Gables Restaurant
Corvallis, Oregon
September 25, 1997

Judith Dow - Called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She thanked Sandy Sears for hosting the here-to-fore successful meeting.

Sue Sparling - Resigned from the Secretary-Treasurer (Farm Foundation Liaison) position. She explained the duties of the position and asked for volunteers. Debra Moore from Iowa State volunteered to assume the responsibilities starting after the reports are finished from the present meeting.

Louise Letnes - Resigned from the AAEA Liaison position. She explained the responsibilities of the position which are: representing our organization at the AAEA annual meetings, serving on AAEA information committees and answering any questions regarding data dissemination and AgEcon Search. Brent Mai from Purdue volunteered to assume this position if his library is willing to accept some of the financial obligations, i.e., his membership fees to the AAEA. Farm Foundation also supports this activity with $750. He will inform us of his decision when he returns home. [Editor's note: Brent accepted this position.]

Louise reported on the AAEA Meeting which was held in Toronto in August. The Census of Agriculture will no longer be a function of the Bureau of the Census but of NASS. The Bureau of Economic Analysis is once again a stable, publishing agency. The American Community Survey is the newest product of the Census Bureau and will possibly replace the long form (sample data) of the decennial census. Walt Armbruster's presidential address spoke to the AAEA problems of shrinking memberships, subscription losses, etc. His thoughts are that the organization, conference, and journal articles need to aim towards a larger audience. The possibility of having "theme" conferences might increase interest. He is recommending that all AJAE journal articles have a summary and that they have practical use (not just theoretical value). The organization should be a source of lifelong learning.

Ellen Reneke - Made a proposal to enhance and expand the AERO Web Page. She proposed to have an up-to-date membership list as an adjunct to the listserve. She would be willing to put the newsletter on the Web also.

Judith Dow - Called for a vote and it was a unanimous vote that we wanted the website continued and substantially enhanced.

Anita Battiste - Read an invitation from the University of Florida to host the Spring 1999 AERO meeting.

Judith Dow - Adjourned meeting at 8:50 p.m.

Compiled by Sue Sparling, Secretary.