REGION 3 GENERAL MEETING

RAMADA INN, GENEVA

JUNE 23, 2006

 

Attending: Nancy Teodecki, Upstate; Judi Miladin, Cayuga Community College; Karen Blankenburg, Wachovia Education Finance; Theresa Gieseke, Next Student; Darcie Stephens, Bank of America; Annette Broski, Mohawk Valley Community College; Kathy Flaherty, SUNY Oswego; Bonnie Rooker, Cayuga Community College; Kathleen O’Connell, M & T Bank; Sean View, Hobart & William Smith; William Cheetham, LeMoyne College, Abbie Linsner, Nellie Mae;  Sam Veeder, Hobart & William Smith; Sharon Karwowski, TC3; Fred Zuccalla, UBS Ed Services; Kim Siwarski, Access Group; Eileen Muhlig, USA Funds Services; Shane Rauh, AMS; David Canaski, SUNY Cortland; Holly Zaglaniczny, Edamerica; Ed Gilbert, HESC;

 

Chair Nancy Teodecki called the meeting to order at 9:08 AM. She then announced that the speaker, Steve Morgan, was stuck in Cincinnati and would not be presenting. Disappointment was expressed by the crowd.

 

TREASURER REPORT: Abbie Linsner

 

Abbie said the balance is $3,674.33. The budget requests to NYSFAAA for next year have been submitted on time.

 

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR WORKSHOP UPDATE: Nancy Teodecki for Kate Bellefeuille

 

Dates are still being looked at. When they have confirmation they will send a letter to Binghamton to tell them of the date and to invite the Middle School counselors. There may not be a novice section but just have overall information. She asked for suggestions for presenters. All workshops will be posted to the calendar on the Web site.

 

CONFERENCE 2008: Bill Cheetam

 

It has been approved to move our region’s conference to the Adams Mark in Buffalo. Region V offered to do the 2008 conference but we decided to go forward with it since we had already switched from 2007 to 2008. It is a rotating schedule but any region can request to host the yearly conference. NYSFAAA president, Judi Miladin, hired a firm to look at possible sites that could host such a large conference with as many people as possible staying at the main hotel. The sites are limited so having the conference located in the region hosting may no longer be a possibility. Downstate has more places available but the hotel rooms are more expensive. Someone wishfully suggested having a cruise. Holly Zaglaniczny officially made a motion to have Region 3 do the 2008 conference in Buffalo and Karen Blackenburg seconded it. It was unanimously approved. Bill then passed out sign up sheets for committees. It will also be put on the list serve and they will try to identify who is not on the list serve.

 

DECEMBER MEETING: Theresa Gieseke

 

The Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles is not available for December 13th and other dates were suggested. Wednesday, December 6th was scheduled for the annual holiday meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS

David Canaski said that the state committees have been reorganized and there are openings for members and chairpersons. Contact him at 607-753-2945. He encouraged getting involved.

 

The general meeting concluded at 9:40. After a short break, Nancy welcomed the guests from Region 2 and announced that since the speaker could not attend, Region 3 would pay the fee for Regions 2 attendees.

 

HESC UPDATE: Ed Gilbert

 

The July 2006 HESC update was distributed with the following emphases:

 

  • HESC 2nd annual Loan Symposium will be held September 21-22 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Registration details will be available on www.hesc.org after July 1.
  • HESC has started IVP.
  • HESC will start processing PLUS grad loans on July 1st.

 

Nancy again reiterated that the speaker could not come and asked for topics of discussion. David Canaski took the floor and led a lively discussion about “preferred lender lists” and an ad that was in last Sunday’s paper insinuating that schools receive favors for putting lenders on their list.

 

Judi Miladin said she is working with the Exec Council to build a mission statement outlining what we do and why we do it.  Anyone wanting to get involved can contact Judi, Sharon Karwowski or David Canaski.

 

An excellent lunch was served at noon and many people took advantage of the beautiful day and ate on the patio.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Bonnie Rooker

Regional Secretary