AAEA Board President, C. Richard Shumway called the executive board meeting to order. Board members, guests and AAEA staff members were welcomed on August 6, 1999, at 8:00 a.m., in room Director 1 of the Renaissance Hotel, in Nashville, Tennessee. Nancy Herselius, AAEA Meetings Manager, gave a brief review of the 1999 Annual Meeting.

1. The board agenda was reviewed and the following changes were made.
   • Section III, Strategic issues, add item D, Committee and Section Reports.
   • Section IV, Action Items

     Add item N, Extension Committee Proposal,
     

     Add item O, Committee Assignments,

   • Section V, Reports, item C ­ Committees, add Selected Posters, pg. 72 (awards reports), Richard Shumway will report for the Resident Instruction Committee, Economics Education Committee, and COSBAE.

2. Minutes of the April 26th Executive Board Conference Call were reviewed. A correction was made to renumber “Article XII. Amendment of Constitution” of the AAEA Constitution to be “Article XIII. Amendment of Constitution”. The minutes were approved as corrected.

   Two e-mail board decisions were presented for ratification.

   1. Approved the appointment of the American Journal of Agriculture Economic (AJAE) editors -- Peter Berck, Robert Myers, and Michael Wetzstein.
   2. Approved the location of the 2000 Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida.

   Motion: Walt Armbruster moved to ratify the e-mail decisions and move them to record. Claudia Parliament seconded. Approved.

   A brief review of the Blackwell contract for outsourcing the AJAE was presented by John Antle and Donna Dunn. All AAEA requests were honored, and the contract has been signed to begin with the year 2000. Discussion followed.

3. Richard Shumway acknowledged the work of the Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Audit Committee -- Mark Drabenstott (chair), Jerry Hammond, Deevon Bailey, Jim Ahern, Janet Perry, and Wally Tyner. Board discussion focused on the Committee’s assessment of AAEA’s imp lementation of its Strategic Plan. The discussion followed the Committee’s points based on the executive summary of the Kellogg Report, a preamble to the Strategic Plan.

   • “Determine a Shared Vision.” A recommendation for AAEA to have a vision statement was presented. Walt Armbruster suggested the following vision statement: “AAEA will be the source of lifelong learning for agricultural economists and the premier source for accessing their professional contributions to public policy and private sector decision making.” Discussion followed.

     Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that the board draft a vision statement to share with the membership for feedback and reaction. Seconded by Claudia Parliament. Approved.

   • “Marketing the Association.” Discussion focused on how the board and office can be much more aggressive. One recent effort was blast e-mailing the membership.

   • “Facilitate communications.” Communication with the membership was reviewed. Executive Board and Foundation Governing Board minutes are now posted on the AAEA web site after review.

   • “Get Ahead of the Curve.” Continuing to have relevant themes with clear tracks for annual meetings and the goal for diversification were discussed.

   Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that the AAEA have a theme for the annual meeting and implement elements of the program representing the theme, at least one in each time slot. Seconded by John Antle.
   Amendment: Steve Buccola requested an amendment to substitute “the president will endeavor to have elements” for “implement elements.” Seconded by Per Pinstup-Andersen. Approved. Amended motion approved.

   • “Publications - The Outside World’s Look at the Profession.” The AJAE, RAE, and CHOICES’ distinctions were discussed. The Committee’s recommendation for editorial representation from a range of membership interests was reviewed. It was noted that a CHOICES Advisory Board/AAEA Executive Board joint planning session would explore ideas for improving the effectiveness of CHOICES.

   • “Awards - A Signal of What AAEA Values.” Discussion focused on the issue of diversifying awards to recognize a broader range of accomplishments. The board has charged the Awards Policy Committee to evaluate awards and recommend changes and/or new awards. Suggestions from committees, sections, and individuals for additional awards and recognition should be forwarded to that committee.

     Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that the executive board re-examine the fellows selection process. Seconded by J.B. Penn. Motion approved. The fellows selection process will be on the February Board agenda.

   • “Governance.” Discussion focused on sections, constitution and operating policies, and board size. The board members also noted that effective integration of sections into the AAEA strategic direction needed further board attention.

     Motion: Steve Buccola moved to change the strategic plan to keep the board at the present size. Seconded by Julie Caswell.
     Motion: Julie Caswell moved that the motion be tabled for the spring board meeting. Seconded by Walt Armbruster. Approved.

