January 20 2024 Minutes

1/20/24 EC Minutes

AMA Executive Council Meeting
January 20, 2024
Virtual
8:00 a.m.

Meeting began at 8:08 a.m.

In attendance: President Rich Hanson, Fishers IN; EVP Randy Cameron, Pittsburg MO; District I Andy Argenio (virtual), Smithfield RI; District II, Eric Williams (virtual), Schenectady NY; District III Randy Adams, Fairfield, Oh; District IV Jay Marsh (virtual), High Point NC; District V, Andrew Griffith (virtual), Jacksonville FL; District VI Gary Himes, Kansas City MO; District VII Mark Robotti (proxy for Randy Gibson; virtual), Lindstrom, MI; District VIII Lawrence Harville (virtual), Hurst TX; District IX Brandon Koch (virtual), Mandan ND; District X Greg Stone (virtual), Yorba Linda CA; District XI Mike Ingram (proxy for Phil Tallman; virtual), Wenatchee, WA; Executive Director Chad Budreau; NAA Amy Spowart (virtual); Felix Gora (virtual), attorney; Clarissa Poston (virtual), recording secretary.

Others present: Staff: Randy Batchelor (IT), Tyler Dobbs (Government Affairs director; virtual), Toby Silhavy (Competitions director), Rachelle Haughn (Foundation donor & programs specialist; virtual), Steve Haston (Foundation director; virtual), Kenny Cassidy (acquisition and member benefits manager; virtual), Mark Benson (Marketing Sr. director; virtual), (Subzero).

Rusty Kennedy (AMA Foundation Chairman; virtual), Paul Bretsen (FNIC Insurance advisor; virtual), Brenda Schuette (member; virtual)

  1. 1. Opening Business
    1. a. Introduction of guests:

      Randy Adams (III) discussed getting onboarded yesterday; he stated that Chad Budreau (ED) and everyone else present at AMA was very helpful and welcoming. Rich Hanson (president) welcomed him once more.

    2. b. Additions to agenda:

      Rich Hanson (president) added the topic of Membership drive to “New Business.” Eric Williams (II) wanted to add a brief discussion about the Intro Pilot Program to the agenda.

    3. c. Recognition of those who have taken the final flight:

      Rich Hanson (president) mentioned that Jim Richmond was recently recognized by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) as a Statesman of Aviation before passing away. The National Free Flight Society (NFFS), AMA, and NAA are planning a formal presentation to his family at the Jim Richmond Memorial in West Baden, Indiana, in April.

      Rich Hanson (president) called for a moment of silence for all on the final flight list.

  2. 2. Consent agenda:

    Rich Hanson (president) motions electronic motions that were approved.

    • 13 November: Approval of F5J Bid
    • 17 November: Approve Indoor Nats July 1-5 in Moscow, Idaho
    • 24 November: Hoffman and Midgorden with Goldberg Vital People Award
    • 5 December: Approval of October 2023 minutes

    Consent agenda passed by acclamation.

  3. 3. President’s Report—Rich Hanson

    Rich Hanson (president) stated that his recent activities have involved attending the NAA Board meetings, handling issues at AMA Headquarters, ASTM standards meetings, and attending committee meetings. Rich stated that the ASTM is taking another look at the criteria for Remote ID. The extension for Remote ID and some of the issues brought forward by the manufacturers have caused issues with the standards. Rich doesn’t think that these issues will impact AMA, but rather the commercial industry. He still advises watching for any potential issues that could extend to AMA.

    Rich Hanson (president) challenged the EC, the Membership & Marketing Committee, and AMA staff to develop an aggressive membership acquisition campaign targeting empty nesters (people who are 45 or older, have time on their hands, and are looking for leisure activities). Rich supports youth membership as an education- and cultivation-based project; but this acquisition campaign would focus on paying adult members. He further reiterated his desire to have everyone challenge themselves to push this membership initiative.

    Rich Hanson (president) reminded the EC to declare any area in which EC members have a conflict of interest regarding the business of AMA and to submit it by the end of January. Earlier Chad Budreau (ED) sent conflict of interest documents out for the EC to review and complete.

    Rich Hanson (president) noted that final claims were due on January 15. Rich emphasized the importance of ongoing sensitivity training. Felix Goral (legal) noted that he and Chad Budreau (ED) are already discussing training opportunities for the EC.

