October 26 2024 Minutes

AMA Executive Council Meeting

October 26, 2024  Hybrid/AMA IAC Muncie, Indiana

8:00 a.m.

Meeting began at 8:02 a.m.

In attendance

• Rich Hanson, President, Fishers IN;
• Randy Cameron, Executive Vice President (EVP), Pittsburg MO;
• Marc Guerra, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Rancho Mission Viejo CA;
• Andy Argenio (virtual), District I, Smithfield RI;
• Eric Williams (virtual), District II, Schenectady NY;
• Randy Adams, District III, Fairfield OH;
• Jay Marsh (virtual), District IV, High Point NC;
• Andrew Griffith, District V, Jacksonville FL;
• Gary Himes, District VI, Kansas City MO;
• Randy Gibson, District VII, Lansing MI;
• Lawrence Harville (virtual), District VIII, Hurst TX;
• Brandon Koch, District IX, Mandan ND;
• Greg Stone, District X, Yorba Linda CA;
• Phil Tallman, District XI, Medical Lake WA;
• Chad Budreau, Executive Director (ED);
• Tyler Dobbs, Interim ED and Senior Director of Government Affairs;
• Felix Gora, attorney (Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis LLC);
• Clarissa Poston, Recording Secretary.

Other present

Staff: Randy Batchelor (IT), Eric Bachmann (IT Director), Steve Haston (AMA Foundation Director; virtual), Sue Ahlbrand (Comptroller), Ilona Maine (Club Services Senior Director), April Conner (Human Resources), Angie Martin (Membership Senior Director), Kyle Jaracz (Education Director), Rachelle Haughn (AMA Foundation Deputy Director; virtual).

Paul Bretsen (FNIC Insurance), Mark Feist(III Associate Vice President [AVP]; virtual), David Lindley (National Free Flight Society [NFFS]), Terry Wiles (IX AVP), Zach Heskin (IX AVP).

1. OPENING BUSINESS

1. Introduction of Guests
2. Additions to agenda

Rich Hanson (President) added a report from the ED Selection Committee to the “Committee Reports” portion of the agenda. Andy Argenio (I) added a discussion topic to the “Executive Session” portion of the meeting, which is not recorded in the official EC meeting minutes.

c. Recognition of those who have taken the final flight

Rich Hanson (President) questioned if anyone had additions to the agenda. David Lindley (NFFS) added Steve Spence, from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, to the final flight list.

2. September 25th EC Special Meeting Minutes

Rich Hanson (President) stated that this meeting was used to address replacing the departing ED with an interim ED. At this meeting, the Interim ED Search Committee was approved and established. Through that committee’s work, Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) was appointed as AMA’s interim ED.

3. CONSENT AGENDA

• July 12, 2024- Vote to repair and resurface site 1 & 6
• Aug 9, 2024- Approved June EC meeting minutes
• Sept 25, 2024 – Interim Executive Director selection committee established
• Oct 4th, 2024- Approval of Interim Executive Director

The Consent Agenda was passed by acclamation.

4. PRESIDENTS REPORT

Rich Hanson (President) reported that he’s mostly been involved in Committee work, in addition to being involved in the search and selection process for AMA’s new ED.

5. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that he went to Sampson RC Hobby Shop. The owner of this shop told Randy that he wanted to work with AMA, and Randy turned that inquiry over to Erin Dobbs (staff). Randy further stated that he was on the Interim ED Selection Committee.

• 2025 EC Schedule

Rich Hanson (President) stated that he would like the EC to vote on the occurrence of the National Fun Fly. Chad stated that the AMA Foundation has requested not to run the National Fun Fly and shared concerns about the large number of staff hours that are required to run the event.

Motion I: Motion by Phil Tallman (XI), seconded by Gary Himes (VI), to host the National Fun Fly in 2025.

Motion failed: 5 yes (I, II, VI, XI, EVP), 7 no (X, IV, VIII, IX, III, VII, V), 1 absent (NAA)

There was discussion on where the National Membership Meeting should be held. Options such as Joe Nall and Toledo arose. Eric Williams (II) stated that because it’s a National Membership Meeting, he thinks it’s important to hold it at an event that hosts the highest number of members possible. He further stated that he thinks it should be held at Joe Nall or another location with a high presence of members.

