Leon, Jon, and Fred attended the USDA Conference in Kansas City in April and provided a summary of their time there. The consensus was that the conference went well, that all attendees had a chance to speak and contribute ideas, Fred indicated that projects and industry needs may not happen fast because the government has more serious concerns for spending money. He also said that Leon and Jon were excellent representatives for bringing urban aquaculture to the forefront of the scientific community and government administrators including Dr. Steve Kappes from USDA in DC. Fred was asked questions about Jon and Leon (Who are these guys?)
The minutes were read by Anne Bales and approved as read.
501(c)(3) Formation
Leon was in contact with Mary Beth Driscoll of Ground Works who said that following the ten steps she uses in classes on forming the 501C.3 could mean obtaining it within sixty days. The application needs to be done correctly and consistently the first time. The cost to do it correctly will be $1000.
Board Members and UAC Committees
There is a need for board members who can serve on committees: fund raising; exhibit and display; speaking and presentation. If current board members are interested, please let Leon or Jon know or suggest names of others.
Website Review
Website photos have been changed to fresh water fish rather than marine fish. The webmaster wants bio information on all board members as well as articles and letters of support to add to the website. Older material is moved to the bottom as archival material and is not discarded because it is useful in generating more hits when people search the site. Mike suggested removing generic pictures from the website and replacing them with photos of what UAC is doing. Jon said that more photos will be uploaded to that site and that new material including his letter to the editor and articles will also be added.
Founders Report
Jon was encouraged by the USDA conference in Kansas City and the response to their vision of growing fish in the city, but usually the rural fish farmers receive the money. It would help to have the backing of officials like Senator Kohl and have letters of support from them. Jon will contact Greg Fisher and perhaps Jenelle could speak to Gwen Moore.
Milwaukee County Historical Society Presentation
There will be a special luncheon presentation at the historical society on May 21 on the history of the fish fry. Leon is researching the topic on the Internet. Anne suggested also using the Milwaukee Public Library and interviewing fish fry providers (Serb Hall). Tim said he might get in touch with John Gurda.
State Fair Exhibit in August
Leon and Jon met for a second time with the executive director of State Fair who wants UAC to exhibit at the Fair. There was a discussion of what the exhibit should include such as a fish tank similar to the one at the Hilton. UAC’s exhibit will be across from Will Allen’s display, and UAC does not want to have a competing display. Mike suggested focusing on large-scale production. Allen suggested providing facts and figures and an explanation about the importance of urban fish production, why Milwaukee should be a leader, and to use a map to get the point across. Leon wants to have a rolling power point presentation and feels it’s important to publicize partners at every stage. Tim suggested having little fishing poles. Mike agreed that anything interactive would be an asset. Allen suggested linking with Will Allen’s tank, if that’s what he includes in his exhibit. This exhibit will be near the Agricultural Products building. Leon would like a permanent urban farming exhibit in perhaps a green exhibit hall at some point. A suggestion about this should be brought up at the next MUAN meeting. Mark mentioned that it’s important to lobby Congress about aquaculture, apply direct political pressure because most money is going to other agriculture industries. He also said that it’s difficult to get money for anything innovative. Leon thinks this exhibit will be a way to educate the public, initiate other invitations to exhibit, and eventually reach the bureaucrats.
Future Conferences and Other Exhibits
Will Allen will have the Growing Food and Justice Conference in September. UAC has been asked to exhibit there. There will be a Trout Growers conference in September, and the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education is scheduled for October 29 to November 1; UAC could do a presentation or a poster.
Fundraising
Margaret (Marg) Krome of Michael Fields offered to review grants UAC submits and can provide names for grant applications. Partners should be included in fundraising grants. Mark mentioned Small Business Innovative Research which has 14 programs and opportunities for securing funds. Leon will send the url.
Other Business
Tim would like the names of members of committees.
There has been no formal installation of board members as yet. There should be some press coverage for this.
A committee is needed for the State Fair exhibit. Allen is interested in this because of the large exhibit space available.
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 21, 5:00p.m. at Growing Power
Board Members Present: Jon Bales, Leon Todd, Mike Hoyng, Tim Vargo
Others: Allen Washatko, Fred Binkowski, Anne Bales, Ernst Kueck, Vic Vargo, Mark Raabe