  4. 4. Executive VP Report—Randy Cameron
    1. a. AMA committees

      Randy Cameron (EVP) asked committee chairs to notify him of any committee member changes. Randy and Rich Hanson (president) suggested having a representative from each district on the Scholarship Committee. Rich asked Chad Budreau (ED) for a list of Scholarship Committee members; Chad named Archie Stafford, Joe Allen, Red Jenson, and Susan Mercer. Chad recommended first discussing this change with the committee chair Archie before a decision is made since the committee is already reviewing scholarships for 2024. Rich agreed to talk with Archie noting this change may be considered for 2025. Greg Stone (X) voiced that he is interested in chairing the Education committee. Randy stated that if Jim Tiller is not interested and a replacement chairman is needed, he would make that change.

    2. b. District VP replacement list

      Randy Cameron (EVP) asked all district VPs to email him two names of those that they want as their replacements. Andy Argenio (I) asked Randy to share the previous replacement list.

    3. c. District capital inventory list

      Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that he emailed all EC members a copy of the district capital inventory list and included Sue Ahlbrand (staff) as she’s the ‘keeper of those lists.’ Andy Argenio (I) noted that some items on his list need to be removed, Randy agreed. Randy and Chad Budreau (ED) encouraged all EC members to review update their list by January 31.

    4. d. CFO search recommendation

      Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that all EC members were asked to look into the list of potential CFOs. Rich Hanson (president) clarified that this was something that the EC would discuss and vote on in the Executive Session.

  5. 5. CFO Report

    Chad Budreau (ED) provided a CFO report. Chad stated that reserves are healthy. There will be a presentation by Merrill Lynch to the EC next month. Chad stated that Brady Ware is helping Sue Ahlbrand’s (staff) wrap up the 2023 budget. Chad stated that preliminary numbers show AMA reached our membership revenue goals, our expenses were down, but we missed our non-dues revenue goals. Overall, we anticipate having a black fiscal year for 2023. Official end-of-year numbers will be available once Brady Ware does their review of the information.

  6. 6. Executive Director’s Report—Chad Budreau
    1. a. 2024 Program of Work and taskings—Chad Budreau

      Chad Budreau (ED) discussed various staff teambuilding exercises and highlighted a retreat with executive staff. Facilitators at the retreat to develop the 2024 Program of Work included the VP of customer service for Nordstrom and the executive director of the Shafer Leadership Academy.

      Chad Budreau (ED) discussed some of the tasks given by EC to include working with Triple Tree to set up the 2024 membership meeting. EC issues were resolved by early November and the membership meeting will be during the Thursday evening of Joe Nall.

      Chad Budreau (ED) discussed how in-person Camp AMA was suspended to reallocate resources into other youth programs. AMA has been meeting with the Teachers of the Year, Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts, Air and Space Forces, etc. to develop new programs.

      Chad Budreau (ED) stated that AMA passed inspections for the pavilions, and we have all permits. Because the pavilions are now classified as commercial and publicly accessible there are some changes, most notably the smaller pavilion cannot be enclosed without a bathroom.

      Chad Budreau (ED) was directed to hold off on building the STE(A)M trailer until the funds were received by Wing, the title sponsor. Chad stated that AMA recently received the check and renovations have started. Andy Argenio (I) wanted to know who was involved in the design of the trailer. Chad stated Mark Benson (staff) and reminded the EC to please give Mark their input. Andy stated that the simulator monitors could also be used for promotional purposes to provide guests with heightened sense of exposure to the hobby. Eric Williams (II) stated that, conceptually, in addition to simulators the trailer will be an experience.

      Jay Marsh (IV) questioned if it’s possible for AMA to capture email addresses of the attendees. Chad Budreau (ED) agreed and shared past effort to use the trailer as a lead generator. Eric Williams (II) stated that a prize giveaway is a good idea to gather contact information. Randy Cameron (EVP) and Rich Hanson (president) mentioned the possibility of purchasing cheap tablets to have users enter their own information when prompted. Eric stated that we’ll have more conversations about this in the Marketing & Membership portion of the meeting.

      AMA staff were tasked to run the 2024 National Fun Fly. Chad Budreau (ED) asked Steve Haston (staff) to help lead the effort. Chad stated that in addition to recreational activities for members we’re inviting the public. We’ve reached out to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Boy Scouts, Purdue Aviation, and emergency responders to help draw the public and introduce them to the hobby. The goal is to bring 500 people to the event. Chad is hopeful that, by the April EC meeting, there will be a map available that shows all the events occurring around the IAC. Andy Argenio (I) recommended what District I did in the past: getting affordable aircraft set up at the event to be available to attendees, as opposed to the high-cost ones.