The Council determined that the National Membership Meeting would best be held on May 15, in conjunction with the Joe Nall event, and, after discussion, the 2025 EC meeting dates were scheduled as follows:

• January 11 (virtual)
• April 26 (hybrid)
• July 19 (in person)
• October 25 (hybrid)

Motion II: Motion by Brandon Koch (IX), seconded by Andrew Griffith (V), to accept January 11, April 26, July 19, and October 25 as the 2025 EC meeting dates and May 15 as the 2025 National Membership Meeting date at Joe Nall.

Motion passed: 11 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA), 1 abstained (II)

6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER REPORT

Marc Guerra (CFO) stated that the budget, which has been a significant part of his recent efforts, will be discussed in the Finance Committee’s report later in the meeting. He stated that he wrote a document regarding Tax Identification Numbers, which was recently published and can be passed out to clubs. Furthermore, he reported that he assists and meets with Sue Ahlbrand (staff) on a regular basis, assisting her with AMA Accounting housekeeping tasks.

7. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

Chad Budreau (ED) shared that the task of raising international subscription rates for Model Aviation has been completed. The task of creating a pavilion fee structure is in progress and has been moved to the Site Usage Committee. The task of building pavilions is in progress. Pavilion three will begin being worked on in roughly two weeks. Pavilions one and two have been completed and approved for occupancy.

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that the task of demolishing properties is in progress. The properties are vacated, and the fire department has agreed to burn them; however, due to weather and burn bans, the fire department may wait until spring to do so. The task of repairing the pond is in progress. Two plans have been presented by staff, and PADCOM requested a second opinion, which he is waiting on. The camping site repairs: six of the electrical outlet pedestals have been installed, some essential wiring has been repaired, and additional water faucets were installed at Site 4. The task of increasing affiliate rates has been completed.

Chad Budreau (ED) further stated that the tasks related to educating clubs on how to obtain Nonprofit Status is in progress. Marc Guerra (CFO) wrote a column on the matter, and distribution is being worked on. The task of obtaining International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) runway bids is in progress—Sites 1 and 6 are completed, and PADCOM is looking at and revising plans for Site 3. Chad gave a report for Sites 6 and 1. Site 6 had a good foundation; however, there was only about half an inch of top surface, causing it to erode quickly. The top layer of asphalt (roughly 1.5 inches thick) on Site 3 was more prone to shifting due to not having constant weight (e.g., being driven on by cars) to keep it compacted. It has been redone and now obtains a thicker, heavier binding agent to reduce some of the shifting. With the extra material left over from the repaving of Sites 1 and 6, potholes were filled in some of the worst areas of the IAC’s roads.

Chad Budreau (ED) further stated that there is an AI workgroup at AMA. The two products that are coming out of this workgroup are a list of best practices for EC members and staff and an AI platform that has been fed 25 years' worth of EC meeting minutes. This platform was created by Justin Keiser (staff), and it is locked down on AMA’s servers. Users will be able to insert a question into the platform, and then the platform will go through all of the minutes to provide the user with an accurate answer, in addition to a citation from the minutes in which the answer was pulled from. Eventually a similar tool will be released to members.

Chad Budreau (ED) thanked the AMA Foundation for their Walk of Fame beautification efforts. He further stated that the Know Before You Fly (KBYF) program looks promising. Kyle Jaracz (staff) stated that, more likely than not, AMA will receive funding for the KBYF program.

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that the task of purchasing new furniture for AMA Headquarters is being pushed back to 2025.

Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) gave a government affairs update and reported that he met with the FAA regarding implementation of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, including an altitude increase in Class G airspace. He stated that the negotiations are currently as follows:

• The FAA has agreed to turn AMA’s existing Class G letter of agreement (LOA) into a National 7711-AA, which will allow AMA to determine when and where its events can fly up to the threshold of controlled airspace (700 feet or 1,200 feet above ground level). This is different than the current LOA, in that the 7711 gives AMA a bit more flexibility to self-manage than the current LOA.
• AMA’s Government team is also working on a 7711-AA for AMA’s Class G sites that need to fly over 400 feet high daily. AMA will be sending communication to clubs in Class G airspace, asking if their operations need to go above 400 feet. The FAA stated that it will be contacting each club and will also be verifying nearby airports, much like it did with the FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) application process.
• There will be a separate process for sites/events/clubs that want to enter into controlled airspace from Class G airspace. For instance, the World Championships at the IAC next year have requested 1,200 feet, but AMA’s Class E threshold is at 700 feet. AMA’s authorization will grant AMA the 700 feet, and then AMA will need to go through a Drone Zone-type application process to obtain the additional 500 feet. This process is still in the works and will have to be done on a manual, one-off basis for a while.

Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) stated that these authorizations will be granted for two-year periods and will then be renewed like current 7711s, FRIA s, etc. Furthermore, this gives AMA the authority to create temporary fixed sites in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

In addition, Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) stated that the United States Secret Service (USSS) halted the Temporary Flight Restriction waiver process due to the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. He has since met with the USSS in an attempt to reinstate the process, which the USSS agreed to do around the first of October. The USSS agrees that AMA’s operations do not pose the threat associated with unknown operators and more advanced UAS platforms.

Lasty, Lucas Rodden has been brought onto the government affairs team. This redesigned position will manage the airspace authorization process. Tyler welcomed Lucas to the team and thanked Chrystal Pearson for her leadership and dedication over the last five years.

8. NAA REPORT

Amy Spowart — Not present.

9. COMMITTEE REPORT

Finance Committee

Mark Guerra (CFO) thanked Sue Ahlbrand (staff), Chad Budreau (ED), department heads, and the Finance Committee for preparing the 2025 budget.

Marc Guerra (CFO) stated that AMA’s main revenue driver is membership, and AMA isn’t projecting any increases from last year regarding membership revenues. Other revenue drivers, such as sanctioned fees, campsite fees, and equipment rental fees, were minimally increased.

Marc Guerra (CFO) further stated that there were some increases in Education’s income and corporate sponsorships. Chad Budreau (ED) stated that AMA is fairly confident that the Education department will receive some federal funding for the KBYF program. Furthermore, AMA has other corporate entities who have expressed continuing their support of AMA, including through educational efforts. Chad stated that the rules are changing in the Accounting department; this has created a tighter, tougher budget. Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) stated that AMA has also had an issue with some of the products that it sells to Civil Air Patrol and other educational institutes; however, AMA has been verbally told that it will be allowed to go through a DoD waiver process to ensure that it can continue selling these products.

On the expense side, Marc Guerra (CFO) stated that AMA is experiencing inflation in various categories—benefits costs, salary provisions, utilities, software costs, claims, etc. Greg Stone (X) thanked AMA staff and the Finance Committee for their hard work.

Marc Guerra (CFO) reported that AMA will be putting pressure on its reserves, potentially adding in the 4% from reserves to help fund operating costs. Marc stated that, potentially in January, he’ll share more about the reserve’s growth, additions, and things of that nature. Greg Stone (X) stated that, even with this occurring, the reserves are healthy.

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that, to save costs, AMA will be replacing Model Aviation's paper with a slightly thinner alternative.

Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) cautioned the EC that DoD restrictions and other considerations could impact revenue forecasts.

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that there will be a bit more money in the IT budget for funding additional cyber security.

Motion III: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Greg Stone (X), to approve the 2025 AMA Operating Budget and 2025 Capital Budget as presented by the Finance Committee.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

Marketing Committee

Rich Hanson (President) stated that the Membership and Marketing Committee has been working on a membership acquisition and growth plan. He reported that AMA now has more Senior members than it does Adult members. Looking at this year, Rich stated that sustained membership has gone down over 3,000 members.

