Executive Director This Month's Thought: Be a good neighbor to those near your site
The calendar says May but I am sure that it is mistaken - did we miss Spring? I hope you noticed that Model Aviation is beginning to take on a new look. The President's column will now appear towards the front of the magazine and for all those readers who start from the back pages you get to see the Executive Director first. Let me know what you think of the change, I always welcome comments and we are always trying to improve our products.
Executive Director View from HQ
The Grand Event is over, and here comes the AMA Nationals. As usual, I will only highlight some of the good things about the Grand Event since it will be covered elsewhere. First, I would like to say thank you to the 120 businesses, foundations, and organizations for their generous support of the AMA Model/Hobby Sport Grand Event. Top sponsors were the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which had a matching grant. Second, I would like to thank all of the volunteers who donated their time. As stated many times, events cannot happen unless you have volunteers to make them work. I would like to let the membership know that your Headquarters staff is very dedicated. Almost every AMA employee volunteered to work at either all or some of the event-without pay.
Nats '98
September 22, 1998 Dear 1998 National Aeromodeling Championships supporters, I would like to personally thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, Special Interest Groups, and supporters who helped to make the 1998 Nationals one of the most successful AMA events ever. The International Aeromodeling Center hosted more than 1,200 contestants for this annual event. Elsewhere in this issue, you will find comprehensive coverage of all events that were part of the 1998 Nationals. I encourage everyone to take a close look at this issue of Model Aviation, even if you are not a competitor. There's simply no other event quite like it. This is the fourth consecutive year that AMA's premier Muncie facility has been transformed into the home of the Nationals. Each year participation has increased, as more members become aware of the potential that exists here for holding a successful aeromodeling event.
Executive Director View from HQ: "Plans are well under way . . ."
New Service: Beginning October 1, 1998, it became an option to renew your membership via telephone if you pay with MasterCard or Visa(r). This limited-time service will be available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. (Indiana does not observe Daylight Savings Time.) The direct line, (765) 281-7900, is for the purpose of membership renewal; no other Headquarters personnel or information can be reached at this number. The customer service representatives who answer the 800 number will not be able to renew your membership by telephone.
Executive Director: View from HQ
Strategic Planning has been an issue with the Executive Council for many years. Since Dave Brown has become president, Sunday mornings after the Council meeting are normally devoted to strategic planning. In August, an entire day was set aside to just review what the threats, strengths, and weakness were for the Association. Out of that meeting, the following three- to five-year goals were established. Five Goals of the Academy of Model Aeronautics 1) To achieve a membership growth of 168,000 persons (26,000 of which will be youth by the year 2001.) 2) To shift dependence of income between dues and non-dues revenue to 75/25.
