View from HQ - 2001/01
Joyce Hager — Executive Director
As I write this column, AMA Headquarters staff is heavily involved in the preparation of the 2001 operating budget. This annual budget itemizes all our operational costs, then balances those costs with a realistic projected income.
2001 Budget Overview
- The operational budget does not include items such as site improvements, equipment repair and replacement, or the new administration building and furnishings. These items are funded by donations, the sale of the Reston building, and fund-raising efforts.
- The 2001 budget has more than $130,000 dedicated to the promotion of aeromodeling projects, ranging from Air Show Teams to education programs.
- The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) donated an additional $75,000 over a two-year period for education projects.
- Promotional projects include displays, handouts, films, mall shows, Homecoming/Grand Event, and other outreach activities.
Budget Covers
- Insurance premiums and fees
- National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) fees
- Postage and freight
- Telephone and Internet access
- Membership supplies
- Other routine expenses
Property and Related Expenses
- The cost of owning property includes AMA vehicles, lawn mowers, the flying site, and land.
- Expenses for these properties include taxes, insurance, principal and interest payments, and utilities.
Cost of Doing Business
- Line items include data processing, professional services, salaries and benefits, and other normal operational expenses.
Budget Approval Process
As Executive Director, I present a breakeven budget to the Finance Committee. The committee members are:
- Doug Holland — Executive Vice President and Chairman
- Russ Miller — District IX Vice President
- Charles Castaing — AMA member-at-large
Once I develop the budget, the committee meets and we discuss each line item. Then the budget is presented to the Executive Council for final approval. This is a long process with many checks and balances. Doug Holland has done an excellent job of presenting this information in his column in recent years.
Renewal Reminder
It is time to renew your AMA membership for 2001.
- Renewal notices, along with ballots for those in districts with representatives up for election, have been mailed to all AMA members.
- If you didn’t receive a notice, use the application in the magazine or call the toll-free membership renewal line: (877) 363-9262. (This number is to be used for membership renewal only.)
- If you have a question concerning the amount due, call our customer service line at (800) 435-9262, or contact the Membership Department via Email at cpierce@modelaircraft.org.
- Renewal notices are customized for the individual member. If you return your notice with an amount other than what is due, it will delay processing.
- Mail is very heavy this time of year. It takes at least four days from the time you mail your renewal to the time we receive it; the same goes for the return of your membership card. The volume of renewals is large, and it may take one or two weeks to process your information.
Voting
- The deadline for voting in districts with representatives up for election was November 10.
- I hope all members in these districts took the time to read the campaign statements and return their ballots. The incumbents were running unopposed, but it is still important to cast your vote and let your representative know you appreciate the job he is doing.
- For the first time, we included postage on the return ballot, hoping to encourage everyone to cast a vote. When the votes are tallied, we will find out if this increased the number of responses.
Member Letter
I received the following letter from Max K. Burkhead. It is great to get letters like this one.
"Just a note to let you know how much the AMA has meant to me all of these years. Although I’m nearing 70, I’m still cutting balsa and flying model airplanes.
"I started building in about 1943 and reading Air Trails. My first engine was a Phantom P-30; ignition of course, and before Ray Arden invented the glow plug.
"I am VP of the Fairmont Flyers with 30 active AMA members. We have already held four mall shows this year, raffling off a trainer complete with radio and engine, benefitting the Boy Scout Aviation Education program and other club projects.
"One of your columnists, indoor builder Bud Tenny, was in the Air Force Tail Twisters MAC along with me back in 1952–53. The years pass really fast when you’re having fun.
"Several of the Fairmont Flyers plan to attend some Muncie events this year and also visit the Air Force Museum in Dayton.
"Again, thanking you and your staff for . . ."
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
