Natural Resources Council Inc.

“Changes to by-laws - Clarifying that NRCM represents our members. NRCM represents our members' interests in front of the Maine Legislature, regulatory bodies, and the courts. Several opponents in these cases have sought to challenge our role - and your voice - in these proceedings. NRCM has always prevailed in establishing our or your right to intervene, but we are adding an affirmative statement to the by-laws about our role in representing the environmental concerns of NRCM members. Changing how we elect board members. Each year, the Nominating Committee of the Board Submits a roster of candidates to elect or re-elect at the annual meeting. It is an essential piece of organizational business, and it is the one piece of business that must be addressed at the annual meeting. We appreciate the consistently affirmative support of the members who are able to attend the annual meeting, but we ask the members to delegate the election to the Board of Directors. This change will give NRCM greater freedom to plan an annual event that appeals to members and the public by not mandating that we hold a business meeting as part of the event. This change will also free up some resources to organize meetings in other parts of the state, giving more NRCM members direct access to staff members and other environmental experts.”

“Any person interested in the purposes and objectives of NRCM is eligible to become a member upon payment of membership dues.”

“The slate of candidates prepared by the Nominating Committee is presented to the Board of Directors by the chair of the Nominating Committee, or the chair's designee, and is voted upon by the Board of Directors.”

“A copy of the 990 is reviewed by a public accounting firm. It is then sent to the full Board of Directors for review and feedback, prior to submitting the form to the IRS.”

“A conflict of interest agreement is read and signed by all Board Members and is annually re-examined. Any potential conflicts are discussed at the board meetings.”

“A comparison of salaries and benefits is compiled. The Executive Director's wages are reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee - of the Board of Directors. All other staff salaries are suggested by management and approved by the Finance Committee during the budget process.”

“The audited Financial Statements, 990, annual report, and gift acceptance policy is available on our web site, and upon request. The conflict of interest policy is reviewed and signed by the Board Members annually.”

“Change in value of gift annuities - loss (13,982.00). Change in value of gifts of future interest - gain 13,453.00”