The following is an update from theconference:
Elections:
President – ShaneSchmidt – Alexandria-(Term ends 2013)
Treasurer -Tony Bronk – Hugo-(Term ends 2013)
According to our bylaws, when anofficer position is vacant during a non election year other then President itis filled by appointment from the Board:Vice-Presidentappointed by Board – Mike Schroeder – Willmar (Term ends 2011) Secretary – DougNoah – Kenyon - (Term ends 2011), Officer at Largevoted on by board- Ed Hoffman –North Mankato- (Term ends 2011)
Conferences and meetings:
2011 Conference will be hosted byDetroit Lakes on June 2-3-4.
2012 Conference will be hosted by Alexandriaon June 14-15-16.
Any department interest in hostingthe 2013 Conference must file a letter stating interest to Secretary Doug Noah45 days prior to the June 2-3-4 Conference in D.L.
2010 Fall Broad Meeting will be inSt Cloud on September 18.
2011 Winter Board Meeting will bein St Cloud on January 21 & 22.
Officer’s Reports were given.
Tony Bronk gave the Treasurer’sReport – We have a good secure financial standing.
Doug Noah gave the Seretary report.
Committee Reports
All committee reports given.
Report from Conference Committee tochange the VFB meeting to Friday afternoon and change the MSFDA meeting toSaturday from 8 am to Noon.
Training and Education – Judy Thill– Inver Grove Hills – Great job Judy on training and symposium speaker. The training was well attended. If anyone has new ideas for recommendedspeakers or training please contact any Board member.
Watch for new bylaw changes beingworked on by Tom Smith – Lanesboro
Project and Study and MSFDA StoreMike (Spanky) Schroeder – Willmar and committee did the usual great job at theconference. We will be looking for a newcommittee chair.
Tony Bronk gave us an update on theNVFC and encourages all firefighters tobecome members. We will be hosting theFall Conference in Bloomington in September 22-25. Any interest in membership, contact TonyBronk.
Sherry Munyom – Legislative Lobbyist- Gave a report
Jerry Rosendahl - State Fire Marshall gave his report. If you were there live is just a circus..
Honorary Life Members wereaccepted, to get a list contact DougNoah.
All in all the conference wasgreat. Everything went smoothly,however, attendance was down.
My vision: I believe we aregoing in the right direction but I believe we can do more.
The following goals for my term ofoffice as President were presented to the Membership and the Board at theConference and were approved. They are asfollows:
1. To have aweekend retreat for Board members at our Winter meeting to accomplish thefollowing: MSFDA vision and identity.
2. Work onConference and getting attendance up. ie:Better communication to membership
3. Improvecommunication ie: Getting out Officersand Committee reports on a timely basis using Web page, Facebook, bi-monthlynewsletter, and electronic newsletters.
4. Assist FireDepartments in writing grants
To achieve allthese aggressive goals, the Board has given approval to create the paidposition of Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant. I will be creating a job description and /orduties to be presented for approval at the Fall Board Meeting and applicationswill be accepted to follow.
Remember we arehere to represent all fire departments and fire fighters, whether you arevolunteer, paid on call or paid we arehere for you. We have much to accomplishand with your help we can achieve it. Sowith that being said, I challenge you to step up and share your talents. We must fill these committees within 30 days of the Conference. So if you arewilling we are willing. Please comeforward. Contact any Board Member
In closing I wantto thank Dan Winkel for all his past work. I know I have big shoes to fill and it will be hard. Dan did say he would like to stay on a fewcommittees and that he will be there for us when and whenever. Dan I personally want to thank you for allyou have done for the MSFDA and for me. He has brought us out of financial problems, got us to work togetherwith others, and improved the MSFDA to what it is today. I will be proud to continue on what you havestarted. Thanks Dan.
One more thing myheart goes out to the community of Wadena. I did go there and offer our help from the MSFDA. They are working together with all involvedand Dean Uselman, Fire Chief from Wadena has thing running smoothly at thistime. The surrounding Fire Departments have been a great help and those fromall over the State. I did tell him tocall if they needed anything.
Respectfully submitted – PresidentShane Schmidt