Mark Feist (III AVP) shared the AMA Membership Growth and Retention Plan with the Council. He stated that the goal is to drive membership growth and retention within the next 6-12 months through focusing on value propositions and member engagement. He presented the following plan overview to the Council:

• Define plans for AMA, AMA districts, chartered clubs, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
• Focus efforts on AMA value, communication, and leveraging existing programs within the organization.
• Implement achievable activities for each group
• Program is overseen and guided by AMA
• Campaign will be implemented by district vice presidents (VPs), AVPs, Leader Members, and Club Officers
• Coordinate activities with other AMA committees to spark interest and foster engagement.
• Measure the results and collect data on the campaign

He then presented the following planned deliverables, alongside the prospected completion date for each:

• Short-term
  • AMA Value Proposition—10/25/24
  • New Member Email Campaign—08/09/24; ongoing
  • Chartered Club Survey—10/09/24
  • Social Media Strategy—11/15/24
  • AMA Club Tool Kit (v1)—11/20/24
• Mid-term
  • Model Aviation Presentation—12/20/24
  • Social Media Blitz—02/01/25
  • Video on AMA Value and Accomplishments—TBD
• Long-term/ongoing
  • AMA Club Tool Kit (Full)—06/01/25
  • Series of “How To” and “High Energy” Videos—Ongoing
  • Regular Marketing Campaigns—Ongoing
  • Publicize Club Programs and Events—Ongoing

Furthermore, Mark Feist (III AVP) presented defined activities relating to AMA, AMA districts, AMA chartered clubs, and AMA SIGs.

Mark Feist (III AVP) provided the EC with a predicted timeline of membership growth and retention efforts. This timeline goes through 2025 and includes efforts by all, including AVPs, Leader Members, and clubs. Start dates and end dates, while flexible, have been determined for all facets of this plan.

Up to this date, Mark Feist (III AVP) stated that the Marketing Committee has already successfully implemented a club survey, email campaigns that directly attack the issue of lacking member retention, a club tool kit, a presentation on model aviation, a communication plan, measurements/metrics, and a value proposition (flyer) for individuals interested in the hobby.

After his presentation, Mark Feist (III AVP) presented the following requests to the Council:

• Feedback on his presented plan
• Approval for the sub-committee and staff to continue with activities and deliverables
• Work with VPs to communicate to AVPs and Leader Members on the plan and expectations
• Contact online and brick and mortar hobby shops operating within each district
• Begin to distribute the AMA value proposition (flyer) to the public with model aviation-related purchases
• Start working with chartered clubs in 2025
• Communicate the AMA value proposition (flyer) and tool kit (v1)
• Help the clubs host events and other membership initiatives

Rich Hanson (President) suggested getting an endorsement from the Council for this project, wherein the Council would receive monthly updates during the monthly EC calls.

Motion IV: Motion by Andy Argenio (I), seconded by Eric Williams (II), to endorse the Membership Growth and Retention Plan as presented by the Membership and Marketing Committee, with approval to move forward with the plan as detailed. The Membership and Marketing Committee shall supply monthly updates and progress reports to the Council.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

10. SAFETY COMMITTEE

Brandon Koch (IX) – Turbine and other updates

Brandon Koch (IX) discussed three main revisions to the Safety Programming that the Safety Committee would like to get approved by the Council. These changes focus on Lithium batteries, large model aircraft, and the turbine program.

Rich Hanson (President) pointed out that the supporting documents reviewed in the EC meetings should be archived with each meeting’s minutes, as they are not currently available to reference in the online minutes archives. Chad Budreau (ED) stated that this is being worked on by Katie Perry (staff). She is planning on creating a digital repository for all supporting EC meeting documentation.

Rich Hanson (President) questioned if these changes are unable to be officially approved by the Council prior to the FAA approving the new wording. Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) stated that he doesn’t foresee the FAA having any issues with the changes presented, but the topic does need to be presented to the FAA.

Motion V: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Greg Stone (X), to accept the modifications presented in AMA Safety Document 100, 510-A, and 520-A as presented, with the changes discussed pending coordination with the FAA.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

11. EDUCATION

Kyle Jaracz (staff) – UAS4STEM

Kyle Jaracz (staff) provided an overview of the UAS4STEM Challenge to the Council. He emphasized that the challenge is focused on learning how to fly safely, including getting a certificate for completing The Recreational UAS Safety Test, also known as TRUST. He encouraged EC members to get excited about this great program.

