As requested, I am passing along Steve Ewald’s notes from the latest SM teleconference.

Harold Kramer, WJ1B

Chief Operating Officer

ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio

860 594 0220

hkramer@arrl.org

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From: Ewald, Steve, WV1X
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 1:47 PM
To: Patton, David NN1N; Kramer, Harold, WJ1B
Subject: Summary of May SM Teleconference

Dave and Harold,  

Here are the highlights from Wednesday’s teleconference.  -- Steve

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Summary of Highlights of the May 28, 2008, Teleconference with Section Managers

On Wednesday evening, May 28, the Membership and Volunteer Programs office hosted an ARRL telebridge teleconference with the Section Managers of the Delta Division, Hudson Division and Midwest Division.  Directors and Vice Directors of the respective divisions were also invited. 

Section Managers that were able to join the conference included Pete Cecere, N2YJZ (Eastern New York); Jim Lasley, N0JL (Iowa); Ron Cowan, KB0DTI (Kansas); Dale Bagley, K0KY (Missouri); Malcolm Keown, W5XX (Mississippi); Gary Stratton, K5GLS (Louisiana).

Midwest Division Director Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, and Hudson Division Vice Director Joyce Birmingham, KA2ANF, were also on the call.  HQ staff members included Steve Ewald, WV1X, Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, and Allen Pitts, W1AGP.

ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, explained the brand new ARRL public relations campaign that debuted earlier this month.   Section Managers have recently received a sample copy of the new brochure and the new 2008 “Talk on a Disk” CD-ROM.  Allen discussed strategies for using this PR material effectively, and how Amateur Radio clubs, leaders, and individuals may use it to promote Amateur Radio.  

We heard from Section Managers describe how these tools and other supporting material will be helpful and attractive to teachers, school administrators and scouts. 

With Field Day just around the corner, now is a prime time for promotion.   Please check the June issue of “CONTACT” now on the ARRL Web page,  http://www.arrl.org/pio/contact/2008/06/, for special Field Day-related opportunities and PR ideas. 

With the recent and large outbreak of tornadoes happening around the country this spring, and especially in the Midwest, the Section Managers on the teleconference gave a status report on emergency communications in their sections.  The Atlantic hurricane season is about to begin in June.  A simulated emergency test for hurricane preparedness by emergency managers in Mississippi was recently conducted.  Amateur Radio was included.

Midwest Division Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, mentioned the upcoming ARRL Programs and Services Committee meeting in Newington on May 31.   Thanks to all the Section Managers who have provided responses to the on-line Zommerang survey.  These responses will be studied and incorporated into the overall continuing discussion about ARRL Section Governance.

Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, mentioned that Riley Hollingsworth was planning his retirement from the FCC this summer.  Chuck shared a special comment from Riley complimenting the hard and effective work performed by Official Observers and OOCs.

The Section Managers noted that, in recent years, served agencies in and around their sections have taken a greater notice of Amateur Radio and our emergency communications capabilities.  Local and state emergency/public service agencies and hospitals (for example) are seeking help from ARES and other radio amateurs even more so than before.  These agencies and their employees (and participants) are fine sources of potential new Amateur Radio operators.

73,

Steve Ewald, WV1X

Supervisor, Field Organization Team

ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio

860-594-0265

sewald@arrl.org