This is being cross-posted to HistArch, Arch-L and PublHist, and will appear
in the Grapevine Newsletter more or less as follows:
 
 
On Thursday afternoon, January 5, an informal discussion was held at the SHA
conference in Washington D.C.  The discussion was used to update those who
did not attend the initial meeting in Lexington and to get input from
attendees on mutual concerns about the CRM industry and how the trade
association idea should develop from here.  Much concern was expressed about
the direction Congress is taking with regard to unfunded or under-funded
federal mandates for the states (such as SHPO programs), the apparent attack
on NEPA and federal regulation generally, and zero-based budgets.  Loretta
Neumann, lobbyist for the SHA and SAA, and co-author of much of the
legislation currently in place was especially pessimistic.  Tom King spoke
eloquently to the need of moving quickly to organize an association, given
the current political situation.  Attendees were invited to participate in
the following steering committee meeting.
 
A short steering committee meeting was then held and was attended by Loretta
Neumann and Kathleen Schamel of CEHP, Deborah Cox of the Public Archaeology
Laboratory, Chuck Niquette of Cultural Resource Analysts, Mike Polk of
Sagebrush Archaeological Consultants, David Ketz of the 106 Group, Dan
Roberts of John Milner Associates, Tom Wheaton of New South Associates, and
David Heisler of Computer Services Corporation.
 
The bids for a feasibility study were briefly discussed.  (CEHP withdrew
their bid prior to the meeting.)  The Host Communications bid for a
feasibility study was $12,500, plus an unknown additional amount to help get
the association up and running.  It was decided that we already know what we
need to know to get started, and the feasibility study was shelved.  It was
further decided to go ahead with incorporation.  With the current climate in
Congress, the apparent enthusiasm among attendees and others who have been in
contact with us, and no particular reason to wait any longer (SAA has decided
that it is not the place for an essentially multidisciplinary business
association), there is no time like the present.
 
Therefore, a meeting of the steering committee will be held at the beginning
of February to hammer out bylaws, an initial budget, membership categories
and dues.  A lawyer has already been chosen to come up with bylaws, to
incorporate and to obtain tax exempt status.  The bylaws and other issues
will be decided by the steering committee, but these decisions will be based
on the information submitted in the questionnaires of persons who also sent
in a donation. To be counted you need to put your money where your mouth is.
 We still intend, and will make every effort, to be inclusive of all the CRM
disciplines and all regions of the country.
 
Tom Wheaton                           Opinions Expressed Are My Own
New South Associates                  and Other Usual Disclaimers
6150 East Ponce de Leon Ave.
Stone Mountain, Georgia  30083
404 498 4155