View from HQ - 2003/04
Joyce Hager, Executive Director
Winter is definitely here. We had 10 inches of snow on Christmas — which was nice, but it continues to snow! I only thank the good Lord that I am headed to the AMA Convention in Pasadena, California, and spring will be right around the corner.
I hope that members in the colder climates have had a chance to build that favorite model and prepare for the upcoming flying season, and the lucky ones who live in warmer climates have had a great time flying.
Email and online communications
I am urging all members who have an email address to please send it to AMA Headquarters. If your email address has changed, let us know so we can update our records.
Occasionally we find it necessary to send emails concerning topics such as support of flying sites or renewal notices. We are also giving consideration to an online beginner’s magazine.
AMA does not endorse spam email, and we will use email addresses only to inform and benefit our members.
Web site updates
In case you haven’t seen our website recently, we have added several new areas. One is the Members Only section that has 25 years of Model Aviation available for you to enjoy. The audit report for the year 2001 is also available in this section.
We have added a search feature to the site. This allows you to search by keywords for information concerning a certain subject. Visit www.modelaircraft.org.
We are open to suggestions about our site. If you have thoughts about how we can make the site better for our members to use, please drop me a note or email at [email protected].
Television coverage and industry exposure
Kathleen Racine, RCHTA’s Executive Director, wrote about the Inside R/C television show:
“Our thanks to the staff of the Inside R/C television show for covering the 2002 International Model & Hobby Expo. The IMHE will be featured in a program to air sometime in June of 2003, bringing greater consumer awareness of the RC model sport to viewers. The new series is set for a December 29 nationwide debut on the Outdoor Channel.”
Producer Jim Broberg’s show is fast-paced, uses upbeat music, and has energetic hosts. The focus is on continuous action with a brief “Ask the Expert” or “Tip of the Day” segment. Viewers will be encouraged to check their Yellow Pages for local hobby stores, and a listing of stores will be posted on the www.insiderc.com website.
The Outdoor Channel is found on the Dish Network satellite system and various cable providers. If your cable provider doesn’t offer the Outdoor Channel or the Do It Yourself Network, please call your provider and request that these fine television shows be shown in your area. Encourage your friends to do the same.
Do It Yourself Network — "Radio Control Hobbies"
Speaking of the Do It Yourself Network, Chris Chianelli reports in Hobby Merchandiser that this show has been very successful. He states that since August, his "Radio Control Hobbies" program has aired at regularly scheduled times:
- Tuesdays: 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST
- Sundays: 4:30 p.m. EST
The show is getting the national attention of hard-core hobbyists and newcomers. This kind of exposure and acceptance is great for the growth of our industry. I hope members of AMA have had a chance to view this program, and we all wish Chris much success.
Club kits and bylaws
It’s that time of the year again. Chartered-club kits will have been mailed in January. Please make sure that we have a current list of your club officers.
New this year, bylaws will be required for your club to be chartered. If you go to the AMA website, there is a sample copy of bylaws. Use this form and add or delete information as needed.
John Pond Plans Service
John Pond Plans Service was purchased by AMA. We are developing a business plan for handling this service. As members, you know that AMA has its own plans available, and we are looking at combining this venture. We are not sure whether we will outsource the project or purchase the items necessary to operate it in-house. Look for more information as we develop the business plan.
By the time you read this column, the AMA Convention will be over. By all advance indications, it will be a big success again this year. As at all shows, I look forward to meeting each of you.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