    2. b. Government Relations—Tyler Dobbs

      Tyler Dobbs (staff) stated the FAA recently updated the UAS facility map to include all approved FRIAs, most are AMAs. The approval rate has increased dramatically throughout the last few months. AMA now has over 1,600 approved FRIAs and 250 denials/under review, similar to the number of denials/under review noted at the October 2023 EC meeting. He and Ilona Maine (staff) met with the FAA last week and proposed alternative FRIA solution for our denied sites. Tyler said that the FAA hasn’t provided safety justification for Class G FRIA denials, but after multiple FAA meetings, remains optimistic that a solution will be found.

      The FAA has started the remote ID waiver process for AMA Sanctioned Events. This process has a 60-day turnaround time, so members will need to submit sanctions and RID waiver requests ASAP.

      Tyler Dobbs (staff) stated that the Counter-UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) report will be published soon. Tyler stated that they concurred with exception with the report.

      Tyler Dobbs (staff) stated that AMA is continuing to transition controlled airspace letters of agreement to 7711-1 Airspace Authorizations. He stated that the FAA is still updating the 7711 language to reflect AMA’s requested changes. Tyler stated that we have an amendment in the Senate that would allow everyone, regardless of their location, to fly up to controlled airspace (700’ or 1,200’); if you wanted to go higher than that, you would need request FAA Authorization. The language faces opposition from the Ranking member of the House Committee but we continue to work with the Congressman. Tyler stated that he hopes we get a bill this year; however, with the elections coming up, that is unknown. Regardless, AMA continues to meet with the appropriate House and Senate members regularly.

      Chrystal Pearson (staff) has been working with Air Traffic Operations on reinstating Safety Risk Management Panels. She was contacted last week by the FAA and was informed that these panels will be starting again soon. This process allows clubs in controlled airspace to obtain higher altitudes at their fixed sites. Tyler said a few dozen clubs have gone through this process, but about 50 remain on the waiting list. AMA has a 100% success rate in proving that its operations are in the acceptable risk range through this process.

      Tyler Dobbs (staff) stated that the FAA is looking to update the Airport Compliance Manual, which contains the definition of aeronautical and nonaeronautical activities. Tyler said that this could restrict some of the operations at public airports. AMA submitted a comment to the Federal Register requesting they add recreational UAS and model aviation as aeronautical activities; EAA supported this comment. Tyler stated that AMA will continue to work with the FAA and Congress on possible solutions, should the proposed change be adopted.

      Tyler Dobbs (staff) stated that the EAA is getting ready to have their FAA/EAA winter meeting in February. Tyler is meeting with EAA to discuss UAS issues that will be addressed by EAA. Tyler emphasized that AMA can’t thank the EAA enough for their support; they remain AMA’s best ally in many of these issues. Zipline, the commercial drone operators, reached out and asked that AMA join a panel at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

      Tyler Dobbs (staff) stated that AMA renewed our Altitude Waiver letter of agreement for sanctioned events in Class G airspace at the end of 2023. The new letter of agreement removes some of the burdens that were included in the draft and should be easier for everyone. Every Class G sanctioned event altitude request was approved and granted in 2023. This year, we negotiated a more simplistic agreement.

      Rich Hanson (president) thanked Tyler Dobbs (staff) for his hard work and great news. Tyler said that his team is excellent and appreciates all their hard work.

    3. c. End of Year Report—Chad Budreau

      Chad Budreau (ED) highlighted accomplishments from the 2023 Program of Work. He shared that AMA will be receiving awards for the Know Before You Fly education initiative. All primary FRIAs have been submitted and 87% were approved; however, AMA will work to reach 100% approval. Chad was going to overhaul the Finding and Keeping Flying Site program but was instead tasked to serve on the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee. As a result, Chad recently reassigned the Finding and Keeping Flying Site program to Lucas Rodden (staff).

      Chad Budreau (ED) shared the initiatives and project leads for the 2024 Program of Work. Sue Ahlbrand (staff) is streaming and improving AMA’s accounting process. In addition to marketing efforts to attract 12,000 to 14,000 new members per year, we are increasing our retention efforts in 2024. The POW also strives to define AMA’s North Star Metric.

