May 30, 1995
TO: BOARD OF GOVERNORS No. 52-95
RE: Improving (1) Mailings to Governors and (2) Board Meeting
Books
______________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your responses to our questionnaire regarding Institute mailings to Governors.
The vast majority of respondents indicated that the current level of Institute mailings to
Governors is about right. Respondents differed widely regarding which, if any, types of mailings should
be eliminated.
I also discussed with a number of Governors the book prepared for each Board meeting. Most
Governors believe that the current large book should be retained since it enables them (and in some
cases other members of their organizations) to review all recent activity. However, others believe that
the book contains more material than can be usefully digested in preparing for a Board meeting.
Based on your views, we are making the following changes:
Mailings to Governors
1. We will eliminate mailings to Governors in the following categories: statistical studies;
research studies; state regulation; regulatory actions of banking agencies; and ICI Mutual Insurance
Company. (A list of first quarter 1995 mailings to the Board showing mailings which would have been
eliminated under this policy is attached.) Governors who wish to receive mailings in these categories
may do so by requesting to be placed on specialized Institute mailing lists. (You may contact Ms. Ginny
Echeverria,
Tel: 202-326-5971.)
2. We will generally not send Governors copies of bills which have been introduced in
Congress, and instead will provide regular biweekly summaries of Congressional activity. We will
continue to send Governors copies of Institute testimony and memos concerning enactment of major
legislation.
We are hopeful that these measures will reduce the number of mailings to Governors, while not
detracting from the provision to the Board of important information on at timely basis.
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Books for Board Meetings
In order to accommodate the wishes of the majority of Governors, who prefer continued use of
a comprehensive book, and other Governors who prefer a shorter book, we will move to a two-book
system. The first book will only contain materials relating to items that will be discussed at the meeting
and the business part of the meeting (minutes, financial statements, etc.). The second book will contain
materials relating to other principal issues that have arisen since the previous meeting. Governors would
be free to raise a question at the Board meeting about any of the matters included in the second book.
***
We hope that these measures will improve our communications with Governors and reduce
unnecessary burdens on you. We very much appreciate receiving your views and are always open to
suggestions as to how to improve these and other Institute services.
Matthew P. Fink
President
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