Executive Director View from HQ
I was just returning from a work/vacation in Virginia when suddenly it dawned on me that it was Nats time! Where has the Spring gone? This past week (June 6-10) Muncie hosted the Scale Team Selection. Members of the team are: Control Line 1. Steve Ashby 2. Jack Sheeks 3. Ralph Burnstine alt Dale Campbell Radio Control 1. Ramon Torres 2. Wayne Frederick 3. Al Kretz alt Bob Benjamin
Executive Director View from HQ
EPA Update: The petition has been filed with the Environmental Protection Agency, so now we wait to see if they will grant our request. In the meantime, I would like to personally thank Don Goeschl, Associate Vice President from District X, on the assistance that he gave AMA on this project, along with Carl Maroney, our Special Service Director. Without their hard work, AMA would never have made the deadline for filing this petition. (The petition that was filed requested that in their Phase II process that the section dealing with applicability of rules include the following statement: "Any engines used in recreational models are exempt from the application of these rules.")
Executive Director View from HQ
New Merchandise: AMA staff members attended the 1998 Weak Signals R/C Expo at Toledo, Ohio, and were pleased to display new merchandise being produced by AMA. "A big thank you to all the members for stopping at the AMA booth and lending your positive support, suggestions, purchases, and response to our new merchandising products and the limited edition golf shirt," said Shirley Cook, head of merchandising products. This first-time offering has special trim and colors available for a limited time only. The shirt style is subject to availability and will not be offered again after this offer expires. The eagle has been designated an AMA mascot, and will appear on a variety of items, depicted in a variety of designs and activities.
Executive Director View from HQ
Good News For The Association: As of this writing in mid-March, Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) memberships have increased by 4% compared to the same time last year. Adult memberships (available to those 19 years of age and older) have risen by 2,430, and Youth memberships have gone up by 1,838. This is the first raise in membership in about five years. With the Academy's new marketing efforts for this year, we are hoping for even more growth. For members and clubs out there recruiting new members, keep up the good work!
Executive Director View from HQ
The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association, or RCHTA, is proud to announce that it will once again be offering the Media Awards Program. The organization has budgeted $100,000 to be awarded to consumer clubs and hobby shops that are successful in obtaining general audience media coverage for Radio Control (RC) events that they sponsor. The prize cash amount quadruples last year's budgeted amount of $25,000. The program is intended to reach out to those who are uninformed about the fun and excitement of RC products.
