Desired Topics

Decision Making with GIS; how it helps in making better decisions
GIS used with other applications to make them more effective

Maybe some general tips that make utilizing ArcView more time-efficient.
Places to go for help/assistance/support between meetings.

I think it would be good to keep a balance between general demonstrations
(ie: "this is what we are doing with GIS") and some more hands-on technical stuff

Find out what software each member is using and what kind of applications they're working on
 and have a kind of 'tip-of-the-day' based on members' needs.

Updates on how people are using ArcView 8.x; tips and tricks; specific applications of GIS by various organizations; updates on available data at the state, county or municipal level.

I like the current format of the meetings with a "Tips and Tricks" session followed by a presentation
from a group member. Perhaps each member organization could be asked to present something
on a rotating basis. Everyone takes a turn showing an interesting project they are working on.
Then maybe a vendor session.

  Should We Form A Board ?

I think an organizing committee should be formed and given recognition by the group. That's enough at this stage until more is needed.

I don't know if a strict set of officers is necessary, but I think the responsibility for setting agendas, etc.
should fall on a specified group of people or committee. This committee could rotate periodically so
the same group does not get stuck doing it all the time.

At this stage, I don't think the formality of officers is necessary, but it might be helpful to have a small work team to take care of the logistics of planning the meetings/activities.

I think officers would be too formal, since we really don't want to take minutes, etc. (like PAMAGIC) so maybe just have a committee of about 5 people that would be willing to coordinate meetings, speakers, etc. Yes, I'd be interested in helping out with it. (Lynette Romig/LVPC ~ you don't have a place for name/organization here)

Yes, officers or a committee should be determined to coordinate the Group. I would be interested in being on the committee, etc.

Electing officers may detract from the friendly informalness of the group.
A coordinating committee of five to seven people may be more appropriate. Yes, I would like to help.

How can we promote the Group ?

Keep close ties with colleges
Connect with elected officials associations in the area to help grow their support and usage;
 present at one of their meetings or have a shared meeting

Compile addresses of all the municipalities/counties and private companies (such as engineering, surveying, planning firms, etc.) in our target area and send them invitations to the next meeting.

Mass mailings to municipalities & county government buildings. Maybe print an ad in local municipal/county newsletters? Distribute flyer at the upcoming GIS meeting in Hershey.

Word of mouth, newsletter, directing people to the web site.

I think the group promotes itself. This webpage is a great way to get organized.

Do you like the current format of the meetings?

Needs to feel just a little more planned and organized.

Yes but I think we could make the meetings better by:
-having name tags available that members can fill out themselves when they get there.
This would make it easier to associate names with faces and facilitate networking.
- providing at least coffee and water in the meeting room.

Yes, especially like live demonstrations.

Yes

Yes

Yes, with presentations mixed in with individual and group discussion on specific GIS items.
A mixture of technical presentations as well as highlighting various GIS applications is favorable.

Other Suggestions

I think it would be nice to have a tour of the facility that we're having the meeting at. Also, while it's hard to remember everyone's names, I don't think introducing each member at each meeting will help, plus, it would take up a lot of time. Maybe we could print up permanent name tags that we could wear at each meeting and then, pick 3 or 4 different people at each meeting to kind of do a 'spotlight' on ~ the member would give their name, their affiliation, and what they and their organization are currently working on. Also, if there are new members present, that we've never seen before, they should be introduced.

I suggest a form be included that allows for people to indicate that they may be interested in giving a presentation at an upcoming meeting.
This web site will be a huge benefit for the GIS User's Group. Thank you for all your efforts.

Yes, maybe you should make the list of links alphabetical ;-)
Good job on the page. It looks good.