Our meeting was excellent. Friday was cold, windy and snowy. I introduced Howard V. from Oregon to Mississippi with a climb up a 100' fire tower where a snow squall quickly enveloped us! Gary visited 17 lookouts in 2 days on his way up from New Orleans, and Henry a like number on his way down from Massachusetts.

The meeting facility in Helena was excellent and we got alot of work done. Thanks to the proxies, we had a quorum as only 7 directors actually attended.

Here are some highlights:
1. By Email directors will soon be receiving what we believe to be the current copy of FFLA bylaws. Our counsel, Joe Higgins, and I will review these carefully to see if any updating is in order. PLEASE send me any items you want reviewed.

2. Gary Weber was appointed Treas/Membership Coordinator replacing Shirley Goodrich who resigned due to health. Gary will continue his role as Editor. The Board passed a resolution of commendation to Shirley & Keith for jobs well done.

3. Our election was confirmed: Howard (Western Dep Ch), Ray Grimes (sec'y), and Smoke (Historian)

4. We discussed board meetings as length. Fortunately we do not have a requirement to hold them only in January. There are held at conferences which should be moved around the country. We will try new techniques (such as conference calls) to improve participation. The next board meeting is being called from Friday, June 1, 7:30 PM in Flagstaff, AZ at our western summer conference. A second board meeting is called on Friday, Aug. 15, 7:30PM in Northeastern Connecticut.

5. An election committee was appointed from a 3 year term as per our bylaws. Members are Rob Hoeye (Chair) and required non member of the board, Henry, and Smoke.

6. A preliminary 2001 budget was adopted. It includes a new Lookout Restoration Revolving fund (proposed by Bob Spear) at an initial level of $500. Revolving means that money granted to projects for materials, etc. is to be paid back. A committee will be extablished to recieve applications and set criteria.

7. The 501(c)3 application has been processed. Joe and I appealed to receive approval retroactive to our incorporation. You will be advised of our final approval as soon as it arrives.

8. Shirley forwarded an excellent financial report. We are operating within our financial means! We will further define our existing self financing merchandise fund and the current status (which is good) will appear in the financial statement.

All in all, the state of FFLA is good and the future looks bright. You each will receive detailed minutes and the financial report in hard copy when it is completed (within a month or two).

Special thanks to Smoke Pfeiffer for hosting such a wonderful meeting. The four speakers he brought in (including our own Rob Hoeye) were outstanding, and we will all remember the spectacular Blanchard Springs Caverns, plus the lookouts visited.

Keith

Conference Photos
(courtesy of Gary Weber)