   • “Employment Service.” Donna Dunn suggested that possible future coordination of industry internship opportunities could be incorporated with employment services.

4. The pricing of AAEA Products and Services was addressed. Discussion began with unbundling of RAE and CHOICES.

   Motion: Per Pinstrup-Andersen moved to unbundle RAE and CHOICES for a reduction in membership fee not to exceed marginal cost of printing and shipping one copy of all issues. Seconded by Claudia Parliament. Approved.

   Donna Dunn presented information on the electronic delivery of publications and postage fees. A recommendation was made for an international flat postage fee of $15.

   Motion: Steve Buccola moved to lower the international postage fee to $15. Seconded by Walt Armbruster. Approved.

   The AAEA office will send a letter to international members stating AAEA values its international membership and will be dropping the shipping fee to $15.

5. Richard Shumway presented the CWAE and COSBAE reports, beginning the discussion on diversity. The recommendation was made to promote AAEA’s programs more to the 1890 universities. Discussion followed on providing items and programs that make AAEA attract ive to a more diverse membership. Richard Shumway requested that the incoming president charge all committees to consider ways to increase diversity.

The executive board meeting dismissed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.

Convened, 8/6/99 at 1:00 p.m.

6. John Antle addressed the timing of section and committee reports and the role of board representatives to committees and sections. Concern was expressed about not having recommendations from sections to consider along with committee recommendations at the summer board meeting.

   Motion: Julie Caswell moved to have both sections and committees report by May 15th. Seconded by Claudia Parliament. Approved.

7. Steve Buccola represented the Essay Committee and proposed that the board approve an essay contest for the year 2000, based on a major policy issue of the early twenty-first century.

   Motion: Per Pinstrup-Andersen moved to approve the essay contest. Seconded by Claudia Parliament. Approved.

   Discussion continued on the logistics of the essay contest.

   Motion: Steve Buccola moved that the final deadline for the announcement of the essay winner be November 1, 2000. Seconded by J.B. Penn. Approved.

   Steve Buccola will present submission and nomination deadlines to reflect a deadline for winner announcement of November 2000.

   Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that there be a selection of essays, up to 20, to be published as a volume, and that there be an outreach symposium in January 2001 organized in conjunction with C-FARE. Seconded by J.B. Penn.
   Motion Amendment: John Antle moved to change the first part of the motion to “Up to 20 essays will be considered for publication as a volume or in other outlets” Seconded by Per Pinstrup-Andersen. Amendment approved. Amended motion approved.

   The distribution of monetary awards for the winning essays and prizes were discussed.

   Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that $5,000 be awarded to the first place essay, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 each for the next three places. Seconded by Per Pinstup-Andersen. Approved.

   Motion: John Antle moved to change item (e) (iv) on page 2 of the proposal to read “attention to the political economy of the suggestions put forward.” Walt Armbruster seconded. Approved.

   Motion: Julie Caswell move to accept the full amended proposal, Walt Armbruster seconded. Approved.

8. Donna Dunn brought to the board’s attention the retirement of registered agent Neil Harl. Discussion followed.

   Motion: Walt Armbruster moved to change the registered agent to Donna Dunn as executive director of AAEA. Seconded by John Antle. Approved.

9. Donna Dunn presented a recommendation to add another signatory for the checking and investment accounts.

   Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that the president-elect be added to the signatories. Seconded by Steve Buccola. Approved.

10. Richard Shumway introduced a written motion to move the Abstracts and AAEA Business sections from the December issue, (issue # 5), of the AJAE to the special on-line issue of the Exchange, continue to keep the special issues on the web site for three years, retain a permanent electronic file in the AAEA Office for easy retrieval on request, and add a note to the Selected Papers and Selected Posters Abstract sections that full versions of the papers are available permanently on AgEcon Search.

    Motion: John Antle moved to approve the written motion starting with the year 2000. Per Pinstrup-Andersen seconded. Approved.

11. AgEcon Search e-mailed a proposed memorandum of understanding with AAEA for approval and signature. The document was a statement of endorsement and support for the expansion of the electronic collection of agricultural economics literature.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved to approve the MOU with AgEcon Search. Seconded by Julie Caswell. Approved.

