye Baber

Robin Bishop

Mary Brooks

Cheri Cross

Kathy Davidson

Tina Graves

Dinah Gray

Kaye Habenschuss

Debra Hudak

Wendell McPeters

Susan Phillips

Charles Yancy

All members living out of town

**Guests**

Erin Raines

Note: Local members who have a valid excuse for missing a Chapter
meeting should contact the President or Secretary prior to the meeting
or shortly thereafter.