Call to Order
The 2010 Western Conference Board Meeting of the FFLA was called to order at 2020 Hours in Grangeville, by FFLA Board Chair, Keith Argow. 

Attendance
Executive Committee:
Chairman Keith Argow
Western Deputy Chairman Dave Bula
Secretary Brad Eells
Treasurer: Gary Weber

Directors:
Southern California: George & Pam Morey
Oregon: Howard Verschoor
Eastern Washington: Rod Fosback
Western Washington: Forest Clark
New Jersey: Ray Grimes
 
Hawaii State Representative: Ray Kresek
Election Chairman: Rob Hoeye

Several FFLA  Members

Recognition and Appreciation of 2010 Western Meeting Hosts:

Chairman Argow commended Gary Weber and Team for the organization of the Western Conference

Treasurers Report/ Newsletter:

The Newsletter Chapter costs and Chapter accounts have been reconciled.. Change of printers cost increase for newsletter. 1150 copies per run. Extra copies are available. 
Electronic version for complimentary copies is suggested and approved. Interested directors should contact Treasurer/Newsletter Editor Weber.

Membership report:

Chairman Argow cited the excellent renewal rate, and stressed the need to continue our membership recruitment program.  Current members:  1,020.

Western Deputy Report:

Deputy Bula announced a change in directors in New Mexico and Colorado/Utah. Chapters. He noted FFLA's strong organization and a family atmosphere.  The New Mexico position remains vacant.  The Colorado/Utah Chapter nominated Kent Argow, the son of Chairman Argow, as their new Director. To avoid any conflict of interest, Chairman Argow forwent  the customary prompt  approval and requested the chapter  to submit two alternate candidates. The three names were put forward, and the Executive Committee unanimously confirmed the chapter's choice of Kent Argow as the new Colorado/Utah Director.

Website:

Projects page should be updated to reflect current projects.  Information needs to be submitted to webmaster.

2011 Western Conference:

Locations for conference suggested are: Colorado/Utah/Wyoming or Mt Hood Nat’l Forest, Oregon.  Discussion will be continued on a final decision.

Liability Insurance:

The national organization will go through the application process with Alliant Insurance.

20th Anniversary:

It was noted that is FFLA's 20th anniversary and it would be appropriate to have an article commemorating the event.  The Board is seeking  someone to write the story.
 
Sub-chapter Identification:

In a clarification of policy and procedures., Sub-Chapters are authorized to identify themselves as FFLA chapters for public relations purposes.                  The "sub-chapter"  identity is for FFLA internal purposes.

Old Business:

Western WA brought up  parts storage container purchase included in the 2010 budget.. Oregon suggests a good enclosed trailer. The unit would be used for storage and not sent to restoration sites.  Ad hoc group formed for trailer acquisition: Howard Verschoor, Dick Morrison, and Forest Clark

New Business:

National website updates are needed in a timely manner. Online Facebook page is of value. Nick Weber will coordinate the development of a Facebook FFLA Fan page.

Secretary Eells commented that in his experience he believes that our target market for new members is age 45+

Boy Scouts could be a good avenue to bring awareness to fire lookouts. 
Chairman Argow suggests a liaison with BSA and potential articles in Boys Life and Scouting magazines. A fire lookout merit badge could be proposed.

Member Martin Hochman suggested articles in AARP, Good Sam – Motor Home Byways, Western Magazine.  Volunteer authors are welcome.

Secretary Eells recommended the use of local media for membership recruitment and project promotion.

Adjournment:
With no further business for the Western Conference FFLA board meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 2126 Hours.