While you often hear from me asking for/inviting more support and participation in the Council, I must also acknowledge the strong base of support that we have now within the Council and that was shown with this year’s convention. What was typically a 2 day plus convention with the expenses of a hotel lodging, food, and meeting accommodations in September changed significantly this year.
Since 2019 we have morphed from a convention held in a hotel, to the virtual convention in 2020, to this year’s highbred in person with virtual capabilities convention hosted by the North Seneca County Sportsmen’s Club. Because of scheduling issues, the meeting date was changed with relatively short notice from September to August 28th. This was done with few complaints and relatively good turnout. The issues of COVID played a role in our planning but those concerns were handled safely.
New York State DEC (Bureau of Fisheries, Bureau of Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Law Enforcement) as usual played a key role with their presentations of the latest information from DEC. Their presentations along with Q and A was well received from those at the meeting. Lt Stevens presentation which included a demonstration of Encon's Drone was exceptional and enjoyed by in person attendees and later shared on our Facebook page for those not in attendance.
The afternoon session dealt with NYSCC Issues: elections, resolutions, business, and finance.
ELECTIONS: The positions of President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, and Legislative VP, remain unchanged George Gibbs and Mike Elam stepped down from Secretary and Treasurer but were elected to fill two Director at Large positions. Region 5 appointed Don Sage and Mark Holt as their Directors and that vote was confirmed by the Council Membership in attendance. Regions 3-Jason Brozdowski and region 8-Greg Wadhams, Alt. Dennis Race, were also confirmed for a three-year term.
APPOINTMENTS: The following were reappointed or continue to serve as:
·National Official Designee: Keith Tidball (Alternate position is open)
·CFAB Representative; Anthony Kordziel
·State FWMB Representatives: Dan Tone, Alt. Zen Olow
·Nomination Committee Glen Adams (two openings)
·Credentials Committee; Keith Tidball, Ron Sineo, Pat Mc Brearty (opening for regions 7,8,9)
RESOLUTIONS: There were two resolutions to be voted on at this 2021 Fall Convention, both passed. From Erie County was the resolution to support a moratorium on the building of commercial wind turbines in any Great Lakes' waters. The resolution from Seneca County supports the enhancement of training of the NYS License Guide Program so that they can better serve our veterans and military service members
BUSINESS AND FINANCE: It is safe to say we are doing significantly better than last year. I say that with some degree of caution. Going virtual cut around $10,000 of our budget without any loss of service. With the issues of COVID we did lose some normal fundraisers. At the same time, with these COVID issues came some additional donations from our member organizations. With the normal fourth quarter revenues start coming in a more accurate pictured can be given. I am pretty sure we will be okay.
Our Office: Our Office staff has essentially changed to one full time employee Casey Kordziel our Executive Director, contractor Deb Marrone, who is our financial person, and contractor Lindsay Clarke that is our website manager. Casey and Deb fall within our projected expenses. The expenses involved with Lindsay and the website are higher than what was projected. Lindsay is formally trained in website management and it is fully expected that the investment of hiring Lindsay will be beneficial and worth the investment.
Future Conventions and Spring Meetings: The general consensus of the board members contacted and some general members, is that we will continue to use clubs interested in hosting our in-person meetings.
Convention Raffles/Auctions: went very well this year. Thanks to all that donated and those that participated.
Holding Office or Serving on a Committee: (Associate and Affiliate members) In the past typically the Active Membership level have filled most of elected and appointed positions. This is not a rule cast in stone. If you are interested in helping out on a different level let it be known.
REBUILD INITIATIVE 2020, 2021, AND 2022: as the repetitive years imply is not a one and done. It is yielding positive results. It is not just the efforts of the Board that make it a success. It is the involvement of many within our membership that we build our success upon. If you are there thank you. If you are just watching why not give it a shot?
