The Willamette Valley chapter annual meeting was held at the home of Howard and Vicki Meyer.  Members present: Phil Swain, Jeff Merriman, John Tacke, Jay Welch, Jim Donovan, Kathy Steele, Jim and Pam McGowan, John and Grace Lucini, Carmen Spencer, Howard and Vicki Meyer.  

The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm by President Howard Meyer.  Minutes of last year’s meeting were circulated and accepted as presented (Swain/Merriman).  

Jeff Merriman presented the 2008 Treasurer’s report.  Following discussion the financial report was accepted (G. Lucini/J. McGowan).  Howard thanked Jeff for his excellent work as treasurer.  A current membership list was distributed for any updates.

The 2009 membership dues were set to remain at $20 (J. Lucini/Welch).  Phil Swain commented that in accordance with chapter bylaws the board of directors is empowered to set membership dues for the following year.  Since dues are payable January 1 for the following year, members could make payment in advance of the annual meeting in order to be financial for voting.  Members not renewing by March 1 are dropped in accordance with the chapter bylaws.

Howard complimented Jeff on setup and maintenance of the chapter website (www.wvnavhda.com).  Jeff then presented his research and findings regarding the chapter achieving non-profit status [501(c)(3)] with the federal government.  The State of Oregon has already approved non-profit status for the chapter.  Advantages of being granted non-profit status include: chapter exemption from paying federal income taxes; liability protection for board members in the event of a lawsuit against the chapter; membership dues and any donations to the chapter would be tax deductible.  Certain changes to chapter bylaws are necessary to conform with 501(c)(3) requirements.  A motion was made and carried (Donovan/Steele) to proceed with such changes.  The necessary wording changes were drafted and approved (Swain/Merriman) and will be circulated to members for comment and approval.

The spring test dates are set for May 2 & 3 and will include both NA and higher testing.  Howard indicated at least 10 people have already either submitted entry forms to him or expressed their intention to submit entries upon confirmation of the spring test entry fees.  The St. Louis Pond site is reserved and three judges have been arranged and verbally approved by the Director of Testing.  One day of NA testing may be held at Luckiamute Valley Pheasant Preserve if field conditions are suitable.  Entry fees were discussed and set at $110 for NA and $125 for higher tests (same as for 2008) for members and $20 higher for non-members.  Kathy Steele agreed to serve as Spring Test secretary.  The suggested dates for the Fall Test are Aug. 15 and 16.  Howard will apply for a St. Louis Ponds permit for those dates.

Phil and Howard presented items of interest from the National NAVHDA annual meeting hosted by the Pacific Northwest chapter in Portland Jan. 23-25.  Our chapter basket brought $350 in the silent auction; after expenses for a portion of the contents, the net return to our chapter will be about $150.  Thanks to Vicki Meyer for assembling the basket and to Pam Garzini, Donna Brewster, Phil Swain and Jeff Merriman for donations.  Special thanks to Luckiamute Valley Pheasants for donation of a preserve pheasant hunt.

Josh Rhodes has indicated that he is unable to continue as chapter Vice President.  Jay Welch has volunteered to fill the remainder of the VP term and was accepted with acclamation (Swain/Spencer).

Bryan Brewster has agreed to supervise monthly training days.  It is intended that they be held at the Brownsville site used last year.  Howard has visited with the owner who is agreeable.  

The date for the 2010 annual meeting was tentatively set for the Saturday immediately preceding the Super Bowl.

Howard asked who might be interested in a chapter preserve bird hunt in February or March.  Interested members were noted and will be contacted after Howard gathers more information.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 pm.