      Rich Hanson (president) asked Chad Budreau (ED) to discuss the solar eclipse event in the POW. Chad stated the IAC will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8, and that Matt Ruddick (staff) is leading that project. Matt is working with community leaders to garner a larger audience and to cross promote model aviation. The city and the county are leading the planning and execution of the event to include managing food vendors and transportation for guests. Chad stated that AMA staff will be present throughout the event, assisting with demos, parking, and educating attendees on model aviation. He also emphasized that we aren’t sure how many people will attend—whether it be 100 or 10,000, it seems every community is holding a viewing event.

  7. 7. NAA Report—Amy Spowart

    Amy Spowart (NAA) thanked AMA on behalf of Greg Principato. He enjoyed being part of the EC for 7 years and appreciates everyone keeping in touch. She also thanked AMA for its attendance and participation in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) General Conference. Out of 8 airsport members, 6 were there. She said that AMA came out in a big way and thanked Jay Marsh (IV), Mark Radcliff (former III VP), and Randy Cameron (EVP). She praised Chad Budreau (ED) for promoting the hobby on the discussion panel.

    Amy Spowart (NAA) stated that the NAA was able to keep FAI increases at 2%, which Swiss law mandates. Amy mentioned that she takes American representation at the FAI very seriously. An area of opportunity is for the NAA to be involved in commissions. AMA will have Tim Jesky as their delegate, with Rich Hanson (president) as the alternate. The NAA will also start meeting quarterly with the airsport organizations.

    Amy Spowart (NAA) wants to be an active participant of the EC, and she voiced interest in being part of either of the museum committees or the membership committee. She’s also happy to travel to any AMA event that would be beneficial to the organization. She will be presenting the Statesman of Aviation award to Jim Richmond’s wife, Mariana.

    Rich Hanson (president) stated that he’s spoken with a handful of members to create a Statesman of Aeromodeling recognition, either as part of the Hall of Fame category or a separate category. Amy Spowart (NAA) supported the idea and suggested AMA join the NAA Awards Committee.

  8. 8. Committee Reports

    Chad Budreau (ED) stated that Kenny Cassidy (staff), Mark Benson (staff), and the entire AMA Marketing team are launching more strategic and data-driven acquisition and retention efforts. AMA generates 12,000 to 14,000 new paying members each year.

    1. a. Marketing & Membership Committee

      Mark Benson (staff) highlighted new marketing tools including PropFuel (email), Feathr (lead generation), Sponsor United (partnerships), and Grouper (formerly Element3). Mark noted existing programs such as Higher Logic (email), Intro Pilot Program, and the Program of Work.

      Kenny Cassidy (staff) showcased a series of stats that resulted in better conversation rates from leads using PropFuel. For example, parents of youth who participate in an EAA Young Eagle flight are now being connected with local clubs. Rich Hanson (president) questioned if we can develop other campaigns to target other markets. Kenny confirmed this; presently, AMA has a lapse member campaign, a dormant campaign, and a lead nurture campaign (Young Eagles).

      Kenny Cassidy (staff) stated Feathr will increase our lead generation. Mark Benson (staff) stated we’re about halfway through onboarding. Other departments such as membership or the AMA Foundation can also leverage Feathr. We are exploring options to help clubs use Feathr to grow as well. Randy Cameron (EVP), Eric Williams (II), and Mark discussed using Feathr to promote events. Eric suggested continuing the discussion later.

      Mark Benson (staff) stated that Grouper was launched on November 29, 2023. They were first named Element3, before changing their name on January 16, 2024. We’ve had 1,651 members enroll in the program, 363 eligible members, 358 pending information, 30 members require follow-up phone calls, and 500 gift cards have been sent out. By January 30, the checks for the reimbursement of membership fees will be sent out. Mark stated that we’ve received member questions but overall, it has been a positive process. He further stated that Grouper will be attending various events, including Toledo.

