192 MODEL AVIATION
HERE IT IS again; it’s that time of the
month when I try to develop a column for
Model Aviation. If there was any part of my
job that I would dispense with, it would be
writing my column, although I know that
many of you read it, and I appreciate that.
I work hard each day, but to me much of it is
routine office work. I am concerned about
what is important to the members.
Let me recap what I have been involved in
since April 1. As usual, AMA had several
employees attend the Weak Signals’ Toledo
show held April 4-6.
Colleen Pierce, the membership
supervisor, and I attended a postal seminar
April 11-14, and then there was the Executive
Council (EC) meeting April 26-27.
Preparation for an EC meeting involves
arranging for lodging and food, putting the
agenda together, setting up the conference
room, and myriad other details.
On Monday following the EC meeting, the
executive staff members gave an overview of
each department and its responsibilities during
an orientation for associate vice presidents. I
hope they found the presentation informative.
I was involved in these events, but I had
other staff members attending Sun ‘n Fun in
Florida and two staff members who attended
educational events. In addition to all of this,
we still have our day-to-day routine matters,
E-mails, and telephone calls to answer.
For those members who use E-mail, I want
to mention that when traveling, most members
of my executive staff take laptops and check
their E-mail messages at least once a day. I
believe the Academy has a dedicated staff.
Gee, it sounds like I am crying, but really
I’m not. I enjoy my job and enjoy getting out
of the office to meet members.
Club renewal went smoothly this year
despite the fact that we required all clubs to
submit bylaws and we didn’t have an
insurance policy in place until the very last
minute. Special Services Director Carl
Maroney and our insurance broker Larry
Johnson worked hard to get the best policy at
the best price.
I want to thank Larry and the employees
who worked so hard on behalf of the
membership to get the price quotes for the
liability policy and the timeliness of getting
the insurance certificates back to the clubs.
As of the end of April, 2,202 clubs had
renewed for 2003-2004; this means that
I believe the Academy
has a dedicated staff.
Joyce Hager Executive Director
View from HQ
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager
Executive Director
[email protected]
roughly 300 clubs have still not renewed.
Club members should verify with one of the
club officers that their clubs’ renewals are
complete and that site-owner coverage has
been applied for if it is needed.
Some clubs were hesitant to renew
because of the requirement for bylaws. No
application will be denied as long as the club
submits a copy of its bylaws. They do not
have to follow the minimum standard that was
suggested.
Sometime later this year, AMA will
review the bylaws that have been submitted.
We may make recommendations to improve
your club’s or make sure that you cover
important issues in a proper manner.
Membership: I am pleased to say that even
with a dues increase this year, membership
totals are running between 96% and 98% of
what they were at the same time last year.
New for 2004, AMA will establish an
introductory membership for $19.95. This will
apply to any new adult member. I hope that it
will encourage new memberships. These
members will receive full benefits (other than
voting) for three months. Details will be
published later.
AMA Elections: AMA nominations for vice
presidents in districts II, IV, VI, VIII, and X
were due at AMA Headquarters no later than
June 12, 2003. For more information, see
page 155 of the April Model Aviation.
Among the many meetings held during the
Weak Signals Toledo show was one involving
the AMA Frequency Committee. Before the
meeting began, AMA President Dave Brown
was honored to bestow three Fellowship
Awards.
The individuals who received the honor—
Bob Underwood, Warren Plohr, and Bill
Hershberger—have volunteered many hours
on behalf of the members. They are dedicated
to helping the membership in areas
concerning frequencies.
Bill Hershberger received the AMA Fellow
Award from AMA president Dave Brown.
Warren Plohr receives the AMA Fellow
Award as Bob Underwood watches in the
background.
Dave presents Bob Underwood with
AMA’s highest honor.
I have two last thoughts for this issue. Flying
season is upon us, and if you are planning to
visit Muncie to fly, please check the schedule
to make sure that the site is open to your type
of flying or call (800) 435-9262, extension
230. I don’t want members to be disappointed
if they show up and find the site closed to
flying.
I hope to see many of you at the
Homecoming in Muncie June 6-8, 2003, or the
Grand Event in Des Moines, Iowa, June 6-8,
2003. Both should be a great time. MA
08sig6.QXD 5.23.03 12:18 pm Page 192
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/08
Page Numbers: 192