May 2007 - 30th Annual General Meeting

TUESDAY, MAY 8TH, 2007
HONG KONG CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

Susan Wallace, the League President, called our meeting to order. Terry Silk, a prospective new member was welcomed.

Michelin Tait, the League Secretary, read the Minutes from the 29th Annual General Meeting. Najda Gisler made the motion to accept the Minutes as read, Robin Ernest seconded. The motion passed.

Susan outlined our meetings from 2006-07, including Speakers and locations. A review was given of the League’s role re: Election Central. Recognition was given to HKIS for storing of materials until recently when Asian Tigers generously took over this role, with no charge.

Susan spoke to the changes that occurred within the Board during the year: the position of Secretary shifting from Michelle Todd to Michelin Tait; the position of Membership/Communication shifting to Robin Ernest from Adrienne Urbanac. Susan then thanked the present Board and presented each with a gift.

Anita Chopra, Voter Services Representative, spoke of the Proposed By-Law amendments. There were none. The motion to accept the By-Laws was made by Anita Chopra and seconded by Janet Mager. The motion passed.

Nancy Ryback, League Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s Report and Budget for 2006-07. We currently have 36 paid members. Robin Ernest made a motion to accept the current Budget. Beth Hall seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Susan Wallace spoke to the members regarding our joining the National League in the U.S. The Board has decided that for the coming year all local members will be required to join our National League, recognizing the supportive and beneficial role that they play. The dues will be: $200HK for Local and $200HK for National membership. Susan asked Anita to cover the National League’s News.

Susan Wallace invited Nancy Ryback to present our nominees for the Board for 2007-08. They are:
President – Eva Deffenbaugh
Vice President – Beth Hall
Treasurer – Lynn Nil
Secretary – Michelin Tait
Voter Services – Anita Chopra
Membership/Communications – Robin Ernest
Communications – Amy Van Laak

A vote was taken to accept the new Board. A motion was made by Marlene Benzmiller to accept the nominees, seconded by Catherine Stephens. The motion passed.

Susan Wallace introduced our new President, Eva Deffenbaugh. Eva spoke briefly regarding our calendar of events for 2007-08. Nancy Ryback made a suggestion that co-hosting for event locations would be beneficial.

Anita Chopra, Voters Services, presented our President, Susan Wallace with a thank you gift for her excellent job this past year.

A motion was made to adjourn by Lynn Nill, seconded by Janet Mager. A vote was taken by the membership to accept. Motion passed.

Lunch followed the meeting with a toast to recognize the 30th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Unit of the League of Women Voters.