The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of not more than 12 people elected from the membership of the WVHPG at the annual meeting. Each member serves for a two year term and may be re-elected. The members’ terms are staggered so that approximately half of the board is up for election each year. There are currently eight board members. The board may also add members between annual meetings if it deems it necessary to better direct the organization.
The board nominates from its members a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer who are then elected by the general membership at the annual meeting. Each officer serves a two year term and may be re-elected once to the same position.
How does one become a member of the Board of Directors?
Anyone who has been a member of the WVHPG for at least one year is eligible to run for a Board position. We are especially interested in people who have already volunteered to help with our events in some capacity. If you’re ready to step up your commitment to the Hardy Plant Group, talk to any one of the Board members and ask for an informational form to complete. Come sit in on a board meeting to see how it all works.
We are always looking for people who have an interest not just in gardening but also in helping organize and run the group.
What’s required of a Board member?
Board members need to attend monthly Board meetings and occasional committee meeting as well as the monthly programs. Board members are most effective when they can combine a breadth of vision needed for planning with the attention to detail needed for effectively carrying out those plans.
We are especially interested in members with skills and experience in planning, organizing and communication as well as an enjoyment in working effectively with others. Some positions, such as Treasurer, require a basic knowledge of accounting and financial matters.
We organize and manage the monthly speaker presentations, coordinating admissions, speaker, mini-clinic, refreshments, book sales, botanical samples, information and clean-up. We organize and manage the annual Hardy Plant Sale each May and host the Hardy Plant Study Weekend every fourth year (next in 2012). And we plan and manage other occasional events such as the Portland garden bus trip, workshops, social gatherings, etc.
The key to doing all of these things effectively is good communication skills and a willingness to pitch in to accomplish a goal.
Why should I get involved in the organizational side of the Hardy Plant Group?
The monthly meetings, plant sale, etc. don’t just happen. They’re the result of months of preparation by a variety of people. If you have enjoyed our events, you can help keep them going by volunteering.
Helping to plan and/or run our events is a great way to meet people and develop skills that are useful in both your work and personal life. It’s also a way to give back to the community as well as the group. Watching people enjoy an event that you helped to create is enormously satisfying.
Who do I contact if I an interested in getting involved?
Talk to any of the Board members at the monthly meeting or contact them via e-mail at info@thehardyplantgroup.org. The Board members are
Steve Wallace, President
Sandra Harder, Vice-President
Mike Hochstein, Secretary
Rhonda Smyser, Treasurer
Directors: Roger Gossler, Dawn Guenther, Teresa Kovaric, Pam Perryman, Mike Timmons, Barbara Wallace