Kyle Jaracz (staff) then shared a list of UAS4STEM supporters. This list included both monetary supporters and word-of-mouth supporters.

One of the things that the Education Committee is trying to get new teams this year is the UAS4STEM Drone Engineering Challenge New Team Guide. This guide can be printed and dispersed to anyone who is interested.

Greg Stone (X) stated that this is a lead into college programs, industry internships, and things of that nature. He stated that this is sparking an interest and allowing kids to develop career goals and aspirations, which he feels is great. He questioned where the farthest team is competing from, and Kyle Jaracz (staff) stated that there are currently two teams competing from Hawaii. Kyle also stated that there are a few teams in China interested, as well. Greg emphasized that the reach of this competition is very broad.

Kyle Jaracz (staff) emphasized that this program is great for teaching team members teamwork, leadership, mentorship, and other great life skills. He further stated that virtual presentations will be occurring in late April, offering EC members the opportunity to join and be involved.

12. SIG

Randy Gibson (VII) – Review Efforts

David Lindley (NFFS) stated that he’s been working on a project for a month and a half, trying to meet with each AMA SIG individually. He does not yet have a complete picture, but there will eventually be a final report. David stated that 75% of the SIGs are under 300 members—this is very small. A third of them are not at all incorporated, and 50% of them have no nonprofit status. He further stated that 75% of them have no education component built into their mission or execution, and only two offer scholarships to Junior members.

David further stated that he’d like to make recommendations on how the SIG program can be strengthened.

Randy Gibson (VII) stated that AMA is looking for more SIG involvement. This would assist with acquiring new members as well.

David Lindley (NFFS) stated that he does not need any immediate EC action; however, he will be coming back to the EC with a full report, so he’s asked EC members to think on this topic for the time being.

13. Site/PADCOM Committee

Randy Cameron (EVP) – Rates and Crop Removal

The current fee for full IAC site usage is $15. The new, increased site usage fee for unimproved sites is suggested to be $30, while the increased site usage fee for improved sites (Sites 1, 3, and 4) is suggested to be $50. For small pavilion usage, it’s suggested that the usage fee be $75. For large pavilion usage, the suggested usage fee is $175.

After much discussion, the topic of site fees has been tabled, at Rich Hanson’s (President) direction. The group will further investigate the appropriate rates and work towards a balance of offering the IAC as a member benefit.

Randy Cameron (EVP) reported that the suggested usage fee for golf carts is $60 per day. For camping fees, the suggested increased rates are $10-$15 for primitive, $25-$35 for electric, and $35-$45 for a full hookup. The event sanction fee is $25, and it’s been suggested to raise it to $35. For a Government Action addition, such as airspace authorization or waivers, the suggested additional cost is $20.

The topic of rental fees for the McCullough Room was tabled. The topic of pavilion usage fees was tabled. Chad Budreau (ED) stated that he doesn’t think the presented golf cart fee is correct. Because of this, the topic of golf cart usage fees was tabled.

Phil Tallman (XI) questioned if the suggested $20 Government Action fee could include event NOTAMs. Rich Hanson (President) stated that, at the IAC, a blanket NOTAM is used. Phil clarified that he meant for individual events that are held on IAC property—would AMA be able to submit the NOTAM on the behalf of individual event holders? Tyler Dobbs (interim ED, staff) stated that it’s possible but questioned if AMA wants to obtain the liability of taking that on for non-IAC events.

