The minutes of the 45th meeting in Indiana were mailed to Mankato, but were misplaced and were not available for distribution during this meeting. The minutes will be sent to key departments and interested individuals. They will also be available during the 47th meeting in Valparaiso.

Mehmet Aritan, the West Lakes Treasurer presented his report, indicating a large reserve of $8,231.22. The Division's treasury seems in sound shape, and some people expressed concern at how much money we can keep to remain a non-profit organization.

Branko Colakovic, co-chair of the 46th meeting presented his report that seventy-nine persons registered for the West Lakes meeting this year and eighty-three persons registered for the social studies workshop, for a total of 162 persons. The West Lakes conference brought in $1945.00; expenses were $1,844.00. This makes a $101.00 surplus. Colakovic mentioned that some late registrations have to be processed and some final bills are pending. This financial report is preliminary, and the final report will be provided to the treasurer of the West Lakes Division within a reasonable time.

Discussion turned to old business, mainly the question of East Lakes joining the West Lakes Division. There was no report of this issue except that there was also an idea that perhaps Indiana will join the East Lakes Division. Some comments were also made on the problem of low attendance at the current West Lakes meeting.

New business discussion was centered on the recent ranking of Doctoral programs, the overall state of geography in the West Lakes Division, and the search for meeting sites for 1997 and after. It was mentioned that Valparaiso University may host a joint meeting with the East Lakes Division. John Fraser Hart suggested that perhaps the Ontario Division could join with the East Lakes Division.

John Hudson, the counselor of the Division, gave his report on issues related to the national organization, including the format of future annual meetings, journal editorial support, and other items. He mentioned that the merger of the East and West Lakes Divisions does not seem to have strong enough support. John Fraser Hart pointed out that there is no restriction for West Lakes membership to take part in other meetings, while the idea in consideration was to have one joint meeting, not a joint division.

Two persons were elected as new officers of the Division. Branko Colakovic, Professor of Geography, Mankato State University was elected Chairman and Jon Kilpinen, Assistant Professor of Geography, Valparaiso University as Secretary. Colakovic is directed to search for any geography departments interested in hosting the 48th annual meeting in 1997 and 1998.

It was also announced that the 1996 West Lakes Division meeting scheduled at Valparaiso University will likely be a joint meeting with the East Lakes Division. Also mentioned was the 1998 NCGE meeting scheduled in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

Recorded by Branko Colakovic,
1995 West Lakes Division Secretary