12. A motion was presented to the board to raise the page limit on Selected Papers.

    Motion: John Antle moved to approve the motion to increase maximum length of Selected Papers from 12 to 25 pages. Seconded by Julie Caswell. Approved.

13. To strengthen the AAEA’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, CWAE recommended that gender, ethnicity, and basic demographic data be collected on AAEA members and on authors of articles accepted by the Association’s publications.

    Motion: Claudia Parliament moved that the AAEA Office collect gender and demographic information on AAEA members and authors of AAEA-sponsored publications as written. Seconded by John Antle. Approved.

    The board advised the AAEA Office to select the appropriate information.

14. The Extension Section requested that AAEA tellers certify section elections.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that AAEA certify elections for those sections requesting certification. Seconded by Per Pinstup-Andersen. Approved.

15. The board reviewed the Selected Poster awards.

    Motion: Julie Caswell moved that AAEA continue to have poster awards. Seconded by Claudia Parliament. Approved.

    Discussion followed.

    Motion: Julie Caswell moved that continuing cash prizes be made available for the next two years, 2000, and 2001. Seconded by Walt Armbruster. Approved.

16. Walt Armbruster renewed the request for Executive Summaries for AJAE and RAE articles to help in the Association’s outreach efforts. Discussion followed.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that AAEA require one-page executive summaries for all AJAE and RAE articles -- one paragraph on the problem, one paragraph on the analytic approach, and two paragraphs on the results and implications. J.B. Penn seconded. Approved.

17. Cancellations of approved pre-conference workshops was raised by Richard Shumway. Board discussion followed.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that there be a statement to organizers of pre- and post-conference workshops that if a workshop is accepted there is an obligation to carry through. Seconded by J.B. Penn. Approved.

18. The formation of the Extension Section and the duties of the AAEA Extension Committee were reviewed.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that the AAEA Extension Committee be dropped. Seconded by John Antle. Approved.

19. Walt Armbruster presented suggested changes to the AAEA Constitution. Discussion followed with two modifications noted.

    Motion: Richard Shumway moved that Article X1I. American Agricultural Economics Association Foundation, Section 2. Governance, last line, after ex-officio, insert “non-voting.” Seconded by Steve Buccola. Approved.

    Article V, Section 5., of the Constitution was brought to discussion.

    Motion: John Antle moved to change Article V, Section 5. Power of the executive board, last sentence, “a meeting” to “an executive board meeting.” Seconded by Claudia Parliament. Approved.

20. Walt Armbruster presented the newly revised Operating Policies.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved to adopt the distributed operating policies. Julie Caswell seconded.

    The board agreed to accept without formal amendment any changes in the proposed operating policies on which there was consensus during the first sequential review. Motions are noted below only for recommendations that were re-examined after the initial review.

    • All references to “the AAEA Newsletter” be changed to “the Exchange.”

    • AMENDMENTS -- change “Board votes on proposed amendments conducted by email must be unanimous...” to “Board votes on proposed amendments conducted by email require a 75% majority....”

    • AWARDS, Outstanding Master’s Thesis ­

      Motion: In item (c), Per Pinstrup-Andersen moved to remove the words, “[or other comparable documentation?]” so the section would read, “Nominations should include thesis.” Seconded by John Antle. Approved.

    • AWARDS, Outstanding Master’s Thesis and Outstanding Doctoral Thesis ­

      Motion: In the first paragraph of each section, Robert Taylor moved to replace “any field of agricultural, natural resources or rural economics” with “any field consistent with the AAEA mission statement.” Seconded by Per Pinstrup-Andersen. Approved.

    • AWARDS, Professional Publications -

      (d) change “editorial advisory board” to “advisory board.”

      (e) replace “associate editors” with “editorial council.”

    • FELLOWS -

      Motion: In the last sentence, Per Pinstrup-Andersen moved to change “... administration or business contributions...” to “... administration and/or other contributions...” Seconded by Steve Buccola. Approved.

    • FELLOWS , Nomination -

      Motion: In the last sentence of the second paragraph, John Antle moved to drop the words “... in good standing, actively involved with the association....” Seconded by Steve Buccola. Approved.

    • FELLOWS, Nomination by Fellows ­ replace “The current fellows” with “The fellows selection committee.”

    • COMMITTEES -- remove Extension and add Employment Services.

    • COMMITTEES, Membership of committees ­ remove the word “active.”

