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CURC Steering Committee
December 6, 2006
Conference Call Began at Noon EST

Present: Tracy Artley; Jack Debell; Dana Donatucci; Judi Dunn;; Rob Gogan; Mary Jensen; Ed Newman; Christine Von Kolnitz

Absent: Mark Darling; Judi Gard; Deb Hanson; Mike Planton

1. ACUHO-I
Mary reported that she received an email from Cindy Felise from the University of Maryland regarding the next American College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I) conference. She was interested in CURC having a display in the conference’s exhibit hall. The conference will be held from July 7 – 10 in Seattle, WA. Judi Dunn offered to set up the display and conduct a membership drive during this event. Ed suggested that she have RecycleMania information as well.

Rob Gogan stated that he has 2 conferences coming up at Harvard that he would like the CURC display for. He then inquired about the process by which CURC members can request the CURC banner and how shipping charges are covered. Mary stated that shipping charges are covered on an informal basis, where each requestor pays for shipping one way.

Mary next inquired about any updates regarding the NRC budget. Jack reported that the budget has been approved but he has not seen it yet. Jack will follow up with the NRC board about the CURC budget.

Mary went over her review of the Technical Council guidelines. She removed portions that stating that the TCs have to fundraise, added that the NRC will suggest to new members appropriate TC memberships and that annual budget reports will be provided. Mary will forward the revised version to everyone. The revisions have been sent back to Michael Alexander with the NRC. Jack stated that in his review of the guidelines, he was concerned about the lack of roll over funds. He also advocated for the ability of CURC to fundraise for CURC purposes.

2. RecycleMania Update
Mary brought up the lack of clarity between CURC and RecycleMania. Rob reported that a Memo of Understanding was just signed between the NRC and RecycleMania Steering Committee. He stated that all felt comfortable that the NRC would be a good sponsor of RecycleMania. The EPA has stated that they want to fund the competition through this year. Rob pointed out that the trademark issue still exists where RecycleMania wants to own the RecycleMania trademark. He also mentioned that the EPA cannot fund the 2008 RecycleMania competition. The current contract runs through mid-February and that they may be switching from ERG to another vendor, although it has been made clear that the RecycleMania Steering Committee would like to stay with ERG. Additionally, the ownership of the associated database is being debated between ERG and EPA. Ed will send a copy of the MOU to the Steering Committee.

Jack re-stated what he suggested at the CURC meeting in Atlanta and re-proposed that additional funds raised for RecycleMania would go to CURC. He also raised concerns about RecycleMania sponsorships, including:
A. The sponsor should have the same values as CURC
B. The sponsor should be reviewed
C. The sponsorship should help fund CURC activities.

He also felt that discounts associated with RecycleMania participation would be a valuable tool for new participant recruitment. Christine suggested a tiered sponsorship system (e.g. platinum, gold, silver, etc.). Ed pointed out that if these things are not able to come to fruition this year, they can still be done in future years.

Mary discussed some concerns she has on CURC and RecycleMania partnering on RecycleMania. She noted that if all sponsorships are going to RecycleMania, where such monies will come from for CURC. She also stressed to the group to be mindful of how sponsorships are drawn in. Mary urged the Steers to be mindful that the group talks a lot about the competition.

Rob listed a number of benefits to CURC of RecycleMania, including:
A. It gives access to people who wouldn’t otherwise know about CURC
B. It increases CURC outreach opportunities
C. It promotes a credible recycling contest.

Discussion ensued on potential RecycleMania sponsors.

3. Green Press Initiative
Mary stated that she had been contacted by someone with the National Wildlife Federation contacted her about the Green Press Initiative, which is striving to get recycled-content paper in textbooks. The representative inquired about CURC sponsoring such an initiative. Mary then let the group know that she had not yet received an answer from Kate Krebs regarding CURC’s ability to endorse programs.

Jack suggested that a representative from CURC join the December 13th conference call and bring information back to the Steering Committee. He then suggested that the group send the NWF a written endorsement that will need to be embargoed for 30 days pending NRC review. Afterwards, a copy of CURC’s endorsement will be sent to the NRC.

Ed next inquired about the information gathered at the last 2 CURC workshops as he would like to see that information on the CURC website. Mary suggested sending Lin King and email about it.

Dana gave an update on the membership drive. He stated that he had a phone conversation with Richard Brundage recently. They discussed the membership database project and becoming an NRC member. The database project has not yet begun as the NRC needs to get agreements with the SROs on a format to use. Richard stated that they will not spend the money on the project if no one will use it. It will be status quo for a while in CURC’s member solicitation initiatives. Dana stated that he informed Richard that it is very difficult to register for anything associated with the Technical Councils. Mary added that the NRC should have the TCs front and center in any fundraising efforts on their part. Dana concluded by reporting that CURC met their work plan goal of increasing membership by 50%. CURC now stands with 132 members.

Jack reported that he will be teaching at APPA next month and will represent CURC. He would like to provide Dana or Richard a list of APPA members who could become CURC members. Dana stressed that potential CURC members must also be NRC members.

Mary concluded with a reminder that the next work plan is due at the end of January. Members with ideas for the work plan should send them to Mary.

4. Adjourn
Mary adjourned the meeting at 1:35 pm.

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