      AMA received funding from Wing’s sponsorship of the trailer. Work has started on the trailer, including taking the wrap off and taking the ceiling and floor out. We’re reimagining what that experience will be, including STEM activities. We’re working with a group from Ball State University and they’re talking about learning tools related to the National Model Aviation Museum and model aviation. Some of the events that we’re planning on taking the trailer to are the solar eclipse viewing at the IAC, ModelRama, Purdue Aviation Day, Purdue Community Day, and large full-scale events. Contractually, we’re required to go to 5 events; we don’t yet have those events solidified. We must ensure the events align with what Wing envisioned for the trailer and sponsorship. Mark Benson (staff) reiterated that the eclipse is the target date for having the trailer completed and open to the public. Andy Argenio (I) asked about Adam Woodworth’s (member and Wing CEO) involvement. Mark discussed making a video that tells Adam’s model aviation journey, showing how model aviation got him to where he is today.

      Mark Benson (staff) highlighted other marketing efforts to include email strategies and statistics. Mark also discussed Sponsor United to identify and attract more partners and sponsors.

      Kenny Cassidy (staff) discussed his 2024 Program of Work and how he would like new members to receive a welcome call from their district VP to improve member retention. He recommends each district nominate someone to do this job; they would call all new, non-youth members, and welcome the new member to AMA on a personal level. Andy Argenio (I) stated that he likes this idea; years ago, having someone take on a similar role was discussed.

      Brandon Koch (IX) mentioned how this could equate to having to make 14,000 phone calls per year. Kenny Cassidy (staff) stated districts would only have 50-120 calls per month to Adult and Senior members. Kenny believes that each district has a few members who would be willing to take on this responsibility. Rusty Kennedy (Foundation Chair) noted that we have 2,000-plus Leader Members who may help. Randy Cameron (EVP) concurred. Brandon, Kenny, Rich Hanson (president) and Chad Budreau (ED) brainstormed how to provide volunteers with an AMA phone line and caller ID.

      Eric Williams (II) asked if sending out the welcome message from district VPs could be automated. Kenny Cassidy (staff) agreed and is planning a district welcome message with the mailed new join cardholder. Amy Spowart (NAA) said she thinks this is outstanding and was blown away by the materials she received when she joined AMA.

      Eric Williams (II) stated that the work Kenny Cassidy (staff) and Mark Benson (staff) are doing is integral to our marketing efforts. Eric further stated that our north star metric needs to be quantifiable; in his mind, the north star metric should be based on our membership level, and possibly membership satisfaction. Whatever it will be, everything regarding AMA needs to be aligned with that metric.

      Eric Williams (II) stated that he was approached by an Intro Pilot who asked if they could only do their Intro Pilot teaching at the club where they’re located. Paul Bretsen (FNIC Insurance) believed that while AMA may have specific guidelines for Intro Pilots the insurance policy does not. Rich Hanson (president) commented that the Intro Pilot Program came out of a discussion regarding whether AMA wanted to be part of the instruction and certification business. Chad Budreau (ED) noted that in 2008 the EC modified the language to allow for Intro Pilot Program activities to take place away from chartered club fields. Eric wants to get that communicated because he feels as though there are some discrepancies. Rich agreed and asked questions about designating Intro Pilots. Chad stated that club officers designate Intro Pilots. Eric concurred that we rely on club officers to use their judgement on who would make good instructor pilots.

    2. b. Safety Committee—Brandon Koch
      1. i. Large Model Airplane Program Document 520-A

        Document 520-A, Section 5, relating to the Large Model Airplane Program, needs to be updated to reflect the end of the MAAC reciprocal agreement. Brandon Koch (IX) shared committee work to reduce the text to “Any foreign participant must be an Affiliate AMA member.” Chad Budreau (ED) stated that staff and the committee may propose other administrative language clean up in the June EC meeting.

        Motion I: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Andrew Griffith (V), to change Document 520-A, Section 5 to state that “Any foreign participant must be an Affiliate AMA member.”

        Motion passed: 13 yes, no, absent

      2. ii. Fuel Cells in Turbines—Brandon Koch

        Brandon Koch (IX) stated that Europe has been using bladder tanks in their turbines for years, with great success and is considered by many as safer. Andrew Griffith (V) suggests changing note five to allow plasma bag fuel tanks. Andrew stated that these tanks eliminate a lot of dead stick landings. Eric Williams (II) questioned if they’re allowed to construct their own rigid fuel tanks and Andrew stated that it’s possible for them to do so. Brandon stated that we do have a caveat, in which no plasma/IV bags are permitted. Mike Ingram (proxy XI) asked if this impacts pulse jets. Brandon clarified that this was just for turbine.

        Motion II: Motion by Andrew Griffith (V), seconded by Andy Argenio (I), to change Document 510-A, line 5 under Airframe Requirements to:

        5. The fuel tanks shall be of rigid construction with consideration given to burst and puncture resistance. Consideration shall be given that non-metallic fuel lines may not be able to contact hot parts of the engine as installed. Bag style fuel cells are permitted under the following conditions:

        a. It is a multi-layer fuel cell that is purpose built for the application and designed to be resistant to rips, tears, hardening and cracking from kerosene/jet fuel exposure.
        b. Is mounted in such a way as to ensure no contact with rough surfaces capable of causing abrasion between the tank and any aircraft surface.
        c. Is mounted away from or protected from heat exposure from the engine(s) and pipe(s).
        d. is filled with a pressure sensing fueling system to ensure the cell isn’t over pressurized during fueling.
        e. NO plasma/IV bags are permitted.

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

    3. c. FAI Executive Committee
      1. i. 2026 F1D World Championship—Rich Hanson

        Rich Hanson (president) stated there is a request to approve a bid to host an F1D FAI World Championship in 2026 in Idaho. Rich feels like this is premature. Chad Budreau (ED) understood it was not premature but will contact the event organizer for clarification and share any response before the end of today’s EC meeting.

    4. d. SIG Committee
      1. i. 2025 Nats Schedule—Randy Cameron

        Randy Cameron (EVP) discussed the 2025 Nats schedule. Chad Budreau (ED) reminded the EC that event organizers and SIGs are requesting the EC approve the Nats calendar sooner, ideally two years in advance to better plan and promote the event. There was discussion by the EC about being flexible and whether to approve the 2025 calendar only tentatively. There were also concerns about keeping the IAC available for open flying. Brenda Schuette (member) stated that, in the past, they’ve always been told during the Nats there is no open flying until after the events are over for the day. Chad stated that a few events run far past 5 p.m. Brandon said that this emphasizes his main concern. Rich Hanson (president) said that the purpose of the property is primarily for the national events; it’s just a matter of making sure that membership is made aware of when the site is available and not.

        Motion III: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), seconded by Gary Himes (VI), to approve the 2025 Nats and F3A calendar as presented.

        Motion passed: 13 yes, no, absent

  9. 9. Executive Session/Lunch

    Once back from Executive Session, Rich Hanson (president) announced that a decision was made regarding the CFO position. It was decided that AMA would appoint Marc Guerra as CFO. Two motions were then voted on regarding Executive Session discussions.

    Motion IV: Motion by Andy Argenio (I), seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to appoint Marc Guerra as AMA’s Chief Financial Officer.

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

    Motion V: Motion by Andy Argenio (I), seconded by Gary Himes (VI), to award the Executive Director’s 2023 salary bonus as recommended by the Executive Council.

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

  10. 10. Old Business

    No old business was presented for discussion.

  11. 11. New Business
    1. a. Election ballots postmark dates versus received dates—Chad Budreau

      Rich Hanson (president) stated US postal service delays are causing delays with the EC election process. Chad Budreau (ED) suggested moving the postmark date earlier or establishing a ballot received date. Rich recommended adjusting the postmark date from mid-November to October 31. There was no disagreement.

      Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that he’d like to modify things to allow us to solely do electronic voting. Chad agreed and reminded the EC we first need to resolve logistical issues such as Bylaw updates and ensure controls are in place. Rich doesn’t think we’ll be able to dedicate the necessary time to discuss electronic ballots today, but he wants all EC members to think about it and reconvene on the topic later.

    2. b. Membership Drive–Rich Hanson

      Rich Hanson (president) wants to challenge the EC and AMA staff/committees to set a goal to increase adult memberships. AMA needs members for the health and the welfare of this organization. As our members get older, we need to continue to fill the pipeline; although we’ve been solvent, we’re about 30,000 paying members shy of where we were during AMA’s peak. Rich stated that he’d like to see programming that works toward recruiting our target market. He asked for thoughts from other EC members.

      Randy Cameron (EVP) said we need to encourage clubs to grow too. Andy Argenio (I) stated that we should support larger events such as at municipal airports that can bring in a few thousand attendees. Rich Hanson (president) stated that not hearing any objections he’ll work with the marketing committee and staff to develop a strategy to make this a primary objective for AMA.

  12. 12. Awards

    No requests for awards were presented to the EC.

Meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m.

Release Date

Fri, 03/01/2024 - 12:30

Document Type
Meeting Date
Extracted date
2024-01-20