The Public Relations Subcommittee informed Council that they had met with one consultant who had suggested three areas on which to focus: improving Council's image in the community and improving faculty's influence with the Governing Board and the State Legislature.  The consultant had discussed strategies for these three areas.  Council discussed concerns of the cost of hiring a Public Relations firm.  The Public Relations Subcommittee stated that they had discussed a "middle of the road" plan in which Council and faculty would have to do much of the work.  Council talked about a possible strategy session with the consultant and the need to get input from faculty at the campuses for discussion at such a strategy session.  Council discussed a Public Relations person working together with Council's lobbyist to assist with Council's influence politically.  The subcommittee was asked if any marketing faculty might assist with public relations rather than hiring an outside firm.  A response was made that Council needed an outside professional who would know how to assist with Council's goals.  Council further discussed its goals.  It was stated that the Legislative Committee was already working on some of the goals but others needed attention such as serving on community boards and discussing issues with the press.  The Public Relations Subcommittee suggested that Council work on improving its overall image first.  A suggestion was made for a five-year strategy.  Another suggestion was for Council to hold its own strategy session and develop top three goals in which a public relations firm could offer assistance.  Council briefly discussed that events held with local legislators at different colleges serve as a public relations campaign of the District.  A motion was made and seconded to invite two public relations companies to pitch their proposals to Council.  A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.

The Operations/Archival Issues/Orientation/Timeline Subcommittee distributed to Council copies of a list of ideas for each of the four areas.  Council was asked to review the list of ideas and forward comments and suggestions to the subcommittee.  It was suggested that Council have one meeting to discuss strategy.  Council agreed to hold a strategy session after it meets with MCLI on February 11, 2003.