October 3, 2019
Via telecom
OFFICIAL
Attendees:
- Andy Argenio
- Eric Williams
- Mark Radcliff
- Jay Marsh
- Bob Brogdon
- Gary Himes
- Tim Jesky
- Lawrence Harville
- Brandon Koch (filling in for District IX Jim Tiller)
- Phil Tallman
- Lawrence Tougas
- Randy Cameron (EVP)
- Rich Hanson (President)
- Keith Sessions (CFO)
- Greg Principato (NAA)
- Chad Budreau (staff)
- Tyler Dobbs (staff during Gov updates)
Rich Hanson opened the meeting and provided conduct of the virtual meeting. Rich facilitates the virtual meeting, Chad will moderate and offer tech support.
Gov Relations
Tyler Dobbs provided a gov update. Rich Hanson, Tyler Dobbs (staff), Chrystal Pearson (staff), and DC advocacy team met with FAA leadership in September to include Air Traffic Operations. The primary focus was to increase altitudes to accommodate all clubs, flying sites, and disciplines. The FAA reassured AMA they will collaborate to address each issue.
Later in September, the AMA learned the FAA may not accommodate clubs to fly over 400 feet in controlled and up to 1,200 feet in uncontrolled. This may work for many members, but will is not a solution AMA can support since it could harm many clubs and disciplines such as sailplanes. The board supported a plan and strategy to mobilize members and Congress to shape FAA policy more favorably for AMA and to follow the intent of the 2018 FAA Authorization bill. AMA will launch the Congressional campaign in a couple days. Meanwhile Chad will continue working with their contacts to include Jay Merkle at the FAA Integration Office and Rich will continue to work with Dan Elwell at the FAA.
Tyler left the room.
Expo West
Chad discussed Expo 2019 status updates. Expo will be down 30% in exhibitors and booth sales and is facing increases in expenses at the Pomana Fairplex. While AMA has made dramatic cuts in Expo, the show will still experience a significant financial loss. The board discussed the future of vendor driven tradeshows and acknowledged that model may no longer be viable. The board challenged staff to explore new options for national member event(s) such as hosting a national show at the International Aeromodeling Center or to support District Fun-Flies.
- Motion by Andy Argenio (District I) seconded by Mark Radcliff (District III) to Sunset Expo West after the 2019 Expo and to host an event at the International Aeromodeling Center with the name and date to be determined.
- Prior to the vote, Bob Brogdon (District V) seconded by Lawrence Harville (District VIII) proposed an amendment to the motion on the floor to remove the line, “and to host an event at the International Aeromodeling Center with the name and date to be determined.” Amendment passed unanimously
- Amended motion: Motion to sunset Expo West after the 2019 Expo. Passed with 12 Y and 1 N (District X)
Nats 2019/2020
Rich challenged the board and staff to explore options to increase the promotion and participation in Nats. On October 12, 2019 AMA HQ will host a CDs and SIG leaders for the Nats to brainstorm new concepts.
Budgets 2020
The board and Chad discussed the need cuts and new revenue opportunities to have a balanced 2020 budget. Cuts and non-due revenue considerations include a reduce page count in Model Aviation. The International Aeromodeling Center will increase crop production to increase non-dues revenue. The National Model Aviation Museum hours of operations will be reduced during the non-flying season. Retail operations such as trophy and t-shirt production will be done more efficiently using third party vendors. Staff reductions and cuts with third party contracts will be required to balance the budget. Increases in fees will be necessary such as minor camping rate increases. AMA is considering maintaining a free youth category, but charging a nominal fee for membership benefits such as insurance, flying site access, and the magazine. The board supported the discussion to have a balanced budget without increasing member rates.
Rich Hanson closed the meeting. Randy Cameron (EVP) made a motion seconded by Phil Tallman (District XI) to adjorn. Passed by the council.
Release Date
Tue, 11/12/2019 - 14:47