Dear Walnut Council Members, From your President,………….Ron Jervis

Springtime is a wonderful time of year for tree growers!………….as we rush to finish the tree pruning that we should have started earlier in the winter, but found it difficult to go out in the freezing cold, and preparing for this year’s tree plantings.

Woodland Owners Conference and Walnut Council Meeting on 22Feb03

Over 30 members attended the Winter 2003 Conference and Meeting which was filled with many items about “ what’s happening “ within the chapter this year, including the introduction of new Officers and Board Members, the healthy financial status of the Chapter, up-coming events like the Spring Field in Iowa, reports from the 9 new committees in 2003, status of the WEB SITE www.wiscwalnutcouncil.org and a discussion about financial support for education and research within the Walnut Council.

Membership Status

It’s also that time of year to “ double-check “ that you have renewed your membership for 2003. According to our MASTER Membership List, there are still 39 members who were members in 2001 or 2002, but who have not renewed yet.
As of 31Mar03, 121 members are “ paid-up “ ……..108 are renewals and 13 are new members.
If you are one of the 39, please take a moment and send that check in. An application form is enclosed for both renewals and can also be used for signing-up new members. One of the goals here is improving the accuracy of our mailing list, and very soon, previous members who do not renew will BE REMOVED from the list, which currently shows a potential for 160 members ( 121 + 39 ) = 160.

Personal Contact Program

During March a new Program was launched for Board Members contacting members by telephone to discuss “ issues of the day “, from time to time. Each Board Member was assigned a “ cell group “, composed of 15-16 members each. Perhaps you have already received a call from your BC ( Board Contactor )……………Currently, the main “ issue of the Day “ is working towards the goal of 100% membership renewals for 2003, followed by getting E-mail addresses for EVERYONE, and informing them of the new MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE Program for members signing-up new members in 2003. This is also a good opportunity for you to provide feedback on how we can improve the functioning of our Chapter.

The 2003 Membership Increase Program

The GOAL is to have 180 members in the Wisconsin Walnut Council by the end of this year. If most of the 39 members who have not renewed yet, send in their dues shortly, than that would bring the total of “ paid-up “ members to about 150.
Therefore, the mission is clear……..we need at least 30 more new members to sign-up over the next 9 months………which is very doable!
Increasing the number of members has many benefits…………………

1) First and foremost, it increases financial inflows
2) Which, in turn, permits bigger and better, member events, educational sessions, Field Days, and Annual Meetings
3) It brings “ new blood “ in to the organization for new ideas and networking between members
4) Provides increased opportunities for socialization and friendship development in sharing similar passions of raising walnut trees , and other fine hardwoods.
5) With more members on committees, the results and outcomes are greatly enhanced, providing better information and services to all the members.

Incentives for Members to Sign-up New Members

To help achieve the goal of 180 members, and incentive program has been established where members can earn prizes and awards as follows……………….

1) Sign-up 2 new members and win a Walnut Council hat
2) Sign-up 3 new members and receive a 12” X 18” Walnut Council sign
3) Sign-up 4 new members and receive both the hat and sign
4) Sign-up 10 new members and get a free one-year membership, worth $30

The program will run until 31Dec03. Prizes earned will be awarded at next February’s 2004 Winter Meeting. To claim credit for members you sign up, be sure to put your name in the “ membership source code “ box ( lower right corner ) of the application form. Membership applications are available on our WEB SITE at
www.wiscwalnutcouncil.org , or by contacting Dale Parker at 608-625-4033.

Another way to get a friend or neighbor “ on board “ is to bring them to a meeting or Spring/Fall field day event. If you do that, the friend/neighbor can register for ½ the Event Fee, and have a conversation with the Membership Chairperson.

Life Time Members and Wisconsin Annual Dues

At the 25Mar BOD Meeting, the resolution was passed that according to the letter issued the 1st part of the year by National, a Life Time member has 2 choices:1)Pay the Wisc. State dues of $5 each year, or pay $200 for a Lifetime State Membership.