The QCS Board of Directors meeting was held at the Holiday Inn Select (Airport) in Nashville, Tennessee.

Greg Marrs, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. The directors present included:

Also present were Michael Rector, President of QCS and Paul Miller, Secretary and Treasurer of QCS.

The minutes of the October 18, 2000 meeting in St. Louis and the November 17, 2000 meeting by conference call were approved as written.

Michael Rector reviewed the status of QCS Audits in detail. In summary, the audits had fallen further behind schedule and many reports had not been completed.

Processing center audits have begun, with one processing center completed and another scheduled every 60 days until all had been audited. A conference call had been held for DRPC representatives to designate core variables, and establish the range of acceptable values for each variable.

Work continued on the Laboratory milk sample testing quality control samples results reporting system. A standard Excel spreadsheet has been developed for labs to enter data and verify before uploading. The evaluation is emailed to each lab after all labs have reported and the editing and analysis has been completed. Larry Owens is completing final testing of this system.

Michael Rector reviewed the factors leading to the hiring of David Youngman by QCS. Following the fall board meeting Michael made a major effort to hire qualified temporary help to perform field service, meter center, and meter technician audits. Some qualified candidates were identified, but all were unable or unwilling to do the job when needed. Scott Taylor was not available for work during the first six moths of 2001. Orientation and training of Scott Taylor had required significant time. As the work fell further behind David Youngman applied for permanent employment, was qualified, experienced, highly recommended by co-workers, and was hired to begin work on March 26.

A long discussion ensued concerning communication with the directors, why such detailed reports were required, how the new employee would be trained, and the role of QCS.

Lisa Shephard joined the meeting to discuss certification of DHI service providers for goat testing. She reported that ADGA has begun discussions with AIPL/USDA concerning a separate Memorandum of Understanding for goat testing. She was hopeful that QCS could provide certification.

Prioritization of QCS work was discussed. There was consensus that no additional services should be considered until all current work is completed on schedule.

Mark Witherspoon stated that he thought billing should occur when the final report is delivered.

The Board requested monthly updates on the progress of completing QCS audits.

Bruce Dokkebakken moved to approve the revised budget as presented by Michael Rector. Mark Witherspoon seconded and the motion carried.

The Audit Review Committee had requested that QCS oversee trials of the Tru-Test electronic meter system to be conducted in Wisconsin, California, and one other site.

The board discussed the rate for QCS to perform special projects. There was consensus that the rate be $100.00 per hour with a 5-hour minimum.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for July 2001 in conjunction with the QCS Advisory committee meetings in Cleveland. The main activity of this meeting will be preparation of a bid for renewal of the contract to provide auditing services for the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Paul Miller
Secretary

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