From the Copilot’s Seat
Gary Fitch
AMA programs benefit and recognize members and clubs
It is no secret that our Open membership was in decline until last year. We still need to focus on increasing this important segment of our membership and our Marketing and Membership departments have worked hard to this end.
We are aggressively looking at attracting new members. Our revised program focuses on prorating membership fees for the first year only. If a person joins the Academy on May 1, he or she receives a 25% discount. If a person joins on July 1 or later, he or she receives a 50% discount.
Other associations have successfully used such a program, and we hope for similar results. The goal is to strengthen AMA and improve our cash flow, allowing us to offset expenses.
Because of the threat of onerous government regulation, AMA hired a lobbyist to help us navigate the halls of Congress. This resulted in a model aviation addendum to the FAA Reauthorization Bill, its subsequent passage, and signature into law by the President. Our lawmakers recognized the importance of a community-based organization, whose members operate within a time-tested safety program, being exempt from onerous government regulation.
AMA has worked with the FAA for more than six years, developing the relationships and level of understanding that is leading to positive results for our members. The Academy has invested more than $1 million in these efforts.
We have not had any type of organized fundraising to offset these expenses, nor have we had a dues increase in 10 years, which no other business or organization that I’m aware of can claim. Many of our members do send donations to AMA and we greatly appreciate this. Please consider sending a donation or remembering AMA in your will on behalf of our governmental work.
We are also looking at increasing our non-dues revenue through affinity programs. An affinity program provides discounted services or products to our members, as well as financially benefitting AMA.
We have also had life insurance programs and deals with the Super 8 Motel. When seeking an affinity partner, our goal is to provide value, strength, and longevity for our members.
The latest affinity program is with Nationwide Affinity Solutions, or what most would recognize as Nationwide Insurance. Nationwide Affinity Solutions will provide discounted insurance products for vehicles, property, life, banking, and even health. The details have not been released, but we believe that this partnership will be beneficial.
AMA Director of Publications Rob Kurek has put together an outstanding staff that handles our monthly and quarterly print products and digital media. These are also the people who produce NatsNews, a daily publication that reports on the annual event, often working evenings and weekends, many on their own time, to provide our members with up-to-the-minute information.
Associate Designer/Editor Ashley Rauen is the NatsNews point person. She lines up many of the authors, handles the graphic elements, designs and compiles the newsletters, prints it, posts it online, and sends out the daily notices.
Staff Writer/Copy Editor Rachelle Haughn does much of the editing and the blog announcements. Managing Editor Liz Helms does the overflow editing/Photoshop/design work to expedite the job when there are multiple events running. She also meets the authors who like to turn in their reports at 6 a.m. To keep things interesting, occasionally the three swap jobs—except for meeting reporters early!
Assistant Editor Jenni Orebaugh and Editor-in-Chief Jay Smith contribute photos and have stepped in to cover events. The rest of the Publications staff, including Rob, Chad Budreau, Vickie Wilson, and Chris Savage all help deliver the on-site copies, handing them out individually to competitors and attendees.
It is a team effort producing the finest model aviation publications in the industry!
Not much has been written recently about our Club Leader program. AMA offers Gold, Silver, and Bronze Leader Club awards, based upon clubs meeting established criteria.
When clubs reach their fifth, 10th, 15th, and 20th consecutive anniversaries as leader clubs, they receive AMA recognition. I want to recognize the 20-year recipients.
- District II: Rochester Aeromodeling Society
- District III: West Lake RC Club Inc., Johnstown RC Club, and Valley RC Model Club Incorporated
- District IV: Baltimore Area Soaring Society and the Fredericksburg AeroMasters
- District V: R.A.M.M.
- District VII: River District RC Eagles and Circlemasters Flying Club
- District VIII: Texas Chiefs Model Airplane Club
- District IX: Jeffco Aeromod’lers
- District X: Orange Coast RC Club
- District XI: Saddle Butte RC Club
Six clubs in the country are celebrating 15 consecutive years as Leader Clubs, six are celebrating 10 years, and 22 clubs are celebrating five consecutive years. Congratulations to all of our Leader Clubs that have achieved this status. A list of Leader Clubs and the requirements to become a Leader Club can be found on AMA’s website.
I’m sad to report that Salvatore Battaglia, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the age of 84. Sal was born in Mt. Vernon, New York, and lived there until 1991. He made model airplane engines while on Long Island and he traveled the US and the world, flying at many events. He will be missed by his family and friends.
Thanks for reading, and until next month, help secure our future. Take a youngster flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
