View from HQ
Joyce Hager — Executive Director
I believe the Academy has a dedicated staff.
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.
- The Executive Council (EC) meeting was held April 26–27. Preparation for an EC meeting involves arranging lodging and food, putting the agenda together, setting up the conference room, and myriad other details.
- On the 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.
- Other staff attended Sun 'n Fun in Florida and two staff members attended educational events.
In addition to all of this, we still have our day-to-day routine matters, email, and telephone calls to answer. For those members who use email, I want to mention that when traveling, most members of my executive staff take laptops and check their email 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 roughly 300 clubs have still not renewed. Club members should verify with one of the club officers that their club's renewal is 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 bylaws 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.
I have two last thoughts for this issue. First, the 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, and the Grand Event in Des Moines, Iowa, June 6–8, 2003. Both should be a great time.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
