Hermann announced that NC-188 (market Quality of Hard Wheat for Domestic and International Foods) no longer exists and that project’s former members should be joining with NC-213, which will now include that extra scope. The Executive Committee recommended Katherine Tilley of Kansas State University, a former member of NC-188, be nominated for the office of Secretary. He stated that this would be a good first step toward incorporating these new members into NC-213. Katherine Tilley was elected unanimously to the office of Secretary.

Ravlin stated that the proposal was well received by the reviewers (note the positive comments from the reviewers in the distributed copies of the proposal reviews), but was not funded, apparently because something changed and only one Center proposal was funded. Payne explained that due to legislators’ displeasure with way the FRA money was handled, there will be no such funding this year. The problems with the FRA were: 1) the grant review process was not handled well and some wrong notifications to grant writers were extended and then changed more than once and 2) some of the other funds involved did not go where the legislators had intended.

Hermann announced that all officers and objective chairs would be asked to write an appropriate job description so that all expectations are clear, and as part of an effort to get all scientists more involved in the operation of NC-213.

Currently there are three newsletters published per year in both web and paper format. Ravlin raised the question of whether the paper version is necessary. Several people felt that the paper version is still very important for industry at this time. The objective chairs need to get contributions from their scientists for the newsletter, which will alternate this station news with meeting news. Hermann stated that Donna Schenk-Hamlin at Kansas State University would get old newsletters into electronic format for the web. Hurburgh suggested that all responsibilities for both scientists and the project coordinator be clearly defined so that everything is done properly and important responsibilities are not overlooked.

Ravlin pointed out, much to everyone’s surprise, that the percent of time allocated to the NC-213 coordinator position was not specified in the job description. A discussion ensued about how this happened and how it would effect the project. Apparently the change occurred between the time the position announcement was circulated to NC-213 members and the time Ravlin was actually hired. Payne, who probably could have answered the question of how it happened, had already left the meeting when this came up.

Herrman and Ravlin commented that with only a one-quarter time administrator, all of the scientists will have to be more involved. Ravlin stated that in some states Universities do not provide faculty with operating budgets from hatch research funding, rather, it is all directed into faculty salaries. The question was raised as to whether all of the missing one-quarter time administrative responsibilities will be passed on to the project scientists. Wicklow pointed out that the half-time administrator was the basis of the formula that made NC-213 what it is–a very effective regional project that has accomplished much. This was largely because the coordinators have had a passion for the work being done at all of the stations and have truly coordinated and facilitated the project. Herrman commented that we don’t want to let NC-213 deteriorate to a process.

Herrman reported that a web reporting system is being developed. Ravlin said it should be in place by the time of the summer meeting. Herrman suggested that earlier submission of titles would be helpful for advertising (especially to industry) to increase meeting attendance. It was mentioned that this year there seemed to be too many presentations and too little time for discussion of the information. The objective chairs will need to select speakers and organize so as to allow for this discussion (one and one-half days may be required for presentations to allow for this).

The new format is to include both the 50-word summary and the impact statement in lay language. The usefulness of the 50-word summary was questioned, and Ravlin said he would check into eliminating it. Ravlin reported that revised copies of the Annual Report are being produced with those reports included that were missing from the first printing. The revised version will include a revision date.

Herrman commented that Kansas City was a good central location for the meeting with nice facilities. Those present seemed to agree. The week of February 14, 2000 was tentatively selected for the annual meeting, again to be in Kansas City.

Currently there is more money available from the endowment than is being awarded in the grants. There was agreement to offer additional grants during off years when the current grants are not being offered and that these should be multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional grants. It was mentioned that these funds might be used for leveraging with industry or government sources. They might also offer an opportunity to engage the stakeholders in the old FRA proposal.

Nominations are accepted annually for this award, but it does not always have to be awarded. It is a $300 cash award and the names of recipients are placed on a plaque at The Andersons. It was noted that it would not be possible to always award it at "the level of a Lowell Hill." Hurburgh asked if some funds could be awarded for student travel to the meetings. Ravlin asked about providing student scholarships for this purpose.

Herrman announced that it did not work out to meet with GEAPS in Ames this summer. Several topics were considered for the theme for the 1999 summer meeting:

• Evaluation of Uniformity by 2000
• Methyl Bromide (Alternatives)
• Biotech/specialty grains — supply management networks
• The Lakes Grain Business (coordinated with The Andersons in Maumee, OH)

It was agreed to meet in Maumee, Ohio and have a meeting theme of "The Great Lakes Grain Business." It was also agreed to take advantage of this meeting to present Don Anderson with a special award from NC-213. Ravlin agreed to coordinate this with Bob Smigelski.

Dunkell and Hill will do some preliminary work on the summer 2000 meeting.

Mark Casada, NC-213 Secretary