Motion VII: Motion by Gary Himes (VI), seconded by Randy Gibson (VII), to approve a rate increase to sanction event fees from $25 per event to $35, with a $20 fee per government relations waiver/exemption as presented.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent

Motion VIII: Motion by Gary Himes (VI), seconded by Randy Gibson (VII), to increase primitive camping site fees from $10 to $15, electric site fees from $25 to $35, and full hookup fees from $35 to $45.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that he had some FF members reach out to him, making the suggestion of removing the crops on part of AMA’s land to avoid FF aircraft from getting lost within them. The proposed acreage that would be removed is 33 acres, causing AMA to lose roughly $7,000 per year in revenue. Chad stated that donors may be able to offset the first year’s loss, but not the loss of future years. Greg Stone (X) stated that the land would still require costs for maintenance without crops. Brandon Koch (IX) stated that he’d rather spend the money on a retrieval drone. Randy Gibson (VII) stated that surfacing and weed control would make the avoidance of reseeding an expensive task. Rich Hanson (President) questioned if it would alter the bulk mowing that AMA pays for. Chad said that he hasn’t talked to the farmer, as he wanted to gauge EC’s interest before investing too much into this proposal. Brandon questioned if AMA could ask the farmer to substitute a different crop to replace the corn, such as alfalfa. Eric Williams (II) stated that, at one time, pathways were mowed within the corn to assist with retrieval. He asked if mowing these pathways would be possible. David Lindley (NFFS) and Chad stated that there are already pathways present. David stated that removing the acreage would also benefit Control Line and RC, not just FF. Randy Adams (III) questioned if there’s another location on IAC’s property that AMA can move crops to that wouldn’t infringe on other aspects of the property. Chad stated that this might be possible closer to the National Model Aviation Museum, but he doesn’t think that there are 33 acres there. Rich questioned when the farmer would need to have notice by, and Chad said that he isn’t sure.

Chad Budreau (ED) stated that he will continue exploring this and talk to the farmer. Chad clarified whether or not the Council has an appetite for the idea of removing the crops, and the Council stated that it does. Rich Hanson (President) stated that he’s very concerned about the budget issues, and he feels as though AMA continues to go in the wrong direction in terms of decision making.

Rich Hanson (President) instructed Chad Budreau (ED) to obtain information from the farmer and stated that it will be further dealt with on a Council call or during the January EC meeting.

14. ED Selection Committee

Rich Hanson (President) stated that the ED Selection Committee was put together to work on filling the permanent ED position. He further stated that the committee is looking for another Council member to add to that decision, which Phil Tallman (XI) has thrown his name in the hat for, in addition to a non-Council member. Brandon Koch (IX) and Greg Stone (X) suggested Jim Rice as the included non-Council member. Andy Argenio (I) recommended Gary Fitch.

Rich Hanson (President) stated that the ED Selection Committee met last Wednesday to work on the updated job description, which will be used in the recruiting process. Rich stated that the presented job description will be used going forward, unless any Council member has comments or concerns. He further stated that the committee will be talking about how to move forward with the search in the next committee meeting. The committee is looking into when Model Aviation, which is currently working on the January 2025 issue, can include this job description. AMA is looking at leaving the search open until sometime in February. Rich would like to be able to set the date here in order to get interviews and selections done in time to make a recommendation to the Council during the April EC meeting.

Brandon Koch (IX) questioned if the committee considered Jim Tiller or Mark Radcliff for the non-Council opening on the ED Search Committee. Rich Hanson (President) said that they hadn’t come up but can be put on the list. Chad Budreau (ED) stated that he’ll remain a member of the ED Search Committee even after his departure from AMA.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION AND LUNCH

During lunch, Rich Hanson (President) presented Chad Budreau (ED) with the AMA Presidential Achievement Award. Rich emphasized how much Chad’s work and contributions have positively impacted AMA. Rich wished Chad the best in his future endeavors and thanked him for all of his work throughout his employment with AMA. Chad stated that he’s looking forward to what's ahead for AMA. He further emphasized that he wishes to remain involved with AMA as a member of District III.

11. OLD BUSINESS

• District Grouper Campaigns — Marc Guerra

Marc Guerra (CFO) stated that it was decided that the district Grouper campaigns should be managed by AMA HQ. He further stated that the districts don't have the authority to commit AMA; therefore, to prevent future risk and frustration from future donors, AMA HQ should be brought in sooner rather than later.

• Tag Grants — Randy Cameron

Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that Take off And Grow (TAG) completion reports are not being submitted by clubs that receive and use TAG grants. He further stated that additional questions should be added to the grant’s rubric, including a question about if the applying club has received a TAG grant in the past (and if it has, questioning if the club submitted a completion report), if the club is a Youth Leader Club, if the club has an introductory pilot, and what the club’s federal Tax Identification Number is.

