The NYSOMA Board held its annual business meeting June 10 and 11 in Binghamton. The main purpose of this meeting is to complete the year’s financial review, adopt a budget for the next year, and to hold elections for those board position whose terms expire at the end of the fiscal year and to hold elections for the elected officer positions.

The following were elected:

• State Director – Jackie Otte
• Assistant State Director – Jane Hogan
• Treasurer – Jeff Carter
• Judges Coordinator – Sharon Porter
• Registrar – LouAnn Pray
• Chairperson of the Board – Amy Braun
• Vice-Chairperson of the Board – Lee Willbanks
• Board – Wayne Otte
• Board – Jeff Carter
• Board – Rick Pray
• Board – Amy Braun

The Judge’s Coordinator position had been held by Chuck LaBarre for the past few years. Chuck did an outstanding job and will now help Sharon learn this important and time-consuming job. The board thanks Chuck for his excellent work and looks forward to him taking on other challenges as part of the board.

I held the position of Chairperson of the Board for the last 3 years. I thank the board for their support and look forward to helping Amy learn her new position.

The board reviewed this year’s financial results and adopted a budget for next year. As announced last year there is a fee increase for both NYSOMA ($80.00) and for the tournament ($60.00) starting in the 2006-2007 program year. The board has taken some cost cutting measures and is working to reduce expenses to allow the fees to remain as low as practical. However we have learned that the fee for the use of Binghamton University for the NYS tournament may increase as much as $10,000. The board will work with the University to minimize any increase and the board is actively investigating other sites for future state tournaments. If there are any colleges, universities, school campuses, etc in your area that you think would be suitable for hosting the NYSOMA tournament please let the tournament director (Jane Hogan) know. The board is also investigating the possibilities of corporate sponsorship or other means to help defray the costs.

A meeting schedule was set for the 20066 – 2007 Odyssey year. The meeting dates are posted on the NYSOMA web site.

The 36 teams from NYS that participated in World Finals did an excellent job representing New York and had a great time. Congratulations to all. NYS was awarded a plaque for its entry in the Float and Banner Parade. Thanks to all who helped with the Float and Banner and the NY Creativity Booth

After reviewing comments regarding this year’s NY tournament the board discussed various ideas for improving the day. The board decided to change the competition time from 20 minutes per team to 19 minutes. (In the past the time was 18 minutes but this was found to be inadequate especially with some spontaneous problems. The 20 minute time schedule was more than adequate.) The board decided that by reducing the time schedule the awards ceremony could be moved ahead to 6 PM. This would allow everyone to start his or her trip home an hour earlier.

The spring Regional Directors meeting was not held June 9 as scheduled. The good news is that Jackie and Wayne are now the proud grandparents of a baby girl. The schedule for the next RD meeting will be posted on the web site as soon as it is established.

The marketing committee is beginning the process for the selection of next year’s state pins. A number of excellent ideas have been submitted. There is still time to submit ideas for pin designs for next year. In addition to selecting pin designs the marketing committee will be suggesting other sales items for next year at the September board meeting.

The board voted to adopt a new set of Bylaws to bring NYSOMA in line with current requirements for not-for-profit corporations. This process will be completed at the September meeting and then the board will begin the process of rewriting NYSOMA’s policies and procedures

NYSOMA is again planning to conduct two one-day summer camps – Spontaneous Combustion with Style. Please refer to the web site for additional information.

Thanks to everyone that helped make this a successful year.

Jim Hoelscher, Chairman of the Board, June 12, 2006