PRELIMINARIES: The meeting was called to order by President Michael Taaffe. Over 120 people were in attendance. The officers of the College were introduced to the group.
REPORTS: INFORMS-CS representatives to the WSC Board of Directors are James R. Wilson, W. David Kelton (outgoing) and Barry L. Nelson (incoming). Jim reported that there were 660 paid registrations and 760 total registrations for WSC `99 as of that afternoon.
Mike Taaffe reminded the attendees to stay around after the business meeting to enjoy the INFORMS-CS reception and the Alan Pritsker Reception (co-sponsored by the Purdue University Schools of Engineering, The Ohio State University Industrial & Systems Engineering Dept, and the FOA).
Susan Sanchez referred people to the Fall 1999 INFORMS-CS newsletter for minutes of the Spring 1999 business meeting (INFORMS Cincinnati). Minutes of the Fall 1999 business meeting (INFORMS Philadelphia) will be included in the Spring 2000 Newsletter.
John Charnes requested all with an interest in attending the Spring 2000 INFORMS meeting in Salt Lake City to submit session proposals and papers as soon as possible.
Susan Sanchez gave the treasurer's report. In round figures, the College's net worth is about $12,200. It has been bringing in about $7,000 a year and spending about $11,000 per year, so the net trend does not look healthy.
Susan noted that a close inspection of business meeting minutes from several years ago showed that the College had approved a dues increase from $5 (for INFORMS members) to $6. This increase had never been implemented. She proposed increasing dues to $10 for regular members of INFORMS, $5 for students and retirees, and $20 for non-INFORMS members. INFORMS dues changes would be effective for the year 2001. This should roughly double the College's dues income to about $5,000. The proposal was seconded and passed unanimously.
The Newsletter distribution was then discussed, since costs run about $2,000/year and represent a major expense. A proposal was made to limit hard-copy distribution of the newsletter. Instead, the college will send e-mail to all INFORMS-CS members notifying them (and providing the web address) each time a new newsletter comes out. A provision will be made to provide paper copies to our members who do not have ready access to the web. The motion was second and passed by an overwhelming majority.
Brief reports were then given by several standing committees. Dave Goldsman, representing the Membership Committee, stated that the College had "lots of members" and was continuing to look for ways to reach out for more. Dave also announced that the Under-represented Minorities and Women committee hosted six graduate students and one advisor for the conference.
Jim Wilson reported that the INFORMS-CS Archives project was getting new material from Ingolf Stohl and Bob Sargent. Jim also reported that the INFORMS-CS History project had tracked down Naylor, but was still searching for someone who knew how the College was founded.
Felisa Vazquez-Abad (Web Editor) gave a preview of new features that will appear on the web pages. These include a bulletin board, listserv, job listings and resume postings, teaching materials, and M.S. and Ph.D. thesis links.
Jim Wilson (Consulting Web Editor) discussed the possibility of placing all recent and future WSC proceedings on the web. There will be a bit of delay between the conference and posting the proceedings so their availability is not a disincentive to attend WSC. Bob Sargent asked whether libraries would stop purchasing hard copies. Jim responded no - they want archived materials in a permanent form. Others felt posting the proceedings was a natural next step and would improve the visibility and stature of the College. Jim asked to be empowered to seek permission from the WSC Board to pursue this option. His request was passed by overwhelming majority.
Simulation Area Editors' Reports appeared in the Fall Newsletter. David Kelton is stepping down as Area Editor of Operations Research. Michael Fu is his replacement.
Jeffrey Smith reported that the Ph.D. Colloquium was once again a success. A planned change for next year is to hold the colloquium before the poster session so people have a chance to ask questions afterwards.
Keebom Kang reported on WSC`00. There will be one new track and three new minitracks, with a big military presence.. Twenty volunteers for track coordination have been arranged. This year there will be paperless paper submission. A web-based interface and electronic refereeing will facilitate more international involvement in the conference.
OLD BUSINESS: Skipped due to time constraints.
NEW BUSINESS: Mike Taaffe called for nominees for the upcoming INFORMS-CS officer election.
John Charnes asked people to consider the future of INFORMS-CS sponsored sessions in light of the new INFORMS meeting structure.
HONORS AND AWARDS: Justin Boesel (Northwestern University Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Science, advisor: Barry Nelson) received the 1999 George Dantzig Best Dissertation Award at the Philadelphia INFORMS meeting. This was the first time the award was given to a simulation dissertation.
Sheldon Jacobson presented the Outstanding Publication Award to Pierre L'Ecuyer. Pierre thanked several colleagues for their support and participation in early efforts.
Bruce Schmeiser presented the Distinguished Service Award to Jerry Banks for over 20 years of service to the profession. Jerry described seminal events in his life (including his initial involvement with WSC).
Dave Goldsman presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Alan Pritsker. Alan introduced his family and recounted his delight in working in the simulation field over the years. He stressed the need for maintaining credibility and accountability in simulation.
All awardees received hearty rounds of applause from the floor.
The meeting was then adjourned and the reception began.
Respectfully submitted by Susan M. Sanchez, Secretary/Treasurer