Societies Present: Betsy McCrory & Karen Andreas (BSCF); Sudi Hipsley & Gladys Howard (Seminole); Tom Wolfe (BGTB); Ted Nuse & Peggy Nuse, Jay & Calandra Thurrott (FECBS); Michael Andreas (Web Master); Carolyn Schoenau, (Gainsville); Vicky Chirnside (Caloosahatchee); Jean & Roland Schnabel (FWCB).

Societies not represented: Sarasota, Treasure Coast, Boca Raton, South Florida, Broward County.

Call to order: Chairman Roland Schnabel called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM at the home of Jay & Calandra Thurrott. The meeting was hosted by the Florida East Coast Bromeliad Society.

Approval of 2004 Officers:

Karen Andreas moved to accept the slate of officers, Jean Schnabel seconded.

Secretary’s Report: (Ed Hall). The minutes of October 11, 2003 were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Ted Nuse distributed the Treasurer’s Report. He stated that as of January 9, 2004 the combined accounts total $22,261.16 with $5,533.86 in the General Fund. He also reported that the Florida Corporation Fees and penalties have been paid and that we are reinstated. Also as of January 1, 2004 the dues are due, $3.00 per member + $10.00 for each society. Please send rosters.

Karen Andreas moved to accept the minutes and Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Peggy Nuse and passed.

Web Report: Karen Andreas passed out a report on the web site. She reported on being approched for release of pictures for a new book on Rare and Endangered Plants throughout the world (Title FLORA MUNDI). She advised them to contact individuals. Since we have never had a request of this type, a discussion ensued and the general consensus is that it is acceptable as long as credit is given..

News Letter: Inez Dolatowski was absent so there was no official report. 708 News Letters are sent out to the societies. It was requested that the date and year be put on the front of the News Letter.

Weevil Report: Dr. Howard Frank was absent, but had e-mailed his report to Michael Andreas. Cape Canaveral Sea Shore – no utriculatas on the property. Karen will do assessments and will report to Dr. Frank (Barbra Larsen trained Karen on how to do assessments). The weevil is moving up the state very fast. Dr. Frank found weevil damage in Oscelola County. It is now in 18 counties. He also found weevils near the Administration Building of Rookery Bay National Estuarary Research Reserve in Collier County. They think it is being moved by people. Orange County may be the next risk area – per Karen.

Florida Judges Report: Polly Pascal was absent. The next required symposium is the 17^th of January.

Tom Wolfe gave a Report on the World Conference. Only 120 registrations have been received so far. 300 are needed to break even. Tom explained what a clean town Chicago is, the many wonderful museums, the Lake Front, and other highlights of the area, and how easy it is to travel around town on trams. Tom also put out a plea for Societies to help, both financially and to chair the auction, security, donations, and volunteers. Contact Jack Reily for information. Tom also showed a mock up of the new BSI Cultural Book - $2.50 each for up to 150 copies, better discounts for larger bulk order – contact George Allaria. 10,000 were printed.

Karen passed out the Table of Contents Labels for Info Packs for Society update.

Extravaganza: Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society will host the next Extravaganza to be held October 22 & 23 at Suncoast Gardens off I-275. the host hotel is Holiday Inn on Ulmerton Road

Roland announced that Fay O’Rouke passed away before Christmas. A Memorial is set up – Roland will get the information.

Thanks were extended to Florida East Coast, Jay & Calandra Thurrott and helpers.

Carolyn Schoenau took office and adjourned the meeting at 3:10 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Chirnside, Secretary