President Roske, NØUF, called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. Also present were Secretary Supina, N3WS, Directors Baldwin, WØOFY, Harrison, WBØOUM, Hirsch, W8RSH, and McCalvy, WA9JMO, and General Manager K1IGD. Many directors were unable to attend because travel arrangements had been made before the date of the meeting was set.

President Roske called for a moment of silence in memory of the Silent Keys. He then went on to talk about the mission of QCWA, including the promotion of friendship and cooperation among amateur Radio operators who have been licensed at least a quarter of a century ago. He emphasized that the type of chapter operations depend on the chapter make-up.

Secretary Supina read the minutes of the 2008 General Meeting in Virginia Beach and they were approved as read.

Director McCalvy stated already at least 110 had signed up for the 2009 QCWA cruise, and that arrangements had been made for a special tour of the Arecibo observatory.

General Manager Walbridge mentioned that the QCWA office handles the business side of the organization and considers QCWA members as its customers. This year it distributed thirty three of the QCWA 75 year awards. The office can now supply QCWA belt buckles directly from the office. New postal regulations have required a change in the cover design of the QCWA Journal. Members who wish to create a new chapter, or solicit new members for an existing chapter can obtain a listing of QCWA members living within a specified geographical area (by zip code).

The Chapter Relations Committee under Chair Carolyn Harrison, proposed each member of the Board personally contact officers of Chapters in order to determine (a) what kinds of meeting programs have been the most successful and (b) If the chapter has attracted new members, what was done to accomplish this. It is the intent of the committee and the board to review, summarize and provide the results to all chapters. The committee also suggested, and the board approved, that the CQ100 mode be added as a category in the semi-annual QSO party. This would allow members who live in antenna restricted communities to participate in the event.

President Roske mentioned that on Friday he and Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President of ARRL, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between ARRL and QCWA to promote cooperation between the two organizations.

Director Erwin (W5PUT), Chair of the External Relations Committee-US-could not attend, but had submitted a report in writing. He had worked with ARRL to develop the Memorandum of Understanding which was recently signed. During the year he had also monitored the status of BPL and advised that some systems had shut down and others were using improved technology.

Director Powell(VE3ZC) -External Relations-Canada was unable to attend for health reasons, but did submit a written report. She stated that there are approximately 55K amateur radio operators in Canada. There is no BPL activity in Canada.

Finance Committee Chair Hirsch distributed a copy of the financial statement. He also mentioned while QCWA is still solvent in spite of the market conditions. that individually we might be able to help. Bletchley Park, the historic site of secret British code-breaking activities during WWII,. needs help which the UK government is apparently no longer providing. Director Hirsch is trying to develop cooperation between QCWA and RAOTA (Radio Amateur Old Timers Association) in the UK.

Publications Chair Baldwin reported that the committee.s major responsibilities are proofreading the contents of the Journal and the web pages. The committee also oversees the supplying of the 'Journal on tape' to 24 blind members. Director Baldwin mentioned that the QCWA web site has separate pages for each chapter, but many chapters have supplied little or no information.

General Manager mentioned that he is also the General Manager. of the QCWA journal; everything goes through him before publication. Only US members receive the Journal except that members in Canada may elect to receive it for an additional fee. Secretaries of chapters in other countries receive the Journal and are encouraged to make the information available to their members.

Publicity & Public Relations committee report was presented by Director McCalvy. The committee is trying to assist members who wish to promote QCWA in some way.

Respectfully submitted
Walt Supina N3WS
Secretary