The AFS North Central Division has been actively addressing a number of issues. For more information visit the website at: http://www.ncd-afs.org/ 

Website use:  The NCD will ensure website information is up-to-date and includes chapter information.  President Mark Porath encourages chapters to link to NCD website.  The NCD serves as a conduit to covey issues to AFS.  A current issue is the difficulty with electronic issues.  Whenever an issue arises, please email Ted Treska the NCD representative to the AFS Electronic Services Advisory Board at (ted_treska@fws.gov) and copy President Porath (mark.porath@nebraska.gov). 

Procedural manual and bylaws:  The procedural manual and bylaws is currently openyou’re your review and will be presented to the parent society in March.  Take a look at the NCD website for more information or contact Past-President Mistak (mistakj@michigan.gov).

Midwest Conference Liaison:  To enable continuity between years, an NCD Midwest Conference Liaison provides guidance to meeting planners.  Past-President Mistak served in 2009 and President Porath will serve in 2010.  If you are interested in filling that role on a more permanent basis or assisting with continuing education programs at the conference, contact Mark.

Future leaders: AFS is implementing several steps to diligently develop future leaders for the profession and the Society. Young professionals who are transitioning from school to employment have a 3-year hiatus from full dues. The Governing Board has a new mentoring program to introduce potential future officers to society-level leadership. A great way to get started is to volunteer—run for office, chair a committee, help organize events! Please let us know if you are interested in any of these opportunities and need more information. 

Student travel: The NCD solicits support from Chapters to help financially with student travel awards. At the division level are the Fenske and Duffy awards. Numerous sections provide assistance for travel to the parent society annual meetings. Contact any officer for more information.

2005-2009 Strategic Plan: The NCD will be revising the plan to follow the recently completed update of the AFS parent society plan. More information will be available in the future.

Online journals: AFS is considering phasing out print copies of journals and going to online versions only. Officers will begin informing the membership of the proposed changes and background on this change.

AFS Membership: Fulfill your New Year’s resolution by supporting the Division and renewing your membership in AFS Parent Society and all the wonderful sections that provide you with great contacts in your favorite fisheries disciplines! The Society needs your support to continue as one of the world’s premier leaders among fisheries professional societies.