During last weekend's Dayton Hamvention, there were 13 Section Managers
who attended a SM only meeting to exchange ideas and problems. We did this 
last year and it was repeated at the Dallas national convention. Our meeting 
area was cramped and noisy but it was a successful. We even had visits from 
President Haynie, W5JBP, and Director Coy Day, N5OK, who heads the Board of 
Director's finance committee. Both were invited to join us at the end and both 
were very glad to do so. 

     Next year, the SM of Ohio, (because of the noisy conditions, the SMs did 
not award him any gift) will have to get a quiet room to meet. Below are the 
minutes.

Joe Phillips, K8QOE

Section Managers Dayton Meeting 
May 15, 2004, 2 p.m. 

     Attending: Joe Phillips, K8QOE, OHIO; Sherri Brower, W4STB, SFL; John 
Thompson, WB5SYT, OK; Rich Beebe, N0PV, SD; Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, SC; Dale 
Williams, WA8EFK, MI; Phil Temples, K9HI, EMA; Glenn Thomas, WB6W, SCV; Dale 
Bagley, K0KY; Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, AL; Malcolm Keown, W5XX, MS; Larry 
Marshall, WB4NCW, TN; Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, MD/DC. 

          Introductions

          Mr. Keown asked we discuss BOD requests (by VRC) that we address the 
SM turnover, qualifications of SMs. Discussion

          Ms. Brower suggested we expand the discussion to BOD suggestions we 
meet annually with all appointments, develop job descriptions, etc. General 
comments that we all do this with main cabinet appointments (green badge) but 
not practical for all appointments. Cabinet officers should be working with 
other appointments in their area.

          Ms. Brower updates us on the PR committee suggestions. Grassroots 
BPL package was explained. Bigger push on the speakers bureau being established
in all sections. But expanded to include approaching all groups in your area 
(Rotary, school groups, etc.) : not just ham radio organizations. PR committee 
has instructions on how to get a speakers bureau for your section. 

          Mr. Thompson reinforced the notion that SMs take the Level 1-3 
courses on-line - at least Level one. Get the Course material (Book is $10) and
read it. 

          Mr. Phillips said the emergency courses, great as they are, have a 
downside in that occasionally graduates cause problems in local counties - take
course suggestions too literally and use course material to argue with the 
emergency coordinator (EC). How each EC reacts is a test of leadership. 

          Mr. Abernethy suggested Section Managers take a long hard look at 
Winlink and the notion of traffic handling digitally. Said the National Traffic
System (NTS) is on board and it is part of the BOD directive that traffic 
handling be linked to the emergency response plan of all sections. 

          Mr. Phillips requested permission to invite President Jim Haynie to 
join us. Agreement.

          President Haynie described the SM role as the League's "front line 
people" to the membership.   Described his schedule next week at the White 
House and other travels fighting BPL. A new video, like the Walter Cronkite 
"Amateur Radio Today" will be made about lobbying efforts by ARRL and our 
representation in Washington. Told us to "stay calm and collected" in arguments
on BPL and get   our sections to follow our leadership. 

          Mr. Haynie then asked what would Section Managers do if section 
budgets were doubled. Suggestions ranged from making more club and hamfest 
visits to establishing sub budgets for cabinet members (green badge). 

          Mr. Phillips asked since Federal reimbursements for on-line emergency
courses was about to expire, what next? Mr. Haynie said Development Office at 
Newington is working right now on new funding.

          Ms. Bower told group that Development Office (Mary Hobart, K1MMH) has
special fund from an anonymous donor (not widely known) for paying dues of 
valuable section officers who may be in hard economic times temporary due to 
the weak economy. 

          Mr. Haynie asked if he could have West Gulf Division Director Coy 
Day, N5OK, talk to us about ARRL finances. Granted.  

	  Mr. Day explained League finances (in deficit last two years) and 
listened to SM suggestions.

          Mr. Thompson and Mr. Phillips asked Mr. Day to look into the 
possibility of ARRL databases (on-line graduates list - affiliated clubs lists)
now available to Section Managers be also available to Section cabinet members 
of the SM's choosing. Mr. Day promised to check into this with ARRL 
Headquarters. 

          Adjourned.