Summit Executive Committee
September 22, 1998 Omni Southpark Hotel Austin, TX

MINUTES

Members Present:
John Abernathy
J.B. Cooper
Wayne Showers
Donnis Baggett
D.V. Guerra
Jim Stewart
Daniel Brackeen
Ed. Hiler
Charlotte Watson

Others Present:
Chester Fehlis
Stacy Hoefling
Jessica Oman

Welcome/Introductions/Updates - Chair Donnis Baggett welcomed SEC members and guests. Daniel Brackeen, the newest SEC member introduced himself. He is a Texas Tech University graduate who is very involved in the food industry -- including development of frozen yogurt (sold to TCBY) and now production of salad dressings, soups, picante sauce, etc. through his company, Heritage Specialty Foods in Grand Prairie. Following introductions, the minutes from the May 26 meeting were presented. Wayne Showers moved to accept the minutes. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Jessica Oman provided a report on the following activities:

Ag Finance Summit - Over 180 people attended the May 27 conference in Austin, which received very favorable ratings on conference evaluations. The follow-up document was distributed to members for review.

Forestry Summit - There was a very low turnout for this conference in Beaumont. About 120 people participated in the three-day event on June 24-26. However, the attendees were very productive in determining and prioritizing issues and actions. Summary pages on the issues and actions for the six breakout groups were distributed. Jim Stewart indicated that the environmental sector was poorly represented at the conference.

Cross Timbers Summit Workshop - This new Summit activity, held on August 13 was very well-attended -- over 160 people from a five county region attended the one day event. There was no registration fee because the meals were sponsored and the county Extension agents were instrumental in securing sponsors, inviting attendees and planning the event. Donnis Baggett said that the people that were at the conference wanted to be there – they were very responsive. A formal document on the results of this workshop is being developed.

Budget - The Summit Initiative currently has about $30,000, with all bills paid and income received from the past two conferences.

Discussion followed on effectiveness of the past three activities. It was suggested that there be more student participation and more localized meetings (similar to the Cross Timbers meeting). In addition, specific actions should be publicized through press releases (actions that are outcomes of Summit activities). Finally, members agreed that all pre-conference and post-conference publications be sent to state legislative offices.

Membership - Jessica Oman reported that Jimmie Ruth Evans and Joe Ernst were invited to serve on the SEC. Evans declined due to other commitments, and Ernst has not responded. Members were asked to provide suggestions to fill several upcoming vacancies. Charlotte Watson suggested that there be a student representative on the SEC. Watson moved to invite the President of the respective Ag Councils of Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote. In addition, Showers said that the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) alumni would be a good source of SEC members. Representatives from Frito Lay (Rory Delaney), the Cross Timbers area, Houston Food Co. (Tom Glasier), Sanderson Farms, the nursery industry and the swine industry were also suggested. In addition, John Abernathy said that the environmental community should not be overlooked.

Future Activities - Planning meetings for two Summit activities were held in conjunction with the SEC meeting on this day. Following the meetings, the following reports were given:

State Drought Policy Task Force - Roland Smith moderated this group. The group was composed mostly of state legislative staff and a few commodity group representatives. Issues were identified that related to the 1998 drought and then categorized as follows: Federal Policy Issues, State Policy Issues, Water Conservation Issues, Education Needed, Research Needed and Impact of the Drought. It was determined that the role of the task force should be to compliment efforts established by the state government to address drought and planning for the ‘99 state legislative session. The task force will hold subsequent meetings via conference call.

Biotechnology Summit - John Mullet provided leadership for this group. He indicated that the major issue identified was the organization of research in Texas and the implications of placing little emphasis or focus on biotechnology research on Texas agriculture and Texas in general. Some areas that were suggested to be addressed by a summit included an overview of technology, public perception of biotechnology and vertical integration. It was determined that more time would be needed to plan the Summit to determine what its goals will be and ensure that it is well presented and meets those goals.

Following general discussion on the importance of the Summit process, the success of the Cross Timbers meeting (and possible future localized meetings) and the involvement of the major commodity groups, D.V. Guerra moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded and the meeting was adjourned.