SUAA Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual)January 30, 2026

Detailed Meeting Summary

Overview

The Board conducted a virtual Q4/January meeting focused on governance actions (leadership selection, approval of prior minutes), policy suspensions within the Policies & Procedures Manual, financial and conference contract approvals, committee updates, and a substantive legal discussion regarding the relationship and services agreement between SUAA and the SUAA Foundation. Additional strategic discussions included member survey development and digital marketing/rebranding support.

Key Discussion Themes

1. Member engagement and understanding: The Board emphasized improving the ability to “know your members” through better surveys and clearer linkage to unit purpose statements. Staff experience suggests online tools reduce administrative burden while paper methods can improve response rates.

2. Operational flexibility and compliance: The Board considered how to maintain effective legislative engagement while avoiding duplication and ensuring compliance with lobbying and reporting rules.

3. Governance process improvement: The performance review discussion centered on timing (budget cycle and annual meeting cadence), member input, committee rotation, and process clarity. The Board approved a temporary suspension of the existing process pending committee recommendations.

4. Financial stewardship: The Treasurer and Finance Committee highlighted improved reporting separating Operating/Legal/Reserve funds, pending reconciliation due to accounting transition, and actions taken to improve interest earnings and manage investment exposure. The Reserve Fund’s long-term goal and diversification strategy were discussed, including international stock investment allocation.

5. Contracting and conference planning: The Board approved the 2026 conference center rental contract for the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center and discussed planning expectations for board presence and host chapter involvement.

6. Foundation relationship and risk management: Counsel outlined legal risks around “affiliation” language and data/email sharing. The Board debated mission alignment, the value proposition of the Foundation, and the need to revise the services agreement to reflect SUAA’s best interests and legal advice (including indemnification and consumer protection considerations).

7. Strategic action and marketing: The Board discussed adopting outside digital marketing support, emphasizing improved storytelling, SEO, social media presence, and rebranding research tied to the annual conference. A budget classification change was approved to support this work.

   
   

Notable Outcomes

• Larry Kloc selected as President Pro Tem to lead the meeting; prior minutes approved.

• 2026 Annual Conference (June 25-26) contract at the I Hotel in Champaign-Urbana approved unanimously.

• Reserve Fund diversification: 5% allocation to international stocks approved unanimously.

• Foundation services agreement to be revised/redrafted in line with legal counsel; motion carried with one dissenting vote.

• Budget line item classification change approved to support Market Retrievers marketing/rebranding services.

• Fall delegates meeting virtual option discussed; no final action required.