Minutes 2000

ASEH Executive Committee Meeting

Minutes

March 18, 2000

Tacoma, Washington

Participants:  Jeffrey Stine, Carolyn Merchant, Char Miller, Lisa Mighetto, Sarah Elkind, Susan Flader, Mark Harvey, John McNeill, Marty Melosi, Christine Rosen, and Hal Rothman (Steven Anderson and Mark Stoll attended part of the meeting) 

President Jeffrey Stine called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m.

1.                  Approval of Minutes.  Char moved to approve the minutes from 1999.  Marty seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

2.                  Proposal to Internationalize H-ASEH.  Mark Stoll explained the proposal (attached) to make ASEH more “friendly” to the international community.  Marty suggested that ASEH’s actions be substantive rather than simply oriented to appearances, adding that we should increase the number of non-Americans on the committee.  A discussion of the title of the list included concerns that it reflect a global community (“American” sounded exclusive), as well as the need to found by search engines.  Char moved to accept the committee’s recommendations, including the following:

A six-member editorial board, five of whom are appointed by the ASEH executive committee and one appointed by ESEH; appointment of an additional, non-American list editor; and change of the discussion list name from H-ASEH to H-Environment.

            Christine seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

3.                  Jeffrey expressed appreciation for Dennis Williams’ work on the website, and members agreed that his contributions have been very valuable to the Society.

4.                  Forest History Society (FHS) Report.  Steve Anderson began his report by describing the FHS’s membership survey.  When he came on board, he had little demographic information about the members, and no annual meeting to get a sense of what people wanted.  To that end, he compiled the survey (attached), modeled after a professionally developed survey by the Society of Foresters.  The FHS distributed the survey in its newsletter and received a “good return” of around 25%.  Steve then turn to next year’s annual meeting in Durham, and asked to place the Call for Papers on ASEH’s website.  Steven talked about the value of having the Executive Committee members interact with the FHS Board and a discussion about the timing of such a meeting ensued.  Christine and Sarah expressed concerns about losing too much class time at ASEH conferences, noting that attendance at other conferences is difficult if too many days are devoted to ASEH.  John suggested “sacrificing” the field trips so that members of both boards could be available to meet.  Susan pointed out that ASEH Executive Committee members have a responsibility to mingle with conference participants.  Jeffrey suggested putting together a number of options and deciding later, rather than resolving the issue then.  [Later we decided to meet during the field trips in Durham.]

5.                  Environmental History Editor’s Report.  Jeffrey expressed appreciation for Hal Rothman’s efforts.  He and Steve summarized the editor’s report [which was not available at the meeting].  Steven explained that the 7% increase in expenses since last year relates to plans to improve the journal, including redesigning the cover and the possibility of placing graphics inside.  In terms of staff time, costs have held constant.  Steve briefly described subscription management, noting that the information in the database has been placed in Microsoft Access.  Char requested that reports present the information in the following manner:

Membership contributions

Dues

Back issues

Royalties

Reprints

Marty moved that we approve the EH budget.  Chris seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

6.                  Environmental History Editor Search.  Carolyn Merchant reported on the search for a new editor.  The committee included Carolyn, Bill Cronon, and Tom Dunlap, with Steve and Jeffrey serving as ex-officio members.  They advertised for the position in the spring and received six applications; later two of the applicants dropped out.  The committee had interviewed four candidates in Tacoma prior to this meeting, but additional discussions were needed before the new editor was selected.  The idea was for the new editor to come on as an assistant in June of 2001, and to assume the position in January of 2002.  [Later the Executive Committee learned that Adam Rome had been selected as the new editor.]

7.                  Status of Tacoma Conference.  Lisa reported that the attendance in Tacoma totaled more than 300 people, and that the conference would make a profit.  She would later submit a conference report, including a budget listing the expenses and revenue.

Marty moved to note appreciation for the Local Arrangements Committee.  Mark seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

8.                  Future Meetings.  Jeffrey described the Site Selection Committee, which included Craig Colten, Lauret Savoy, and Jim Williams, and suggested that the 2002 conference would take place during spring break in Denver.  Char moved to approve the selection of Denver as the conference site.  Mark seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Marty pointed out that Local Arrangements Committees need to be aware of the need to generate a profit from the conference.  Lisa mentioned that the conference guidelines would address that issue.  These would be completed before the next annual conference.

9.                  Treasurer’s Report.  [See Treasurer’s Report, attached]  Char expressed frustration with Vanguard, noting that every time the treasurer shifts, a considerable amount of new paperwork is required for the new person.  Char wants to locate the financial documents in a single place.   He then reported that ASEH’s funds are growing.  The Society has been conservative in its investments; we might want to think about small caps.  Char suggested that we should invest more in technologies; it’s important to diversify more than we have.  Jeffrey suggested that Susan, Chris, and Christine assist Char in further investigating investing.  Marty reminded us of our non-profit status.  Susan suggested Index funds; Christine pointed out that technology stocks are “way over-valued.”

10.              Fund-Raising Report.  Hal’s contribution of $1,000 was noted and appreciated.  We discussed the possibility of cultivating groups that would donate over time, including companies like REI and Patagonia.  Additional ideas included dinners that focused on special programs targeted to a specific group of donors, and an Advisory Board of people who have donated (their names could appear on letterhead).  We could start with senior members of the Society, who would set an example by pledging a certain amt.  Marty suggested that we not move in too many directions at once.  We should begin with the membership and run a “quiet campaign.” Carolyn mentioned that this is the strategy of the committee; what’s needed are clear objectives as to how funds will be used.  We need a five-year plan.  Sarah mentioned a contact at Packard who likes to link funding research to policy applications; historical knowledge could add value to policy.  Chris moved to approve the report and to have the committee develop a strategic plan.  John seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

11.              ABC-CLIO Proposal [attached].  Marty moved that Jeffrey and ABC-CLIO establish a review committee to review proposal and a list of options.  Carolyn seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

12.              Revisions to By-Laws.  Carolyn summarize revisions to by-laws [attached].

13.              Status of ASEH Secretary Position.  Lisa reviewed the tasks assigned to this position.  She explained that much of her time in 1999 was devoted to the Tacoma conference, and that she intended to focus more on the newsletter in 2000.

14.              Resolution of Appreciation.  Char moved in favor of a resolution of appreciation for the following organizations that donated money and materials to the Tacoma conference:  Washington State Historical Society; University of Washington, Tacoma; Smithsonian Institution.

15.              New Business.  Mark mentioned that Barbara Walton of the Denver Public Library expressed interest in providing a fellowship.  We will ask her to provide a written proposal.

Assistance to Graduate Students.  Marty suggested that we assigned a Board member to work with graduate students.  Sarah expressed interest; she will work with the program committee and graduate students as a liaison.  She will e-mail information to Lisa for inclusion in the newsletter.  [Her information appeared in the fall newsletter, 2000]