Susan called the group to order at 10:05.

The issue is the request from the Name Change and External Image Task Force for $8,000 to $10,000 to conduct focus groups during the ASSA meeting in Washington, DC. The money is for facilities and assistance getting people to participate in the focus group. AAEA members will conduct the focus groups. The goal is to get outside opinions and information about the perception of agricultural economists and agricultural economics to "outside" audiences.

The situation is affected by the budget shortfall for AAEA.

Susan Offutt noted that the information to be obtained in this activity is important to ERS as well as AAEA. ERS would be willing to split the cost of such an activity.

Jon Brandt would be interested in obtaining some information about what people would like as services or products from the association. Jean noted that members of the task force have interest in obtaining that information. The task force would not be finished with the focus group

Discussion took place about obtaining direct information about AAEA and also about the perceptions of those outside the profession that would give us insight into what AAEA might do in the future. Selection of focus groups is critical. Budget does come into play. Would we gain information that might help? Would that information lead to membership or potential programs for future revenue.

Roll call vote taken on funding the focus groups for $8,000. ERS will provide $5,000 of that, AAEA will provide $3,000. Approved.

Need better sense of who will be in the focus groups. If there is a late start or problem with short time frame - hold it a different time. How would they expect to turn this into recommendations? Can board members come and observe?

Call adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Central time.