    • ELECTIONS (e) -- delete “On-line votes.... from the vendor.”

    • OFFICERS, President ­ delete “... serving as a ex officio member on all committees of the board...”

    • EXECUTIVE BOARD, Appointments ­ change wording to “The executive board shall appoint editors of the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the Review of Agricultural Economics, and CHOICES for terms up to five years. Nothing in the appointment agreement between the executive board and a candidate for any position shall be deemed to create a contractual obligation beyond that specified in the Constitution of the association.”

    • FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, Negotiable Instruments ­ add “president-elect” in the first sentence.

    • MEETINGS, Proceedings of Annual Meetings:
      • In the second sentence, delete “guaranteed publications.”
      • In the second sentence, add “or addresses” after “principal papers.”
      • In the second sentence, replace “reviewed” with “approved.”
      • After the second sentence add “Invited papers and discussions are expected to meet the same standards for quality and clarity of exposition as other AJAE papers. While it is the intention to publish invited and principal papers and discussants’ comments, the AJAE editors retain the right to reject publication of an invited paper, principal paper or discussion that clearly does not meet these standards.”
      • In the last sentence, replace “the AJAE” with “a special on-line issue of the Exchange.”

    • PUBLICATIONS, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, The executive board shall: ­ In the first sentence delete “from nominations made by the president after selection by an ad hoc committee.”

    • PUBLICATIONS, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Page Charges ­ replace “and invited addresses at general sessions of the association” with “Waugh lecture.”

    • PUBLICATIONS, CHOICES, The editor(s) shall: ­ Add “one representative of the editor’s shall” at the beginning of the last sentence.

    • NEWSLETTER ­ Move this section to follow the RAE section.

    The motion to adopt the amended AAEA Operating Policies was approved.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m., August 6, 1999.

August 7, 1999

The AAEA Executive Board meeting reconvened at 8:00 a.m., August 7, 1999

21. Richard Shumway reviewed the nominations for the CHOICES Advisory Board: Andrew Barkley, Joyce Cacho, Cathy Wessells, Judy Whipple, Dan Bernardo, Tanya Roberts, Priscilla Salant, Wally Thurman.

    Motion: John Antle moved to approve the changes and additions to the CHOICES Advisory Board. Seconded by Julie Caswell. Approved.

22. Committee reports were reviewed. Discussion on committee and section appointments of executive board members followed. A request was made to each board representative to report to the AAEA office by November 1, 1999, on committee/section activities and p rogress for the December executive board meeting. The report is to cover recent past and current plans of the committee/section and how they relate to the strategic goals and plans of AAEA.

23. Steve Buccola presented the board with an Essay Contest timetable. The deadline for abstract submissions (to include title and subject) will be November 15, 1999. The committee will announce the abstract selections by December 15, 1999. The deadline for essay submissions will be September 1, 2000, with the announcement of the winning essay on November 1, 2000.

24. The unbundling prices to be presented to the AAEA Membership were reviewed.

    Motion: Julie Caswell moved that the unbundling prices for the AAEA publications be $4 for CHOICES and $6 for the Review of Agricultural Economics. Seconded by Per Pinstrup-Andersen. Approved.

    Motion: Walt Armbruster moved that the AAEA membership rate be set at $90 for a regular membership with all publications. The fee for an AAEA student/senior membership with all publications will be $55. If a member chooses not to receive all publications, the membership fee will be reduced $10 , $6, or $4 for not receiving the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the Review of Agricultural Economics, or CHOICES, respectively. John Antle seconded. Approved.

25. Richard Shumway reviewed the Auditor’s report.

    Motion: J.B. Penn moved to accept the submitted auditor’s report. Walt Armbruster seconded. Approved.

26. Spiro Stefanou presented the AJAE editors’ report.

27. Gail Cramer reported on the RAE.

28. Harry Ayer reported on CHOICES.

29. Richard Shumway recognized and thanked the exiting AAEA Board Members -- Walt Armbruster, Claudia Parliament, and Per Pinstrup-Andersen. Per was presented with a plaque since he had to leave before the business meeting. All received the heartfelt thanks of the board.

30. The Executive Board went into executive session.

    The next AAEA Executive Board Meeting was tentatively set for December 3rd and 4th 1999, with the location and details to be announced.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m., August 7, 1999.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna French Dunn
Executive Director