Activity

MINUTES QUARTERLY MEETING April 20, 2017

Dr. Hunter congratulated Pet Emergency Clinic on its Specialty Clinic of the Year award and acknowledged Dr. Mike O’Dea’s hard work on the application. The award was richly deserved.
Dr. McEntire presented the budget and commented that the treasury remains stable, although the balance is $4K less this year than last due to honorary scholarships and website expenses.
Dr. Whipps thanked the association for donating a scholarship in his name and said that, as an Ohio State alum, he was still very glad to help a Coug.
Dr. Hunter recommended moving the association’s mailing address from Airway Heights to Dr. McEntire’s home address. There was discussion over the safety deposit box and whether there was any need for it anymore. It was decided to move the mailing address and to close the safety deposit box.
Dr. Hunter mentioned that the association’s scholarship recipients at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine typically need to be selected in early June, which does not coincide with a meeting, and asked that the officers be tasked with evaluating the applications and selecting the two $1K winners. Dr. Linda Wood moved and Dr. Sharon Cannon seconded. Motion passed.
Dr. Hunter reported 78 participants at the winter meeting with good vendor turnout as well. The 2018 meeting will feature a behaviorist and 2019 will be on dermatology.
Dr. Hunter stated that he had been approached regarding term limits for officers. After discussion, it was decided to set 3-year terms of office, with the option of running for another consecutive term and to stagger the election of officers, such that the president is elected in 2017, secretary in 2018 and treasurer and vice-president in 2019. Dr. Linda Wood moved and Dr. Jocelyn Woodd seconded. Motion passed.
Elections were held. After 27 years of exceptional leadership, Dr. Hunter asked to step down in favor of mentoring his successor for 1-2 years. Dr. Danielle Wehr agreed to serve as president and was elected unanimously. Thanks and welcome, Dani! The other three officers agreed to continue to serve and were re-elected but Dr. Branford expressed interest in mentoring Dr. Angela Lehman in order for her to take over as secretary next year.
Dr. Branford congratulated Dr. Adam Ginman and his wife, Jane, on the birth of their son, John Peter “Jack,” on April 19.
Dr. McEntire raised the issue of having the books audited and practices assessed by an accountant. Dr. Branford suggested Don Tucker, Cathy Tucker’s husband, if he is available. Dr. McEntire moved and Dr. Wood seconded. Motion passed.
Dr. Denise Pilgeram thanked Pet Emergency Clinic for the donation of the microscope to the Mission Clinic and thanked all the other practices who have also donated.
Possibilities to increase participation in the association were examined. Dr. McEntire suggested periodic board meetings and a full day of CE in the fall. Dr. Woodd recommended semi-annual meetings with a strong emphasis on CE. Dr. Megan McElroy suggested a barbecue or other strictly social gatherings. Dr. Emily Wynne mentioned fund-raisers for shelters, such as fun runs or pet memorial activities. Dr. DeBowes stressed the importance of mentoring and recommended that long-term members bring new members with them to meetings. It was decided to have a board meeting prior to the July general meeting to assess options.
Dr. Hunter asked that members make a point of completing the survey on suicide. The link is at the top of this newsletter.
Thank you to Dr. DeBowes for the excellent presentation and our new mantra “Happy, healthy, pain-free and living as long as genetically possible.”