Southwest Michigan AMS/NWA
January 5, 2017 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Calvin College DeVos Communication Center
1810 East Beltline Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
President Brandon Hoving (National Weather Service Grand Rapids) called the meeting to order on January 4 at 7 p.m. Twenty-one people attended the meeting. President Brandon Hoving (NWSGR), Chapter Treasurer William Marino (NWSGR), Chapter Vice President Warren Wheeler, and Chapter Webmaster Linda Paige attended.
Brandon gave a review of a few of the previous meetings and speaker presentations.
Brandon informed the membership that the executive board voted to raise the dues to $20 for regular membership and $10 for students. This keeps the dues structure more in line with other chapters and will allow the chapter to attract and pay for other speakers. The dues are for the calendar year Jan-Dec.
Brandon submitted to the membership a proposal to add an additional position to the board. The official title is “At Large” officer. This brings the officer positions to 5 and prevents a tie on any votes. The primary duties for this position include the function of “Webmaster” for the chapter. Linda Paige already fills this role and the members attending voted unanimously to have her continue in this formal position.
Brandon informed the membership that Steve Derry resigned as Secretary and took nominations from the floor to fill this vacancy. Craig Woods stepped forward and submitted his name for this role. There were no other names submitted from the floor and the members voted unanimously to have him fill this position.
Bill gave a treasurers report with an account balance of $942.51, this includes the dues received on this day.
Warren talked about Dr. Karen Kosiba with the Center for Severe Weather Research in Boulder Colorado. She will speak to both the SWMI AMS/NWA and CMU. CMU will pick up the cost of her transportation.
The featured speaker was Maria Molina, Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant at Central Michigan University. Her research focuses on the relationship between the Gulf of Mexico and seasonal severe weather across the United States. The research looks at the Loop Current and warm-core rings in the Gulf of Mexico. Part of her research investigates the correlation between the location of the warm water and severe weather reports. Her research may assist with seasonal forecasts for severe weather in certain regions of the United States.
Sincerely,
Linda Paige