C O R R E C T E D   C O P Y

February 18, 2008

“Prelude - Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10^th Edition, page 451, XV, 48., 25:  Minutes contain mainly a record of what was done at a meeting, not what was said by the members, and does not reflect the secretary’s opinion, favorable or otherwise, on anything said or done.”

     The initial meeting of the Arkansas Catfishing Association (ACA) was held on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at 2:00 P.M., at 1266 Lock and

     Eleven people were initially in attendance which included an observer, and the Coordinator presented the proposed Constitution and Bylaws for adoption and ratification.  Following a lengthy discussion and making changes, the Constitution and Bylaws as a single entity was adopted and ratified by ten (10) members consisting of seven (7) Charter/Regular members, and three (3) Charter/Associate members.  The Board of Officers:

     James T. Freeman of Pocahontas became President.

     John P. Freeman Sr of Pocahontas became Vice President

     Ben Purtle of McRae became Treasurer.

     Francisco “Juan” Diaz of Pocahontas became Secretary.

Lee R. Fields of Russellville was appointed by the President as Parliamentarian, the Bylaws Committee Chair, and temporary additional coordination duties.  The Treasurer assumed duties as the Budget and Finance committees Chair.  The Vice President assumed the duty of Public Relations.  Committees appointments pending are Membership, Publications, Research/Historian, Building and Grounds, and Nominating.

     The ACA patch was presented and was approved described as: An outline in blue of the State of Arkansas, white background, with A C A in blaze orange embroidery at the top; blue embroidery Rod & Reel; Catch & Release; a blue catfish; and, at the bottom Alive and Well, therefore also becoming the symbol for the association’s burgee.  A rectangular blue embroidery outline with Charter Member having a white background was also presented and approved for charter members only.

     The initial and regular catfishing tournament date was tentatively set for April 13, 2008, Lake Dardanelle, with launching at the Weigh-in Pavilion near the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitors’ Center, 5:40 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.  Also, the Classic tournament date was tentatively set also at Lake Dardanelle on November 1^st, 2008, 6:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. contingent upon availability of the facility.  Tournament dates for May through October 2008 are pending at locations to be determined throughout the State of Arkansas.

     The annual General Membership Meeting in conjunction with a banquet in early December of each year as stated in Bylaw Art V, Sec 1, will be held at locations to be determined by the Board of Officers.

     The President and/or Treasurer will obtain a Tax ID and open an ARVEST banking account (Bylaw Art IV – Officers, Sec 2).

     The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M. and the group proceeded to the Lake Dardanelle State Park, and given a tour of the Visitors’ Center and the Weigh-in Pavilion.

      “Signed”

Francisco “Juan” Diaz

Secretary

LeeFields2008