Nations Capitol Bass Federation

Presidents Conference Minutes

           April 14, 2002

Location:          The Nations Capitol Bass Federation meeting was held at the Montgomery County Training Academy. The meeting facilities are located at the corner of 10025 Darnestown Road and Route 28 N in Rockville, Maryland.

Call To Order: The scheduled 10 o’clock meeting was called to order at 10:20 AM. 

Roll Call: Keith Wright, Bo Curry, Chuck Walker, Bob Walsh, Jim Niffenegger, Jim Borum, Bing Bengton, Mike Dice, Donny Smith, Kevin Phelps, John Freeze, and Steve Chaney.

 Treasurer’s Report: Keith Wright reported a total income of $14,700, with expenses of $1294 for a net of $13,406. The majority of NCBF’s income was from sponsors and dues. Projected expenses include tournament payouts, banners, and the youth programs.

Conversation: Ken Penrod, the NCBF’s Conservation Director has written to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning the Washington Aqueduct permit allowing the discharges of aluminum-bearing sediment back into the Potomac River after it has “been filtered”. Ken’s letter pointed out that “that’s a lot like saying a lot of poison every once in awhile is better than a little over a long period”.

Ken continues to ask that ANY suspicious activity that draws your attention on the waterways you fish, be reported to his phone or to any NCBF board member. Get as much information as possible, i.e., location, time, who and what, and call 301-937-0010.

Legal and Other Requirements: The NCBF has filed with the District of Columbia to be incorporated as non-profit corporation. NCBF has received our Federal Identification Number. Our logo will be registered with the U.S. Patient Office.

The NCBF is in the process of packaging the Quarterly Report to Al Smith, the Federation Director for B.A.S.S. The requirements are spelled out in the NCBF’s Mission Statement. We are confident we have met the established goals except in the area of D.C. members.

Tournament Trail: The first tournament will launch on April 28, 2002 at 6:00 AM from Leesvania State Park. The pairings will be held at Gaylon’s on Friday April 19, 2002 at 7:00 PM. You are welcome to attend on the second level at the climbing wall or in the third floor boardroom. The park will open at 5:00 AM. Those that missed the first tournament, please remember there are two more to qualify for the 2003 season. 

Web Site: It is important to visit the NCBF web-site because it contains current events and future programs. The attendees noted that not all members bother to use their computers or have access to one. Several suggestions included mailing info, and phone trees. This item will be addresses further.

Membership: There was general discussions concerning the need to increase our membership, particularly with the requirement B.A.S.S. has placed on the NCBF. That requirement is a commitment to bring in District of Columbia residents into the NCBF. It was requested of those in attendance to bring any prospective member to the NCBF and we will work with them on their circle of friends who may live in D.C.

John Freeze will place NCBF pamphlets and bulletins into three major Federal Agencies located in the District of Columbia. Other NCBF members will place those bulletins at D.C. fishing license outlets. The NCBF’ s participation in the Anacostia Cleanup on April 20, 2002 will be another chance to spread the word. We have Roger Nelson making our banner to hang at our events. The cost is $300. Keith Wright will pick it up this week.

Participation: Bob Walsh was the first to point out that the NCBF missed the mark on advertising the “President’s Conference”. He read the March 30^th letter to members to mean that it was a conference for presidents only. The board will discuss re-titling this meeting.

Maryland’s Mr. Bass Tournament: Those in attendance had explained why a former or current member of the Maryland’s Bass Federation, whose club did not re-affiliate, cannot fish in the 2002 Mr. Bass Tournament. The Maryland “standing rules” prohibit a current or past member, whose original club did not re-affiliate, from fishing. Yet, a member can join another affiliated club in 2002, get them to agree and he/she can be their 2001 Mr. Bass, and fish. 

Youth: Debbie Muth our Youth Director reported several ongoing programs to involve the youth in the District of Columbia.  She continues to work with D.C Fisheries and Wildlife department on the Youth Aquatic Education Program. She has involved the youth of Charles County in the Anacostia Cleanup project on April 20^th. Bob Walsh and Keith Wright are Cub and Boy Scout leaders, and are looking into involving those kids into the NCBF Youth programs. 

Committee Positions Available: The Board needs help with many projects already on the drawing board. Several members have volenteered their services at previous meeting. We were not able to identify what exactly we needed. Now we can. The following slots could use you and will fulfill your participation commitment:

 a.      Tournament Director – Three tournament’s a year. See board member.

b.     Sponsor Coordinator – Assist with paperwork to sponsors.

c.     Government Liaison – Write to and coordinate information about their funds to assist the federations events.

d.     Legislative Agenda: Advise the members on District, Maryland and Virginia policies affecting the NCBF.

e.      District of Columbia Advisor for the Federation. This position will assist the governmental offices on projects to make sure the NCBF is involved. 

Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM.