Russell Barton, president of the society, called the meeting to order at 6:27pm. Attendees new to the society introduced themselves and were welcomed. Russell Barton thanked all those involved with the transition from college to society, with special recognition for the contributions of Susan Sanchez and Bob Sargent, who were presented with certificates of appreciation. Susan indicated that the college plans to file an application soon to become a society of INFORMS, which requires 500 members.

Russell Barton introduced a proposed society acronym. After some discussion, i-sim and informs-sim were approved as abbreviations of the full society name.

Russell Barton thanked Barry Nelson and Jim Wilson for their past and present service on the WSC Board of Directors, and also thanked Doug Morrice for agreeing to replace Jim Wilson on the board. Dave Goldsman gave a few remarks to recognize Jim Wilson's long and distinguished years of service to the conference, including some memorable quotes from Jim Wilson such as "My blood-alcohol level is getting dangerously low." Jim Wilson was also presented with a card from the society and a packet of seeds "since he will need some diversion like gardening now that he has stepped down from the board and has so much time."

Jim Wilson reported on the present Winter Simulation Conference. As of the time of the business meeting the conference registration was 694, well clear of the 600 required to break even. The conference had reached the required hotel room block of 1100 room nights, having brought in 1200 room nights.

Jeff Joines advertised the upcoming 2005 Winter Simulation Conference in Orlando Florida in the Hilton Downtown Disney.

Theresa Roeder reported that the committee for under-represented minorities and women (CUMW) had no applicants this year. Theresa Roeder and John Fowler encouraged applications for next year, and then recognized 16 of the Ph.D. colloquium participants that were still at the conference.

Steve Chick, vice president, advertised the next INFORMS Practice Conference, IFORS Hawaii conference, and the INFORMS annual meeting in New Orleans. For the latter two he solicited session chairs. He also floated the concept of a society-sponsored workshop, perhaps somewhere in Europe. He solicited input on possible themes and location.

Henderson gave the secretary's report. The minutes from business meetings at WSC 03, CORS/INFORMS Banff, and INFORMS Denver were approved. The membership of the society is now approximately 570.

The new newsletter editor, Loo Hay Lee was introduced, and the associate newsletter editor Seong-hee Kim was mentioned. Loo Hay stated that future newsletters would come out slightly earlier than in the past.

Journal reports were offered by Susan Sanchez (INFORMS Journal on Computing), Perwez Shahabuddin (Management Science) and Michael Fu (Operations Research). Shahabuddin and Fu both mentioned a lower-than-usual submission rate and requested further submissions.

In new business a motion from Bob Sargent to retain unsuccessful nominations for the LPAA for 3 years instead of the current 2 was approved. Shane Henderson requested that members keep their memberships up to date, to try to keep the society membership above 500 at all times.

John Fowler reported that the simulation society will be the first INFORMS subdivision to be figured in the OR/MS Tomorrow publication of the student chapter of INFORMS.

Russell Barton reported that there would be no award of the distinguished service award or the outstanding publication award this year. Lee Schruben announced that Bruce Schmeiser had been appointed as an INFORMS Fellow to applause.

Bob Sargent presented the society's Lifetime Professional Achievement Award to George Fishman. George Fishman delivered a wonderful, and near the end emotional, speech to the meeting, to a standing ovation.

The meeting adjourned at 6:45pm.