Call to Order: at 12:10 pm by President Richard Meeker.

Meeker introduced present board members and association employees.

A motion was made by Brian Northrup, seconded by Barb Kroll to accept the minutes of the previous annual meeting. Motion passed.

Annual Report s: Don Hunjadi gave the annual financial and membership report. Hunjadi also spoke on several changes in the association since 2006, including the hiring of a new PR/Sales manager.

Conference Update: Meeker reported the dates for the 2008 conference are January 30 through Feb 2. Meeker stated that the committee is currently in the planning process and reported that the most difficult part of the process is blending education for different levels of providers. Meeker opened the floor to questions or comments regarding the conference.

Any thought of doing a CISM training session at the conference?

Meeker responded that this could be looked at but typically a pre-conference session is intended to serve a larger audience.

Any thought of doing sessions that would meet the requirements of recertification?

Meeker responded that this also has been looked at but, again, recertification is available through other educational outlets, although a CPR instructor course may be feasible.

How do you sign-up to participate as a volunteer at the conference?

Meeker explained that there is an application process that can be completed and the HR person from the conference committee determines the personnel needs. Hunjadi encouraged any interested members to contact the association by e-mail in September.

Can there be more hands-on training?

Meeker stated that, other than pre-conference sessions, it is not logistically feasible to have hands-on training. He stated he understands the popularity of hands-on and will continue to try to provide this during pre-conference sessions.

Old/New Business

Strategic Plan 2007-2008: Hunjadi reported that the board of directors met in October 2006 to review and update the strategic plan. He asked participants to refer to the handout for updates.

The 2006 billboard campaign has officially ended, although the company has left several billboards up. Hunjadi reported over 200 responses to the boards were handled through the office.

The floor was opened to questions.

Is there a problem with employees of the association being on the board of directors?

Hunjadi reported that this question comes up often and our legal advisor has determined, that as long as a disclosure is made, there is no issue with this.

Due to increased costs, is there somewhere other than Milwaukee that the conference could be held such as the Alliant Energy Center in Madison?

Meeker reported that several locations have been looked at, including the Alliant Energy Center, which has the ability to meet our conference needs, but is very short on the needed hotel rooms. It is estimated that we would need a total of eight separate hotels in order to find the 800 – 1,000 needed on Thursday and Friday nights. There is nowhere other than the current location that has all of the necessary facilities and hotel rooms. The committee is constantly looking for an alternative location.

Can first responders use the group buying benefit?

Hunjadi noted that a fair number of 1^st responder organizations are currently service members and are using that benefit.

Meeker asked if the members in attendance had a need for small group meetings to discuss issued inherent to particular levels of EMS. Several responded that this may be helpful and would like to organization to look into facilitating this.

Hunjadi asked if anyone had a comment on proposed mandated drivers training. Several groups currently mandate this in their own organizations.

Meeker thanked all in attendance for their interest and commitment to EMS and the WI EMS Association.

A motion by Jim Ronge and seconded by Blaine Werner to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.

Meeting ended at 1310