Central Region – Russ Myer reported that this will be the Tug Hill Tourathon’s 25^th year. They have a special event planned.

Northern Adirondack – Rick Costanza said that the Sunday fun races at Mt. Van Hoevenberg was a great success and they will continue next year. Lake Placid Biathlon will be host to the Summer Biathlon Championships August 27 to 29.

West Central – Carl Moran reported that Ruth Hayes was grateful for all the cards, letters and e-mail. She’s doing well with her recovery from knee surgery. Carl Snow is doing well after hip replacements.

Southern Adirondack – Darwin Roosa noted that we don’t have the Glens Falls cross country qualifier on the calendar, yet. He will follow up.

Biathlon – Bill Lilly reported that USBA had a very productive meeting in Lake Placid last week. Bill moved that we advance Lake Placid $1000 for the summer biathlon Championships, Lee Mahood second, carried. He also advised that there would be a social/fun event after the biathlon relay at next year’s ESGs.

Cross Country – Larry Wilkinson reported that the committee is trying to determine how best to revise the age classes to meet the ESG guidelines. He also said that unless someone volunteers to organize it, there will be no cross country masters series and no championship.

Racer Camps – Tom Moffett announced a biathlon camp at Saratoga Biathlon July 30 to Aug 1. Jan Sibilia will have a camp with a guest coach Sept 25 and 26 open to all age groups. She is also arranging a camp in August with Ben Husaby. NYSEF will be conducting a camp at the Olympic Training Center July 7 to 11 with mostly cross country with some biathlon. Rick Costanza said they are also working on a camp for August 4 through 8 with more biathlon content. Youth (13 and under) day camps will be available July 13 and 14 from 9 am to 3 pm. There will also be one August 10 through 12 with one of the nights family camping at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

BKYSL Committee - Eric Hamilton announced that the Mid Atlantic Bill Koch Festival will be in Holland Patten on March 5 and 6 combined again this year with the Bill Thayer Ski Fest. Eric moved that NYSSRA replenish its supply of ribbons, particularly 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place. Tupper Lake will host the 2006 Festival. Lee Mahood said that no motion is necessary, because that fits within the budget. Eric Moved that we provide start up grants for Bill Koch leaders not to exceed $100 on a reimbursement basis, Russ Myer second, carried. Eric also recommended that NYSSRA bring in Bill Koch for the festival. Rick Costanza seemed optimistic that it could actually happen, and will write Bill Koch to ask.

Eric also reported that Old Forge will host a Bill Koch Kick off event on December19 with fun activities depending on weather condition. There was also talk in committee of having several regional Bill Koch Meets like the one scheduled for the Tri Lakes area on January 8 and 9.

Fund Raising – Shawn Forney said that Peter Dady has plenty of short sleeve ($15) and long sleeve ($20) tee shirts and many of the regional reps have a supply also. He said that Peter Dady, Marque Moffett and himself would be conferring on other ways to raise money. One thing being discussed was how much to charge for add placement on the web page and how to place the ad(s).

Newsletter – Rick Costanza said that Dan Karig is doing a fantastic job with the newsletter and referred to the current issue as an example. There was general consensus and agreement among those attending. Russ Houch moved, Russ Myer second that 5 discouraging words: "dismal", "depressed", "confused", "pathetic" and "worse" could not be used in the same article in the newsletter, carried with one opposed.

Competition Manual – John Nabors will be compiling the Manual this year. Eric Hamilton moved, Lee Mahood second that we authorize up to $500 for software to make the production of the Manual run more smoothly, subject to the approval of the executive committee, carried. Janet Finley will do the advertising again.

Membership Committee - Shawn Forney complimented Dan Karig on the demographic analysis contained in the recent newsletter. He promised that there would be a NYSSRA booth at the Syracuse Ski Sale at the N Y State Fairgrounds October 30 and 31. If you can volunteer for an hour or two contact Russ Myer or Shawn. Discussion followed about renewing membership on line and a suggestion for a glossy display poster and membership brochure for ski shops.

Mid Atlantic Junior Development – Emily Cartwright will research where the $2 head tax (at J O qualifiers) has gone for the last several years. Russ Houck moved; John Nabors second that the treasurer and the membership committee come up with a reasonable rate for NYSSRA should contribute to Mid A junior development, carried. Emily Cartwright moved, Jan Sibilia second, that the NYSSRA membership form be modified to include a check box for a donation to junior development.

Collegiate Racing – Discussion centered around the need to capture some of collegiate crowd that are not able to qualify for the Championship. Local clubs might be positioned to facilitate and encourage.

Bill Thayer Memorial Ski Festival - Russ Houck and Eric Hamilton will work on coordinating this festival with the Bill Koch Festival.

Liability Insurance – Discussion about why Empire State Games insurance would not cover us for ESG qualifiers? Would the Bill Koch program be covered, since many youth try for ESG. Eric Hamilton said that we will talk to Fred Smith with these questions.

AWARD – Eric Hamilton announced that Dan Karig will receive a gold All Winter Accumulated Race Distance for 332 kilometers. Eric Hamilton moved; Russ Houck second that the program be continued. Motion was withdrawn when it was noted that the program is authorized by a standing resolution.

Regional Representatives – Carol Moran questioned why only one regional rep was listed in the Manual when there should be three. With three we get more than one perspective; are apt to get more than one discipline; and we would get better attendance at meetings. West Central has three representatives: Anna Gorbold, Ruth Hayes and Carol Moran. Rick Costanza charged each of the regions to have 3 regional representative for the fall meeting.

Russ Houck moved; Lee Mahood second that each region (except Northern Adirondack) appoint one of the three reps to be an urban representative. It would be this representative’s responsibility to stimulate interest in urban areas for Nordic ski Sport and work with municipal parks and foster venues in urban areas. Motion carried.

Race Schedule – Consensus was that the tentative race schedule on the board be accepted for the coming season. There were several noted gaps in the schedule including a qualifier in Glens Falls, tug hill area, and one at Byrncliff. Sanction agreements must all be in by June 30 this year. In future years the agreements must all be in by the spring meeting.

Nominating Committee – Rick Costanza appointed Russ Myer and Dan Karig to a nominating committee with Rick. Anyone interested in an office should see one of the above.

Next Meeting is set for September 19, 2004 at SUNY - Institute of Technology, Utica.

Adjourned on a motion by Carol Moran, second by Shawn Forney.