ALAO-SSIG Business Meeting
November 14, 2003
ALAO Annual Conference

The business meeting of the ALAO-SSIG was called to order by secretary/chair-elect Angie Lorensen at 11:20 AM November 14, 2003 at the ALAO Annual Conference. There were a total of 16 members present.

Welcome and Introductions
Angie welcomed everyone to the conference and introduced herself to those in attendance. She explained that John was at home waiting for the arrival of another addition to the Burke family and that Gaynelle Predmore would be running the meeting, but she had a time conflict and would return as soon as possible. All of the present members of the program planning committee introduced themselves. Agendas and Goals and Objectives were handed out.

Overview of SSIG Goals and Objectives
Gaynelle briefly went over the goals and objectives previously handed out to all attending members. She outlined the few changes made regarding elections if there is not to be a spring workshop.

Nominations/Volunteers for Secretary/Chair-Elect
Gaynelle outlined the duties and expectations of the secretary/chair-elect position and encouraged individuals to nominate themselves or others. The floor was opened for nominations, there were none.

Ohio Library Outstanding Support Staff and Supporter of Support Staff Awards
Gaynelle explained these awards and outlined their criteria. It was then announced that we would again be giving these awards and nominations will close on July 31, 2004.

Workshop Suggestions Gaynelle explained that the program planning committee had discussed holding a preconference next year. The date of next year's preconference is November 11, Veteran's Day. Since most people have this day off, it was decided not to hold a precoference next year.

Gaynelle asked for any suggestions for topics or presenters for upcoming workshops. There were no suggestions.

SSIG Website
Gaynelle reminded all in attendance that there is a great deal of information available on the website. This is an easy place to go for current information or to look for any answers to the questions you may have.

E-Mail Discussion List
Just a reminder that the listserv is a great place to start to ask questions or voice problems or concerns. It would be great to see this list become more active.

Support Staff Presenter Grant for next year's conference
The support staff presenter grant is decided on by the program planning committee of ALAO. This grant was designed to pay for material, travel and other related expenses. A total of $500 is available and can be used by one person or several individuals. The deadline for applying for this grant is in the spring.

COPE III
Doug Morrison presented the group with an overview of his experience at the Congress for Professional Education held in May 2003. Doug emphasized the continued need to provide various professional development opportunities for support staff. Personally, he would like to see more done for support staff within the state of Ohio. Doug also took this opportunity to mention the 2004 OLSSI, which is scheduled for August 1-4.

Meeting adjourned at 12:06 PM.