Chad Budreau (ED) questioned when the TAG grant can be reopened to members and clubs. Randy Cameron (EVP) and Rich Hanson (President) answered that the TAG grant can be reopened as soon as the previously mentioned changes are made to the grant’s rubric.

12. NEW BUSINESS

• Foundation Presentation — Steve Haston

Steve Haston (staff) presented the AMA Foundation Q4 Report. As of today, the AMA Foundation is over the $200,000 mark in terms of money raised, which hits the 50% marker of the AMA Foundation’s 2024 fundraising goal. Steve believes that the AMA Foundation will reach its goal by the end of the year. Steve then touched on a specific estate; the Foundation has been working with the estate to finalize a confirmed bequest of 15%, totaling roughly $600,000.

Rachelle Haughn (staff) discussed the Torchbearer program. This year, a challenge coin is being sent out to Torchbearer donors, either those who increase their monthly pledge or those who sign up to be a new torchbearer.

Rachelle Haughn (staff) further touched on planned giving and FreeWill, encouraging people to make their estate plans and leave a bequest to AMA. Planned giving awareness month was recently celebrated, and the AMA Foundation received a few wills and a bequest that went to the National Model Aviation Museum. AMA received its first qualified charitable donation this year through FreeWill.

AMA Foundation staff has continued to attend courses and conferences on professional development, such as the National Charitable Gift Planners Conference in October.

Steve Haston (staff) further stated that the AMA Foundation has determined that it’s time to open the investment account for a request for proposal. Steve thinks that this will be good practice, allowing others to see where the account is at and see what potential growth the AMA Foundation may be missing.

Foundation Budget — Steve Haston

The AMA Foundation’s proposed 2025 budget has been approved by the Foundation Board and now needs approval by the EC. Steve Haston (staff) stated that this budget stayed virtually identical to last year’s, with one exception—there is a 1.6% increase over last year’s budget and several lines of the budget were reduced. The reason for the increase is the education-based fundraising project that was earlier presented by Greg Stone (X).

Rachelle Haughn (staff) explained that one of AMA’s focuses has always been education and that this educational program will be extremely beneficial for AMA. She further stated that the AMA Foundation will need a consultant for this fundraising project.

Steve Haston (staff) stated that the AMA Foundation’s ask is that the EC approve the AMA Foundation’s presented 2025 budget.

Motion IX: Motion by Greg Stone (X), seconded by Phil Tallman (XI), to approve the AMA Foundation’s 2025 budget as presented.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

• Education Funding Project — Greg Stone

Greg Stone (X) stated that the AMA Foundation believes that AMA members have the capacity and interest to support the following pillar, emphasizing that the time is right to proceed with the education-based fundraising program. He stated that UAS4STEM, Core, and the Learning Management System are the three pillars of the education-based fundraising approach. The total fundraising goal is $1,350,000.

Kyle Jaracz (staff) stated that various schools have reached out showing interest, but they don’t have the funding to fully participate. He stated that with outside support, AMA was able to get five teams started and supported. While the upfront starting cost is roughly $3,000, the materials are sustainable—they’re the same materials that teams use year after year for the competition.

Greg Stone (X) stated that there is no formal EC request being presented. This is something that is ready to be worked on and does not require any action from the EC due to the fact that it has passed prior approvals. Rich Hanson (President) stated that for new programming, the EC is typically required to submit official concurrence.

