January 26, 2001

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Fluno Center for Executive Education, 601 University Avenue, Madison, WI

Present were:  Michael Armiak, Ted Beck (arrived late), Curt Pawlisch (for Lee Cullen), Phyllis Dubé, Karen Matteoni (for Lynn Hobbie), Robert Jones, Tom Kilkenny, Dan Matson, Dave Helbach (for Terry Nicolai), Richard Olson, Cheryl Parrino, Neal Siikarla, Tim Steffes, Susan Stratton, and Robert Wortinger.

1.     Introduction, Welcome to New Board Members and Agenda Review

Phyllis Dubé convened the meeting at 9 a.m.  No adjustments or additions were made to the agenda.

2.     September Board Meeting Minutes 

Minutes were approved after motion by Dan Matson and second from Neal Siikarla.

3.     Executive Board Member Status 2000-2001

The Nominating Committee (Phyllis Dubé, Dan Matson, Neal Siikarla and Susan Stratton) gave a short report.  The proposed new board members are:  Rhonda Johnson (Ameritech – Wisconsin) to replace Mary Joanis, Brian Rude (Dairyland Power Cooperative) to replace Rob Nuernberg of Wisconsin Gas, David Benforado (MEUW) to replace Mike Stuart of Wisconsin Public Power Inc., effective July 1, 2001, and Teri Vierima of Resource Strategies, Inc. (to replace Kathy Trudell).  Six board members holding terms that expire on June 30, 2001 have agreed to continue for another three-year term.  They are:  Mike Armiak, Phyllis Dubé, Lynn Hobbie, Terry Nicolai, Tim Steffes, and Robert Wortinger.  Phyllis Dubé and Dan Matson have agreed to stay on as Chair and Vice Chair for another two-year term.

New and continuing board members and officers were unanimously approved after motion by Bob Jones and second from Cheryl Parrino. 

According to the WPUI Charter, board members must be selected by a 75% majority of current board members.  At the time of this vote, the board was one member short of 75% in attendance.  Subsequent to the meeting, the Director received one additional vote by an absent board member via telephone.

4.     Program Report for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 (information sharing)

Susan Stratton reviewed our fall 2000 programs.  She pointed out our two largest expected attendance programs, E-Commerce Strategies and the Reorganizing Energy Industry, fell short of expectations, despite excellent speakers and program content.  Both were held in the Fluno auditorium.  Attendance for both programs was expected to be approximately 100 and the actual attendance for each was less than 40.  We were also competing with an economic summit being held in Milwaukee at the same time.  Ted Beck mentioned that Executive Education was also experiencing low enrollment in their programs.  Susan explained how we might replan our antitrust course and hold it in Washington, DC.  Curt Pawlisch suggested we sell audiotapes and outlines of our programs like the Bar does.  The cost of using Fluno vs. Grainger Hall was discussed and Dan Matson felt paying more at Fluno gives attendees a better impression of the Institute.  Phyllis Dubé suggested that we try customized training with companies and Susan mentioned two possibilities she is currently working on.  Cheryl Parrino suggested we partner with someone to tap into other markets.

5.     Finance Report  (information sharing)

Susan Stratton mentioned the $10,000 Verizon grant we received and thanked Dan Matson for encouraging her to apply.  It will be used to put on a telecommunications deregulation program June 4-5.  Susan reviewed our account balances and then covered her proposed solutions to our budget problems.  She mentioned we had two new members, but that we are losing members due to mergers.  Cheryl Parrino would like to see the membership committee add more structure and establish a process to solicit members.  It was suggested the board members take our brochures to events they attend.  Bob Jones thought it a good idea to tie some of our programs into cultural events in Madison or have a company endorse the course to help increase enrollment.

6.     Scholarship Program Status and Results (information sharing)

Susan gave a brief report.  

7.     Membership Fee Proposal 

Susan explained the five proposed dues structures.  Mike Armiak asked if anyone would pull out if the dues were increased.  Dick Olson sees no problem with the increase.  Curt Pawlisch suggested we give a new membership discount such as several free program days, which would only be available if they joined at a certain level.  Overall members supported a simple increase with the addition of free networking events for members only.

The following fee structure was approved after motion by Dick Olson and second from Neal Sikarla, along with agreement by Dan Matson. 

8.     Next Board Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 14 from 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Fluno Center for Executive Education. 

9.     Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after motion by Cheryl Parrino.