Fall Board of Directors Meeting Report
by Mike Peters, Spokane Region

The Fall Board of Directors meeting took place in Kent for the one-day session on September 18th. Of special significance was the unanimous appointment of Amy Zahm, as our new Education and Programs Director. Amy was determined to be the most qualified by the Education Programs Director Selection Team through a very extensive selection process. President Ed Younglove gave a summary of her qualifications and her outstanding performance in the interviews. In accordance with Proposal D, a vote was taken to approve the hiring of Amy. Amy officially started October 1.

Last July, Ed Younglove and Ken Klecker met with Scott Kaden, President of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA). This meeting was to initiate contact and develop ties between PSIA-NW and ski area operators. As a result, Scott made a presentation at our meeting.

The PNSAA meets three times a year to discuss ways to promote snow sports, to discuss area expansion progress, and review the economy of the ski industry. Currently, there are 28 ski areas that make up the PNSAA. In the Northwest, skier visits are strong. The areas of 49º North, Crystal Mt., Mt. Baker, Schweitzer, Summit West & Central and Mt. Hood Meadows have made area improvements. Also, the Forest Service has made progress in its decisions using the Master Plans of 49º North, Crystal Mt., and Mt. Ashland. Amy Zahm will be attending their next meeting in October as our representative. For more information regarding progress on ski area Master Plans, go to www.nwskiers.org/nwsa.

In her report to the Board, Education V.P. Molly Fitch, noted that the guest speaker for Fall Seminar will be Bruce Scarpola. He will present a highly motivating session titled “Improving your Performance in Psych-K”. Bruce’s presentation will be held in both the a.m. and p.m. sessions at all three locations.

Technical V.P. Lane McLaughlin added to his report that the Fall Seminars will offer a free session to non-members. This session will be an orientation to PSIA. He indicated a change to the TD program. There will be a series of indoor workshops replacing the TD Congress at Fall Seminar.

A proposal to reduce the size of the Board (from 28 to 14 members) was presented. This was to be accomplished by realigning the regions of PSIA-NW (from 10 to 7) in addition to reducing the Executive Committee (from 10 to 6 members).

This proposal was a spin-off from last year’s Focus Group assignment to develop such a proposal and in response to last season’s member survey. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the pros and cons of this proposal. (Author’s note: as with any issue of this magnitude, there was considerable background work to prepare this proposal by a committee of three Board members. The proposal was accompanied by a 9-page document of research information.) The most immediate advantage to a Board size reduction was budget savings by reducing the expenses of Board meetings. It was also surmised that a lot of the Board’s work could be accomplished without being a member of the Board.

Of concern, would be the potential loss of considerable talent currently on the Board (attorneys, accountants, computer experts, ski school directors, educators). Also, the board has become more efficient, using our current resources effectively. It should be noted that current Board members contribute considerable time and talent to the Board’s business. The transition plan for the Education & Program Director includes developing functioning committees. Board size would be a consideration in conjunction with this task. Also, the E & PD needs to be given time to work through her job before any drastic changes are made to the Board.

By policy, Board size is to be reviewed every five years. The proposal was postponed indefinitely.

Executive V.P. Carol Christofero gave a presentation on Board member visitations to their region ski schools. As in other years, this service is highly recommended to keep our membership informed of Board activities.

On a lighter note, a proposal to give recipients of the Rookie of the Year Award (all 4 disciplines) a 1 year Divisional (gift) membership in the organization was passed.