KCFA Board of Directors Meeting, Conference Call Meeting Because of Coronavirus October
IN ATTENDANCE: Board Members: Barbara Anderson, Colehour Bondera, Bruce Corker, Chet Gardiner, John Koontz, Jim Monk, Sandra Scarr, Cea Smith, John Zulkowski. Also in attendance: Susanne Shriner.
Call to Order: 2:30 pm
GENERAL
Consent Agenda:
Minutes, September 21, 2020 meeting: With a correction, M/S/C for approval.
Approval of Membership Applications: No questions were raised as to the new membership applications reported by the Membership Chair. The applications were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Jim reviewed matters in the report.
Committee Reports: M/S/C for acceptance.
OLD BUSINESS
Kona Coffee Cupping Update: As chairs of the Protection and Events/Social Committees, Barbara and Chet are beginning planning for a Kona Typica Coffee Cupping Competition as part of next year’s EXPO. They will be organizing a cupping competition subcommittee and will seek thoughts and suggestions from KCFA members as to organizing the competition.
EXPO Update: Chet reported that the Events/Social Committee is continuing consideration of holding the EXPO in 2021 as either an “actual” event or a “virtual” event. Unless the HDOA further extends the date for expenditure of the EXPO grant funds beyond June of 2021, the event will be scheduled for a date in the spring.
Restaurant Recognition Program: Bruce encouraged the KCFA to revive this program that had originally been created by farmers some 17 years ago. The program promoted 100% Kona coffee by honoring Hawaii County restaurants offering 100% Kona coffee on their menus. The recognition included framed certificates to each of the participating restaurants, publicity in the KCFA newsletter, and ads in West Hawaii Today publicly honoring those restaurants. Sandra is interested in working on the program and she will draft a newsletter article seeking a KCFA member to chair an organizing committee.
Green Coffee Program: Chet and Colehour led an extensive discussion of a proposal from the Promotion Committee to hire former KCFA Board Member Kay Dixon to coordinate the program that has been initiated with Covid-related grant funding from the HDOA. Bruce moved, John Zulkowski seconded, that Colehour and Chet be authorized to finalize an agreement with Kay for coordination of the program. A separate motion by Jim, seconded by Chet, to appropriate $3,000 to further promote and expand the program was approved—7 ayes, one nay, no abstentions.
NEW BUSINESS
Free Conference Call Donation: Because KCFA has used Free Conference Call services during the last 8 months for telephone Board and committee meetings, Sandra suggested that we should make a contribution for that service. Sandra moved, and Jim seconded, to make a donation of $150. The motion carried—7 ayes, one nay, no abstentions.
Definition of “Estate Coffee”: As Chair of the Protection Committee, Barbara initiated a discussion of a proposal from KCFA position for defining “Estate Coffee”. The KCFA proposal would be offered to the HDOA in connection with the HDOA’s consideration of amendments to its coffee grade standards. Because of a loss of connection by some participants during the call, this matter was deferred.
Meeting adjourned: 4:01 pm
Submitted by Bruce Corker, Secretary
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