The LKADC held its annual meeting October 20,2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Calhoun County Center on Aging Building in Grantsville. Diane Ludwig called the meeting to order. Those attending included Members: Dan McDonald, Bryan Sims, Donnie Pitts, Dick Ullum, Robert Lowe, Alvin Engelke, Larry McCallister (proxy), Keith Wilson (proxy), Dan Metz (proxy). Guests: Skip McDonald, Amy Harries, Amanda Place, and David Barr. Staff: Diane Ludwig.

Expenditures and current bills were presented for approval. A financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003 and current balance sheets were presented. Jerry Brookover, a local accountant, reviewed the LKADC's financial records and prepared tax returns for the 2002 fiscal year and issued a letter of compliance for the agency, copies of which were presented to the board.

The board was updated on current projects in both counties. It appears that the LKADC will be receiving some new funds for its Microloan program, although the exact amount is not known as yet.

Election of officers for the coming year took place. For 2003-2004 the officers will be Dan McDonald, President; Dan Metz, Vice-President; Donnie Pitts, Treasurer; and Bryan Sims, Secretary. Motion to accept this slate of officers was made by Dick Ullum, and second by Alvin Engelke. Motion was approved.

Amy Harries from Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council attended the meeting along with her mother, Amanda Place, who works as a professional fundraiser for non-profit organizations in Arizona. They spoke to the group about fundraising and community philanthropy. Amy and Diane updated the board on discussions they have been having with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, regarding creation of a fund to help support the LKADC, and a community foundation covering both counties. Motion was made by Donnie Pitts and seconded by Robert Lowe, to put $1,000 into a fund to be called the Little Kanawha Area Economic Development Fund; and authorizing Dan McDonald and Diane Ludwig to begin the process of working with the PACF towards creation of a community foundation. Motion was approved. It is hoped that the LKADC can act as home base for the community foundation once it is created. The first step is to host a meeting about community philanthropy, which is scheduled for November 6, 2003 in Elizabeth. Judy Sjostedt, PACF Executive Director, will be the speaker.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Monday, December 15, 2003, in Elizabeth.