TO:  All members

Minutes of Meeting held January 31, 2002

In attendance were 21 members representing 15 firms.

Toni Medinger gave the Treasurers report.

            Beginning bal.         $7388.59

            Expenses                   14129.35

            Deposits                      8790.00

            Bal. as of 1/31/02    $2049.24

New officers for 2002 were voted in.  They are;

President                  Geoff Powell, C. H. Powell Co.

Vice President         Nick Patronic, Patron Services

Treasurer                   Toni Medinger, Trans-World Shipping Services

Secretary                  Diane Kraus, D. Lee Kraus & Co.

Port Security sub committee- Geoff received several responses from members interested in being on the committee.  He will look for someone to chair the committee.

Ken Bargteil has been submitted as nominee for our local representative to the National Conference to be held in Hollywood, FL   Mar. 10-13.  All local members are strongly urged to join the National Broker & Forwarders Assn.  There are many benefits and our close proximity to DC affords us an easier means to make a difference.

Customs Issues -   A meeting in Feb or Mar is being planned to discuss some issues to include paperflow, lost documents, responsibility.  If you have any specific issues you would like addressed at this meeting, contact Geoff Powell.

Port Issues- Mary Jane Norris informed us that a strike is very likely to take place on the West Coast when their ILA contract expires on July 1, 2002.  She strongly urged us to advise  our  importers to start shipping direct to East Coast now.

Evergreen LT has a new direct service from the Far East.

More cruise ships are scheduled to call Baltimore.  This also means that we are in dire need of more INS personnel.

Security at all Terminals has been increased.

FAQWG - Penny Ricas confirmed that there has been an increase in the no. of Exams being scheduled.

HAZ MAT Training - 3 day course Apr. 16-18, 2002 .  1 day update Apr. 15, 2002

Dave Bennett gave a demonstration of the SHIPBALTIMORE.COM web page.  This is a totally free transportation exchange.  More info will be sent to you via your Customs box.  Dave also encouraged use of the Brokers Assn. Web page   www.bcbfa.org  Dave can be reached at webmaster@bcbfa.org  to update your company’s site, add your logo etc.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Kraus, secretary