ND Joint Council of Extension Professionals
October 25, 2017
Fargo, Holiday Inn

ESP President, Brad Brummond; ESP Past President, Jan Knodel; ESP President Elect, Ken Hellevang; NDAAEA Past President, Rick Schmidt; NDAAEA President, Chris Augustin; NDAAEA President Elect, Craig Askim; NDAE4-HYW Past President, Sue Isbell; NDAE4-HYW President, Dena Kemmet; NDAE4-HYW Vice President, Karla Meikle; NDEAFCS President, Julie Garden-Robinson; NDEAFCS Vice President, Acacia Stuckle and NDSU Extension Service Director, Chris Boerboom

Dena Kemmet opened the meeting. 

• Agent Titles – Discussion was held regarding the ANR, FCS, CV and 4-H titles agents use externally. All agreed listing titles as Extension Agent without a specific program area would be acceptable.

• Program Excellence Awards – Chris asked if the JCEP would be interested in taking over the award process currently done by district directors. Most agreed to assume this responsibility. Some concern was expressed for rating colleagues. It was decided that a committee could make it possible that an individual wouldn’t be evaluating their own application. Brad Brummond was opposed.

• County Position Update – Funding of positions was discussed. Following the SBARE review the base policy may be adjusted to allow options for county funding more of the salary to fill vacant positions. 

• Professional Development Funds – Chris Boerboom stated that the director funds allotted for travel to national meetings would continue.  

• Agent Roles with 4-H – It was brought up that some agents believe they should not be doing as much 4-H related programming. Chris Boerboom referred to an email he recently sent to all agents stating that everyone has 4-H responsibilities.

• Rate Your Agent Option – This idea came from an ELT meeting. The JCEP members felt this is already accomplished with citizen input currently part of the annual review.

• Conference Social Sponsor Gifts – Typically the ag association requests donations from each of the associations to purchase thank you gifts for sponsors. It was proposed that $100 from each association be taken directly from the income following the social/auction and that money be put toward the gifts. All agreed this would be more effective.

• Chris Boerboom reported that the number of individuals designated to attend PILD would be reduced to save funds. A rotation of representation will occur.

• The SBARE selection process was discussed.

• The SBARE review has identified a great need for counties to have advisory councils.

Associations Reports

Ag Agents – Are considering hosting a national meeting in 2024.

FCS – They would like more input from agents toward national impacts.

ESP – Proposed changing by-laws to serve 2 year terms rather than one. They hope this would allow more continuity.

4-H – Hosting this year’s social auction and preparing for the upcoming national meeting in Indianapolis, IN.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by:  Dena Kemmet, NDAE4-HYW President