President Column – March 2010
I’m still trying to get used to writing this column about a month ahead of publication time. Kind of screws up the timing of things I want to talk about. Speaking of timing, 2010 is just getting off to a great start and I’m asking you to start thinking about 2011 already. 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of ODS! Our historian, Siobhan Barker, is planning to do some special things to commemorate the event. One of them is to produce a notebook/scrapbook of chapters. I’d like to put out a personal challenge to each chapter to contribute to the effort by collecting local history. Siobhan brought several scrapbooks to the ODS Chapter Presidents Retreat in January for us enjoy. It was a real hoot looking through those books and seeing friends as they were 20 years (or more) ago. They created some giggles and jibes (all positive of course). Lots of those people are still very active in ODS and we all appreciate their years of dedication. Let it be a lesson for all of us.
Twenty six people attended the January retreat. Eleven of the 17 chapters were represented. General Members were represented by 2 people. We had a very interesting presentation by our Treasurer, Christopher Main, about what it means to be 501(c)3 tax exempt educational organization. It was a real eye opener. For example, we are prohibited from making any political or religious statements in publications or websites, we cannot promote, not give the appearance of promoting, any commercial enterprise, we need to have the documentation for sponsorships, including providing sponsors written confirmation of the tax exempt contributions. I think the major take away from the discussion is a reminder that all of us, the Board, Chapters, and individual members all make up ODS. If a chapter, for example, does something that violates the IRS rules, we are all responsible and accountable. We will be working on some guidance for distribution to the memberships and chapters about some of these issues with an eye towards a more thorough understanding of our responsibilities.
The ODS Strategic Plan is now up and going. One of the major initiatives is the establishment of a Financial Oversight Committee. The committee is to conduct an annual audit of ODS finances, forecast areas of potential growth and loss, evaluate the financial impact of current and future programs, and develop a proactive funding strategy. Claire Evans will chair the committee. Other members are Randie Croshaw, Rose Newman, Dolores Morgan and Christopher Main. I strongly believe that the work of this committee will have a major impact on the operation of ODS in the future.
We are also implementing an initiative to analyze past revenues and expenses for all aspects of ODS finances and be more proactive with preparation of detailed projected budget and monitoring of our annual budget.
I think everyone should have an idea where your dues money goes. Last year your $60 dues breakdown went like this: $17.00 to USDF Participating Membership dues, $8.00 to Flying Changes Magazine subscription, $9.50 to ODS Publications of the Omnibus, Roster and Test Booklet, and $25 for operation of the ODS office, Insurance and other ODS programs. This year the USDF dues increase to $20, the Flying Changes subscription to $9, and the publication costs to $11, leaving only $20 to support the ODS Office and Programs. Obviously we have a challenge on our hands.
Another Strategic Initiative is the development of annual survey of ODS membership to determine member satisfaction, areas that need improvement, suggestions for dropping or adding programs, plus some other information to determine desires and needs of membership. A team is now starting to work on the survey. Expect it to show up in your “you’ve got mail” this December. I’m telling you about this now so you can give some serious thought over the summer and be ready to give meaningful and insightful input to the survey. Francy Haupt and Debra Ringold are on the committee. As of this writing I’m still looking for someone to take charge of it.
We’ve ramped up the Education committee and charged them with addressing the educational needs identified in the survey. The committee will develop an educational plan, also considering cost and feasibility, and present recommendations to the Board. Francy Haupt chairs the Education Committee. Other members are Lou Anne McKown, Debra Ringold, and Rose Newman.
One of the constants at the retreat is the willingness of the non-board members to step forward and volunteer to participate in these important initiatives. I can only hope it continues as we compete these goals and move on to the next stages.
ODS/USDF Membership year is November 1 through October 31. As of the first week of January ODS membership was about 860. Later in the year that number typically goes to about 1100 members. It’s a rather unfortunate phenomenon that memberships start to roll in around the start of show season, frequently rush orders for a show the next week. We’ve been working very hard to make it easy for membership renewals, being the first GMO in to be able to renew on line using the USDF website. The timing of renewals is very important to ODS. Renewing promptly allows us to do a better job with our planning and budgeting process, getting our publications printed and distributed and, very importantly, helps to determine the amount of representation ODS is permitted at the USDF convention. Additionally, several clinics offered on our calendar are open to member-only, it helps our organizers accept member into these restricted activities because our insurance company considers a “member” to be “defined as individuals that are paying dues, as defined by the club’s published roster and in good standing, abiding by the club’s bylaws.” So please, if you haven’t renewed yet, take a few minutes and get it done. Mark your calendars with a reminder to renew again in November.
Many of you are aware of some USEF rule changes regarding competitions that take effect this year. All licensed shows have to be rated, there are requirements for show management, changes to the types of classes allowed and so on. Most of the changes don’t affect competitors directly but there is one you should be cognizant of. There is a new rule that scores obtained in a modified arena cannot be used as qualifying rides for Regional Championships. Competition Management is supposed to announce any arena modifications in the prize list so you are aware of them. Modifications can include things like the ring might be a little short or the geometry doesn’t allow entering the arena at A. Competitors looking for qualifying scores should pay close attention to the prize list and look for modification announcements.
I am pleased to announce the ODS Board of Directors approved applications from the Northeast Oregon Chapter and the Cascade Chapter for the Connie J. Keith Adult Amateur Camp Grants. The Grants provide $1000 to help defray the costs of a minimum 3 day long residential camp to provide educational opportunities and training for adult amateurs.
Spring is rolling around that means lots of events happening around the state. Keep checking the ODS website for news and calendar of upcoming events.
-Ed
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