Those present were Everett Greer (KD5AC0), Paul Vaughn (KF4ACQ), William G. Basham (KG4SQD), John Payne (N4COT), Jim Wedding (KF4PSP), Harold Gillim (WE4G), David Garrett (KA4IWV), Ray Patton (N4RLU), Alan Boswell, and Jim Mason (KG4RCX).

The meeting was called to order by acting president, Harold Gillim.

Acting secretary, Jim Mason, read the minutes of the December 10, 2002 meeting. The minutes were accepted as read without changes or additions.

The first order of business was to choose a name for the organization. Since the acronym HARC is already in use by the Henderson Amateur Radio Club, John Payne recommended the club be called the Hancock Amateur Radio Association. The name was accepted unanimously by those present.

Jim Mason submitted a proposed constitution drafted from a template obtained from the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) for review and discussion. After minor modification and upon a motion by John Payne and second by Everett Greer, the Constitution of the Hancock Amateur Radio Association was adopted by unanimous vote. A copy of the constitution is attached to these minutes for reference.

Mason submitted proposed by-laws drafted from a template obtained from ARRL for review and discussion. After much discussion and recommendations for changes regarding membership classes and dues, the club adopted the by-laws, a copy of which is attached to these minutes for reference. A section of the by-laws dealing with the choice of a depository for the club's funds was tabled to the February 4, 2003 meeting after the newly elected Treasurer has had an opportunity to check the fee schedule of the various local banks.

Prorated membership dues for the first six months of 2003 will be payable at the next meeting.

An election of officers to lead the club through its first year was held with the following nominations:

President: Harold Gillim (elected by acclamation)

Vice-President: Gerald Basham and Paul Vaughn (Vaughn was elected by a majority vote)

Secretary: Jim Mason (elected by acclamation)

Treasurer: Gerald Basham and John Payne (Basham was elected by a majority vote)

President Gillim appointed a committee of three members (Ray Patton, John Payne, and David Garrett) to prepare a recommendation to the Hancock County Emergency Management Services Director Jim Inman for the purchase of a HF transceiver that would adequately serve the needs of the county EMS during emergencies and could be operated by qualified members of HARA.

President Gillim announced that in order for him to become a certified license instructor he will need to become a member of the ARRL.

The next meeting of the club will be held starting at 7:00 p.m. on February 4, 2003 at the Hawesville Church of Christ.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Jim Mason, Secretary