Attendees: Tracy Artley, Alec Cooley, Mark Darling, Jack Debell, Dana Donatucci, Rob Gogan, Deb Hanson, Barb Kviz, Michael Meyering, Ed Newman, Becky Valentich, Christine Von Kolnitz Cooley, Michael Youdelman
Absent: Judi Gard, Judi Dunn Gray, Mary Jensen
1. Welcome new members!
Michael Youdelman introduced himself, stating that he was glad to be on the Steering Committee once again and was looking forward to working on a variety of initiatives. Michael Meyering then introduced himself and stated that he was really looking forward to working with the Committee.
2. Congress update
Discussion ensued on Kevin Lyons and the talk he will be giving at the Congress. The information that Kevin presents will be made available on the CURC website. Alec reported that logistics for the CURC workshop are moving forward and that a price will be announced soon. Discussion then moved to the exhibitor directory; Becky will submit information to be put about the CURC display in this directory. Christine reported that speakers are needed for the education panel. Mark and Becky offered to help with this. Barb stated that she needs speakers for the CURC workshop roundtable discussions. Barb will send the list of roundtable topics to Mark who will forward it to the Steering Committee and volunteers will be requested. Barb was encouraged that the workshop may be a zero waste event. Alec noted that a location was needed for the CURC Saturday night social event. Barb reported that the group will be meeting at Bossa Nova. Karyn Kaplan will be arranging for space on Saturday for the CURC meeting. This meeting will begin at 8 or 9 am. Becky noted that she and Ed have been tasked with the 2 exhibit booths. For the RecycleMania booth, Becky requested posters from different colleges on how they advertised the competition. It was also suggested that the schools who won the RecycleMania competitions bring materials showing how they did it. Alec also suggested placing a laptop at the booth with different schools’ web pages on it. Tracy will bring a laptop for this purpose. Becky will send out a sign up sheet for volunteers to work the booths. Becky and Ed need to figure out what to do for the CURC booth.
3. Scholarships
Jack reported that he and Mark will review the scholarship applications and will serve as mentors at the conference. Jack suggested having the recipients arrive earlier this year so that they can attend the CURC workshop. Michael Meyering offered to work with Jack and Mark on this. Jack next stated that an announcement has gone out and applications are coming in, with the deadline being July 25th. Recipients will be chosen by August 12th. Discussion turned to the Murray Fox Trust Fund Scholarship for students in the area of the host community to attend the conference. The Committee stated that they would like feedback from Barb on schools to approach about this.
4. Weyerhauser funds
Weyerhauser provided the funding for the first round of webinars. Jack requested a follow up thank you letter to Weyerhauser for the funding. Jack then inquired about the AF&PA funds to create a technical exchange and peer-match program. This money would provide matching funds for CURC members to go onsite to provide technical assistance to other schools and to set up a speakers bureau. Alec reported that last he heard from Kate Krebs, NRC had not yet received the funds. Jack suggested putting a subcommittee together at the next conference call to discuss this further. Alec will touch base with Kate on this to get her thoughts as well.
5. Webinars
A webinar on Program Nuts & Bolts (part 2) will be presented the week of June 9. July 15 will be the next one, with Pete Pasterz, Rob Gogan and Jack Debell speaking. October 14 is the end of the series for the year. The Steering Committee decided that they’d like to do another series next year. Decisions need to be made on topics, moderators and speakers. It was proposed that a small subcommittee be formed to work on this with Christine as the chair. Michael Y. expressed his interest in participating. Christine noted that if others do not step up, people should be appointed. Alec suggested more pre-planning for next year. Discussion ensued.
6. Using MS Outlook to schedule conference calls
Mary suggested using MS Outlook to put conference calls on steers’ schedules. Tracy will send out an email to find out who uses Outlook for email.
7. Adjourn
The call adjourned at 1:09 pm EST.