The ARRL Board of Directors held its 2009 Second Meeting July 17-18 in Windsor, Connecticut. The Board devoted the second day to reviewing and revising the ARRL Strategic Plan that was adopted in October 2006.

The Administration and Finance Committee and the Programs and Services Committee -- two standing committees of the ARRL Board of Directors -- met prior to the 2009 Second Meeting.

Three newly appointed Vice Directors -- Pacific Division Vice Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, Southeastern Division Vice Director Jeff Beals, WA4AW, and West Gulf Division Vice Director John Thomason, WB5SYT -- attended an orientation session at ARRL HQ just before the Board meeting.

The 2008 ARRL Annual Report reviews the major events of the year, documenting the renewed growth of the ARRL and the activities of the Amateur Radio Service. It is available online and in print.

HR 2160, The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009, gained 11 new Congressional co-sponsors.

QST Technical Editor Joel Hallas prepared an expanded look at new products -- including new VHF and antenna-related equipment, as well as many categories of accessories -- introduced at the 2009 Dayton Hamvention®.

ARRL Technical Relations Manager Brennan Price, N4QX, attended the United States ITU Association (USITUA) and the Working Party 5B (maritime, aeronautical and radiolocation) meetings. ARRL Technical Relations Specialist Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, attended meetings of US Study Group 1 (regulatory) and Working Party 7D (propagation).

W1AW/KL7 and NU1AW/KH6 represented the ARRL, joining more than 85 IARU HQ stations in the IARU HF World Championships.

Frank Piper, KI8GW, of Pickerington, was appointed Section Manager of the ARRL Ohio Section.

The 2009 ARRL Teachers Institutes on Wireless Technology wrapped up with its last session in Newington. This year, there were eight TIs, including an advanced session for previous participants that focused on satellite communications.

A special bonus section to help new amateurs choose a radio was added to the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual and made available for download to ARRL members.

W1AW, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, in conjunction with WA6ZTY on the West Coast, conducted a summer Frequency Measuring Test.

ARRL Field and Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, received reports of inappropriate language on 20 and 80 meters, a possible jamming signal on 20 meters, unlicensed hunters using 2 meters, as well as a continuous carrier on 2 meters.

ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, and Lab Engineer Mike Gruber, W1MG, held a telephone conference with the Laura Smith and the FCC's Kansas City Field Office regarding a powerline noise case in that state.

ARRL Regulatory Information Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, together with Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, compiled an information packet for Division Legislative Action Chairs, Legislative Action Chairs and Legislative Action Assistants to use when speaking with Congressional members about Amateur Radio and HR 2160.

ARRL ARISS Program Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, attended the ARISS annual meeting in the Netherlands.

The ARRL Executive Committee approved eight Education and Technology Program grants.

The September 2009 QST, the annual issue with an Emergency Communications theme, was released to the printer.

The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for July is Robert Wilson, AL7KK/VE7ZKK, for his article "A High Gain Single Wire Beam."

Compiled by S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL News Editor