CNYMAA Promotion Works
By Charlie Hart
Overview
Several years ago the RC modelers in Central New York formed a unique hobby association comprised of 15 individual clubs in the area. Known as the Central New York Model Aircraft Association (CNYMAA), the concept was to improve communication and cooperation between member clubs and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. By pooling resources, member clubs have promoted the hobby to the general public far more effectively than any individual club could have done.
Scholarship Fund
The association sponsors a college scholarship fund for modelers and their family members. This money comes from 50/50 drawings held by the various clubs and revenue from the sale of special items or services at local hobby shops.
Governance and Meetings
- Annual elections are held for the offices of president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary.
- Each member club sends two appointed representatives to the association's monthly meetings.
- Typical meeting agendas include discussion of topics of interest to the general membership and decisions about the purchase of necessary equipment.
Symposium and Model Show
CNYMAA's principal fund-raiser is its annual Symposium and Model Show, held the last weekend in January at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The event is well promoted in the local media and public attendance at past symposiums has been excellent.
- Club booth displays showcase a wide range of RC aircraft — from giant scale to sport types. Model boats and RC cars are also gaining attention.
- The commercial area presents the latest in hobby supplies and kits; its popularity has grown every year.
- A static display competition represents various classes and types of models; entries are consistently top-notch and appeal to modelers and non-modelers alike.
- Videotape presentations and guest speakers cover a variety of RC hobby interests.
The association also runs the kitchen at the symposium. Usually a club is assigned food service responsibilities and clean-up duties; profits from food sales and symposium admission fees are the association's main sources of revenue.
Equipment and Resources
Funds have been used to buy items for shared use by member clubs, including:
- a frequency scanner to detect unwanted radio signals
- a portable generator
- bull horns
- stopwatches
- cooking utensils
These items are stored at a central location and are available to member clubs.
Summer Picnic
CNYMAA holds an annual summer picnic at one of the member clubs' fields. Admission is free to members and their families; costs are covered by profits from the winter symposium. The menu typically includes:
- steamed clams
- salted potatoes
- hot dogs
- hamburgers
- salads
- drinks
- desserts
Delicious food combined with a full day of flying is enjoyed by participants.
Contact
If you would like information about CNYMAA, contact: Walt Throne, President 2 Dwight Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13209 Telephone: 315-453-2291
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
