OFFICIAL MINUTES

General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society

October 23, 2004

Hobe Sound Public Library

Hobe Sound, Florida

President Fran James called the General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society (FOS) to order at 2:07 p.m. She welcomed members to the meeting.

Jerry Jackson, Florida Field Naturalist Editor, reported the last two issues of the Florida Field Naturalist (FFN) are at the printer. The September 2004 issue should be out in two to three weeks. The FFN has received a diversity of journal article submittals.

President James reported the last issue of the newsletter is posted on the web site (http://www.fosbirds.org). The FOS is looking for a name for the newsletter. She requested members give her or Tom Palmer, Newsletter Editor, suggestions for newsletter names during the meeting.

Glen Woolfenden has decided to step down as Special Publications Editor. President James thanked him for his work in this position. She reported Jack Hailman has agreed to take on the duties of Special Publications Editor.

Katy NeSmith announced Save Our Seabirds, Tierra Verde’, Florida, won the 2004 Cruickshank Education Award ($500) for its education outreach program.

Jim Cox, Conservation Committee Chairperson, reported the committee is focused on state-wide issues. The committee is evaluating prescribed burns on state lands and the state’s listing process for endangered and threatened species.

Vice president Joyce King reported the spring meeting will be held March 11-13, 2005, in Venice, Florida. Peace River and Venice Audubon Societies will host the meeting.

President James shared her concerns regarding membership in the society. The FOS currently has approximately 400 members; President James would like to increase the size of the organization to 500 members. She encouraged members to contact her to get involved in a membership drive.

Judith Buhrman introduced the new membership brochure. The brochure will be sent to the printer during the week of 10/25/04. Judith asked members to let her know about upcoming festivals. She wants each member to bring in one new member. Judith requested members to contact her if they can take brochures to a center, organization, or event that will promote the FOS.

President James encouraged the membership to be actively involved in the organization. She announced Pam Bowen is relinquishing her duties as FOS Event Photographer and stated FOS is looking for someone to fill this position. Ernie Cowan, Savannas Preserve State Park, indicated his interest in the position.

President James adjourned the meeting at 2:22 p.m.