CURC Steering Committee Meeting Minutes

October 1, 2008

Conference Call Began at Noon EST

Attendees:  Mark Darling, Jack Debell, Rob Gogan, Mary Jensen, Ed Newman, Becky Valentich, Ron Vance, Michael Youdelman

Absent: Tracy Artley, Judi Dunn Gray, Judi Gard, Michael Meyering, Christine Von Kolnitz Cooley

1.      New Chair

Mary nominated Mark Darling as the new Chair of CURC.  Rob seconded and Mark was unanimously voted in as CURC’s Chair.

2.      Conference Review

It was stated that this year’s CURC workshop was the best ever.  The speakers and lunch were excellent and the roundtables were good.  Topics that didn’t draw many people included How to Start a Recycling Program, which competed with Recycling 101, and Networking with Campus Members.  The ABCs and XYZs of recycling should be considered as an ongoing topic at the next Congress. 

Rob suggested that CURC vote as a bloc in the NRC Board elections, much like CRRA does.

The CURC members meeting was good and it was stressed that new recruits need to be encouraged.  The minutes from this meeting will be out soon (promise!) and can serve as the basis of the State of CURC.  The State of CURC email needs to go out.  RecycleMania schools must be included in that list for cross-marketing reasons.  It was then suggested that all RecycleMania participants receive a trial membership in CURC during the 10-week competitive period.  Discussion ensued. 

Mike Y. sent in his workshop presentations and will work with Kevin Lyons to get his Sunday CURC workshop presentation to Christine for the CURC website.

The CURC booth looked great.  Ed requested input from others.  It was noted that the CURC brochure is outdated and that the scrap book should be updated.  An inquiry was made regarding whether or not CURC can publish the names of member schools. 

3.      AASHE Conference

This conference will be an opportunity for CURC members to networks with sustainability coordinators who also oversee recycling programs.  It was noted that 2009’s CURC Workshop should be marketed to recycling and sustainability coordinators.

4.      Work Plan Discussion

It was noted that the membership committee may need to be reformed.  Projects suggested included the webinar series.  Potential speakers for these include Sara Boll from NYU, Juliet Berling, Binghamton University, Shane Tedder University of Kentucky, Donnie Addison, Auburn University, Ben Kunka, UNC Greensboro, Robyn Hathcock, University of Oregon. and the winners of RecycleMania.  It was suggested that the prize for winning RecycleMania could be CURC membership. 

5.      Announcements

A review of the Congress appeared in Resource Recycling Magazine.  In this review, the college and university tracks were highlighted very positively. 

6.      Adjourn

The call adjourned at 1 pm EST.