Motion VI: Motion by Greg Stone (X), seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to approve and support the AMA Foundation’s education-focused fundraiser.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

Steve Haston (staff) then presented a record of change that indicates where in the bylaws changes are being proposed, the changed bylaws document, and the AMA Foundation’s organizational chart. These changes are as follows:

• In Article V, Section 1, the following sentences were added to the AMA Foundation’s bylaws: “The Executive Council will provide a Strategic Implementation Vision for the Foundation. This strategic vision will align the Executive Council’s vision with the Foundation's execution of actions. This vision will be updated at the first meeting of the new year and/or as needed.”
• In Article VI, Section 1, the following points were added to Foundation’s bylaws: 1. Setting the policies and operations of the Foundation; 2. Flexibility enables the Foundation to explore innovative approaches and new projects and respond quickly to emerging opportunities or challenges in model aviation; 3. Establishing the strategic plan and annual budget of the Foundation and monitoring the financial operations of the Foundation, including review and approval of the Foundation’s financial statements, expenditures, annual reports, and financial and control policies; 4. Ensuring that the Foundation’s policies and procedures are in direct support of the Academy of Model Aeronautics Inc.”

In addition to the above changes, Steve Haston (staff) stated that a third change was implemented regarding the Foundation Board. This change, found in Article VI, Section 2, is as follows, highlighted in yellow: “The number of directors of the Foundation Board shall be no fewer than five (5) and no more than nine (9), of which no more than one (1) will also be a member of the Executive Council of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.” Steve clarified that the only thing altered was capping the Board’s number of directors at nine, as opposed to the original 11.

Eric Williams (II) questioned what types of projects Steve Haston (staff) was referencing in his presentation, regarding the bylaw change that gives the AMA Foundation flexibility to explore new projects and respond quickly to emerging opportunities. Steve stated that an example is the education-based fundraiser project that was presented by Greg Stone (X) earlier in this meeting. Eric questioned if the AMA Foundation would approve of adding the word “fundraising” before “projects” in the bylaw change, and Steve said that that can be arranged.

With Eric Williams’ (II) proposed change, the updated bylaws would read as follows, with Eric’s addition highlighted in yellow: “Flexibility enables the Foundation to explore innovative approaches and new fundraising projects and respond quickly to emerging opportunities or challenges in model aviation.”

Furthermore, Steve Haston (staff) shared the AMA Foundation’s organizational chart. He stated that he sat down with Rich Hanson (President) and Chad Budreau (ED) to discuss what the organizational chart looks like and what the visual representation is of the AMA Foundation’s bylaws. For consistency, Steve proposed that the Council have Steve's current job title (AMA Foundation director) changed to AMA Foundation ED. Furthermore, Steve stated that the EDs of both AMA and the AMA Foundation should work in a more collaborative manner. Chad stated that they spoke to sister organizations to get insight. He further stated that, currently, Steve reports directly to him. Chad stated that the AMA Foundation is becoming self-sufficient. If this is to continue, the reporting structure must be clarified. Chad emphasized that, with the proposed change, the AMA ED and the Foundation ED would be working in a side-by-side manner, with the AMA Foundation ED reporting directly to the Foundation Board, which then reports directly to the Council.

Rich Hanson (President) stated that, in reality, Steve has to report to/work for Chad, as opposed to working hand-in-hand as a Foundation ED, at least until the AMA bylaws are updated.

Steve Haston (staff) stated that the AMA Foundation is seeking a vote/decision regarding how to proceed. Rich Hanson (President) clarified that Steve is asking for the AMA Foundation’s bylaw changes to be approved, and Steve confirmed.

Motion X: Motion by Greg Stone (X), seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to approve the proposed changes to AMA Foundation’s bylaws.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

13. AWARDS

• Carl Goldberg — Katie Perry

The nominees for the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award were presented to the Council and include the following individuals:

• Bobby Alessi—District II
• Murray Baughman—District V
• Brandon Hall—District VI
• Frank Gagliardi—District X
• James Selepec—District XI

Motion XI: Motion by Greg Stone (X), seconded by Phil Tallman (XI), to accept the 2025 Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award Nominees.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

In addition to discussing the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award recipients, Greg Stone (X) requested that a Distinguished Service Award be presented to Dan Johnson.

Motion XII: Motion by Greg Stone (X), seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to award the Distinguished Service Award to Dan Johnson.

Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent (NAA)

Furthermore, Andrew Griffith (V) requested that the EC present a Superior Service Award to Randy Batchelor (staff) and Eric Bachmann (staff) for their long hours and unrecognized work during AMA’s recent IT occurrence. This was passed by acclamation.

14. ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m.