Juneau World Affairs Council Board Meeting
Monday, October 22, 2007

Board Members present: Bruce Botelho, Bob Storer, David Moe Dave Sturdevant, Doug Mertz, Leslie Longenbaugh, Tom Lane and Geron Bruce. The board approved the proposed agenda with amendments. Copies of minutes for the August board meeting were unavailable. A description of the results of the September e-mail meeting was approved.

Treasurer's Report: Bob Storer reported that the bank balance was $3,600.76. Expenditures since the last report included $284 for Centennial Hall and $3.90 for printing expenses. One membership renewal was received. $1,000 will be coming in from Wells Fargo now that Bob has obtained a letter from the IRS confirming JWAC’s tax-exempt status.

President’s Report/Communications: Bruce Botelho received a letter from the new French Ambassador (Pierre Vimont) stating that he would not be able to visit this fall, but would like to come to Juneau next year.

Committee Reports
Program: David Moe passed out the current schedule for the speakers program: Frank Ruddy—the Western Sahara (October 31, Downtown Library, host: Dave Sturdevant); Gerard Baker—US/European Economic Relations (November 6, Assembly Chambers, host: Bob Storer or Geron Bruce); Afghanistan Ambassador (November 20, Egan Library, in conjunction with UAS); Peter White—Issues the US Downplays at its Peril (November 30, Assembly Chambers, host: Tom Lane). Other speakers and tentative dates: Possibly Richard Mauer—Situation in Iraq (Dec. 12?); Ian Williams—Insider’s Critique of the UN (Jan. 9); Dr. Mia Bloom—Suicide Terrorism (March 11); Dr. Judyth Twigg—Who Has the Best Health System in the World? (March 14); Robert Ebel—What US Energy Policy Should Be (April).

Special Events: Geron Bruce, Dave Sturdevant, Leslie Longenbaugh and Tom Lane will develop the quiz questions for the WorldQuest event. Geron will initiate a meeting for the group. Bruce also reminded members to identify (donate) auction items for the event.

Outreach: Bruce noted that Colleen Norman needed to be contacted about updating the website.

Tuesday Night Travelogue: Winnie Kessler was to give a presentation on trekking through South Africa on November 6, but board members felt that it would be useful to have the presentation as a draw for the Annual Meeting. Bruce said that members with suggestions for travelogues should contact Linda Kruger, who is coordinating the program (phone: 957-0335).

World Affairs Forum 2008: The forum (on South Asia) will be held May 9-10. Bruce has contacted Bill Howe of the State Department. He is currently stationed in Jakarta, but has been stationed in Sri Lanka and Pakistan (Peshawar) and may be able to participate.

Unfinished and New Business

Annual Meeting Announcement: The board agreed to schedule the meeting for Monday, November 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Assembly Chambers (Note: time and venue confirmed by Bruce the day after the board meeting.)

Slate of Proposed Officers: Bruce indicated that he should no longer continue as president, since he has been in that position for so long. Bob Storer also wished to step down as treasurer. The board decided to propose the following for officers: Doug Mertz (President), Leslie Longenbaugh (Vice-President), Geron Bruce (Treasurer) and Tom Lane (Secretary).

Other: Board members liked Doug Mertz’s proposal for KTOO/Alaska One to tape JWAC programs for their new “360 North” television broadcasts. Doug agreed to follow up with KTOO/Alaska One.
 
Members discussed recent problems with obtaining a meeting quorum. Bruce felt that normally a quorum hadn’t been a real issue. Some suggestions were made for amending the by-laws if it did became a major problem.

Next Meeting: The next Board Meeting is scheduled for the end of the Annual Meeting.

Current Board Members and Term Expirations

*Replaces Frank Barthel       ** Replaces Bob Schroeder