Place: Wilson County Fairgrounds – Lebanon, TN The President, Charla Daly, called the Directors’ Meeting to order. Bobby Tidwell, Associate Member, led the delegation in prayer prior to conducting any business. Attendance Minutes/Financial Report Financial Reports Comments from the FSA SED He also reported that the STO was in the process of interviewing County Operation Trainees (COT’s) this week. Tennessee received 69 applications. The applications were reviewed and the incomplete applications were culled leaving 34. A review panel reviewed the 34 and reduced the applicants down to 14. The STC will select 4 of the 14, 2 within ceiling and 2 over ceiling. Dr. Jenkins expressed his opinion that county office employees needed help with interview skills and completing job applications. He commented that with the paperwork and the interview field employees were unable to sell themselves. He stated that our own people need training in this area. He remarked that every applicant should at least prepare for the interview question – Why do you want the job? Dr. Jenkins reported that Tennessee’s ceiling is 238 and we are at 239, and if McMinn/Meigs County CED position is filled, we will be two (2) over our ceiling. He reported the STO was looking closely at the budget and allocation of temporary hours. He added that if COT were selected from the field, then those positions would be backfilled with temporary employees. He reported that he was committed to allocating funds for training. With 3 months left in the fiscal year, it appears we are right on target, but tight. He informed the directors that the Crockett County Office was closed due to an office threat. He stated that farmers are stretched and stressed. If anyone threatens you there is no tolerance. FSA can bar them from the office, but service will be provided through other means; however, NRCS can refuse to provide technical service. Dr. Jenkins thanked everyone for what they do while working under heavy workloads and managing within the ceiling. He informed the group that the new workload numbers are being reviewed and Nancy is working on a spreadsheet to remove the influence of ADM in a county with or without out a FL Team to equalize the report. Dr. Jenkins asked if anyone had any questions. Comments were made on the workload and FLP Team presence; and that shared management doesn’t work. Other comments were related to the fact that STO was being filled with out-of-state personnel with no idea of the job they were hired to perform, virtually no program knowledge which is not helpful to the field offices. Dr. Jenkins remarked again that field applicants were not selling themselves as the best qualified candidate. Dr. Jenkins stressed again our own people have not completed the application properly or did poorly in the interview. They just didn’t score well. If it is not on paper or you don’t say it, then they don’t know. He stated that he must legally defend the hiring. Additional comments were made that many qualified candidates were in the field for program positions, but they will not go to Nashville and if the position would be placed in the field, as others have been in the past and still are, then a better selection of candidates would be applying. Dr. Jenkins reported that the Administrative Section will be assigned sections of the state for assisting county offices. Charla thanked Dr. Jenkins for taking his time to meet with the TASCOE Board. Comments from the Vice-President Donnie reported that the SEA priority was to keep the COC in place, the CO system and to maintain the national association. He stated that the SEA minutes had been posted on the STO Employee Interest page. He also urged everyone to watch for CAPWIZ alerts. He reminded all to join NAFEC and to encourage their committees to join at only $3 per meeting. Donnie recognized guest and asked if they wished to make any comments. J R Kelley stated that the SED would like TASCOE’s input on how to best utilize a new GS position. It was commented that there is a serious disconnect between counties and the state office. A general lack of knowledge by Program Specialists to help with the counties needs. It was suggested the position be on the program side, having skills in technology, spreadsheets, web design, and training skills. The position being hands on with travel required. Able to communicate and conduct training at a grad 9/10/11 and a resident duty station in the field. Committee Reports Auction Committee Chairperson, Randy Lochridge, submitted a written report that stated $4,119.50 was raised at the state convention in Gatlinburg, which was a slight increase over the 2006 auction. Written report attached. Benefits Committee Chairperson, Karen Hammitt, submitted a written report that members have access to a travel site on the NASCOE webpage. The site works just like Travelocity, Cheaptickets or others. The website will reimburse NASCOE 40% of the 5% commission. The report also reminds members of the cell phone discounts and park tickets. Written report attached. CapWiz Coordinator, Joy English, stated that members need to signup if not already enrolled and to keep sending messages. She also encouraged members to email to the site to all their friends and acquaintances to send the letters to support our cause. Fund Raising Committee - No report Legislative Committee, written report submitted by Perry Dykes listing the activities on three (3) issues. FERS Sick leave provision, Farm Bill and Reorganization. Written report attached. Membership Committee Chairperson, Virginia Johnson, reported that Charla Daly, TASCOE President, mailed out invitations to non-members. Our dream is to return to 100% membership. Programs Committee Chairperson, Lisa Parchman, reported that submissions and results are posted on the NASCOE web page. Publicity Committee – Joy English reported that Andrea Stafford is doing a good job and is very helpful with the convention planning. Scholarship/Awards Committee Chairperson, Nancy Niedergeses, submitted a written report asking for the approval of nine (9) $500 scholarships awards for 2008. Randy Carter made the motion, which was seconded by Virginia Johnson. The Moderator asked if there was any discussion. As there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Written report attached. Web Master, Donnie Green, stated that the web has been updated for all forms. Convention Committee Chairperson, Joy English, emphasized that fundraising is vitally important to this convention. She asked that every Director call every CED in their district to encourage sales of the cookbooks, Mississippi tickets, obtain donations and to bring door prizes. She stated that TASCOE was in need of an Activities/Tour Chairperson for the 2009 Convention. She added that she would attend the September 2008 NASCOE Organizational meeting and convention review in Gatlinburg. This will finalize some urgent details for TASCOE & NASCOE. She reminded the directors there will be no 2009 TASCOE Auction and that plans need to be made for the Annual Director’s Meeting in 2009. She stated that she was working on the entertainment plans for the event which would be costly, but NASCOE pays for part of the cost. Written report attached. Old Business None New Business Challenge J R Kelley, District Director & Associate Member, committed to supporting TASCOE’s 2009 National Convention by giving $250 in direct donation and challenged all Grade 13’s to so the same and any Grade 12’s to donate $100 directly by the September 2008 Convention. Adjournment Randy Carter made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, which was seconded by Tony Steed. The President asked if there was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion carried. ____________________________________ |
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