Present: Diane Beauchemin, Heidi Chen, Richard Denis, Hilton Greenberg, Marc Lamoureux, Tina Mann.

Business Arising: Differences in quorum numbers were noted between English and French versions of the by-laws. Differences in USA and Canadian membership rates were queried by Heidi. Marc explained that the higher USA rates were related to higher postage costs. Heidi suggested that the "work selections" on the membership application form be clarified. Heidi will change the information fields and post the revised form on the Internet site.

Conferences: 47th ICASS (2001): $800 outstanding from Ray Clement was transferred to the SSC account.
48th ICASS (2002): 14 full sessions have been organized (equivalent to the minimum guaranteed to EnviroAnalysis). The guaranteed revenue to the SSC is $6,000. Diane offered 10 free memberships to invited speakers. There were some problems with the EnviroAnalysis Webster and the registration fee structure.
49th ICASS: Will be held in June to avoid conflict with CIC and CCRA. Nimal is conference chair. Seed money of $3000 will be provided. Heidi Chen will be the treasurer for the conference. No report was received from Nimal. Marc will contact Nimal and a report is expected at the next NEC meeting.
50th ICASS: The option to continue with EnviroAnalysis in Toronto was discussed. Diane has mixed feelings as there are some major benefits (organizational synergies, good communication, sponsorship opportunities) but some significant drawbacks (high registration cost limits participation, meeting in May (just before CIC)). Marc will explore opportunities for ICASS to be held at St. Mary's University in Halifax in August 2004. Hilton would like to see a special event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Society's conference. He suggested the invitation of some luminaries from earlier years.

Committee Reports
Finance and Membership (Heidi Chen): Heidi reported that there are 23 new members as a result of seminar series and the "Why join the SSC" document. Hilton stressed that the NEC needs to commit more time to programming to attract new members. Marc recommends that the Herzberg award be increased to $1,250 and the additional monies generated from interest be directed to a 2nd Herzberg account. This would further preserve the Herzberg award without draining the seed money. Annually the award costs $1250 (financial award) and $250 for the plaque while generating $500 interest. Marc will request that local sections show net balance of assets before the next meeting. Hilton recommended that legal enquiries be made as to the obligations of the NEC regarding local activities.

National Programs (Richard Denis): Richard reported that Mike Hinds presented a seminar on precious metals in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. The event netted 45 new members and was revenue neutral. Final numbers will be submitted to Heidi before the next NEC meeting. There was an unexpected and unfortunate time conflict with a set of Varian seminars. (Varian is the SSC's largest sponsor). A note of apology appears to have cleared up the problem, but in future, advance notice of "National Program" events will be forwarded to Marc Lamoureux and Varian Canada.

Web Page (Alison Holliday): Alison's work on the Website was appreciated and received many kudos form everyone present. Marc suggested that she consider the colour green (SSC colour) for the font (instead of red). The Internet contract will be renewed (in July) for another three years.

Student Chapter (Tina Mann): Tina will finish her studies in December. Marc will try to find a student to take over Tina's position. Tina was complimented on her work in the role so far. Vasilli Karanassios' group may be able to provide interested students. Tina proposed the creation of an annual SSC Student Bursary of $400 be awarded to an SSC Student Member based on a combination of academic excellence, financial need, and contribution to the SSC

Other Business
Membership Fees: As there has been no increase in membership fees for more than five years, it was proposed that the fees be increased as follows: Regular membership fee be increased to $50/1 year, $95/2 years and $140/3 years, the Sustaining member fee be increased to $100/1 year, $190/2 years and $280/3 years and the Retired/Student membership fee be increased to $25/1 year, $50/2 years and $75/3 years.

Honorary Membership: An honorary membership will be offered to Ian Butler. This is in addition to the Distinguished Service Award and is in recognition of Ian's contribution to CJASS.

By-laws: Marc proposed changing the by-laws to allow for the election (as opposed to the appointment) of student representatives. Diane and Tina suggested that this decision be delayed until the student membership is further developed.

SSC President: Marc wishes to step down for family reasons. In the absence of nominations for Marc's replacement, he will continue in his role. This comes with the understanding that he may leave his post at the SSC with little or no notice to attend to family obligations.