Virginia State AFA
15 Nov 08
Quarterly
Meeting
Colonial Heights, VA
CY08 Q4 (Oct-Dec)
MINUTES
1. The Meeting was called to order by Skip Williams,
State Vice President, and he led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to
open the meeting.
2. Officers’ Reports:
- Secretary’s report/roll call – Bart Barton
- Meeting notice was provided via email on 3
October 2008 , by Jeff Platte, along with registration and attendance
information. Tab 1.
- Roll call was completed with all chapters in
attendance and represented by the president or a designated vice
- The Minutes of the quarterly meeting held on 13
September 2008 at the Wardman Park Hotel were reviewed and a motion to
accept as written was provided by Goldie Golden, seconded and past
with unanimous voice acclaim. Tab 2.
- Treasurer’s report – Jim Holt
- 2008 Budget expenditures were reviewed to date,
Tab 3, along with the report of $8,411.01 in the current bank
account. Motion to accept the treasurers report was seconded and
approved.
- 2009 Proposed Budget:
- Motion to continue the line item of $100 for
Congressional Breakfast Mementoes in the Education Funds was
seconded and approved
- Motion to add a line item of $300 for Drill
Meet expenses in Education Funds was seconded and approved.
- Motion to approve the 2009 proposed budget as
presented and amended was seconded and approved. Tab 4.
- Hotel and mileage refunds were provided to
attendees via check
- VP/Admin – Al Berg
- Social Roster Update was provided. Tab 5
o
Meeting schedule for CY 08-09 was adjusted to show the 1st
quarter 2009 meeting to be hosted by Roanoke Chapter in February
o
Motion to remove the Steele Chapter from the normal rotation
due to their hosting responsibilities at the annual National Convention
was seconded and approved.
o
The VA State Quarterly Meeting Schedule was then adjusted
by rolexing one quarter forward beginning in November 2009 (now Langley
Chapter). Tab 6.
3. President’s Report – Skip Williams
·
Presented by Skip Williams due to Jeff being detained by
illness (DNIF)
·
First thank you for the opportunity to serve you and AFA.
This is your organization. I know we are all volunteers – or perhaps
draftees so if I forget that occasionally you can remind me, but cat
herding requires one to be directive at times. Thank you for serving!
·
Who gets the AFA Newsline notice in their
email? If not - you need it! P/U on line.
·
November highlights:
·
Get your bids in now for HQ AFA staff to attend your
events. Let Jim Simpson or Mary Nauheimer know. Online at
http://www.afa.org/members/visit.pdf or email him the type
event, when, who you want, POC and any relevant data.
·
Congressional memberships – get your members acceptance,
then send to HQ. Get your State money for one staff member now! I’ll
work the Senate offices.
·
Pay as you buy at the AFA store now.
·
State and Regional Presidents Meeting (Training) Oct
17-18. Very productive and motivational. Our nation needs your
efforts supporting the Air Force and AFA.
·
If you don’t get Mike Dunn’s informative data dumps, you’re
missing it. The take home here is that cutting 350 fighters equates to 8
carrier air wings (as an aside Carriers don’t’ do 24/7 ops). Congress
spent $1.3 trillion without a hearing and we can’t afford $20B to
re-capitalize the America’s Air Force.
·
Your Association is fiscally sound and will remain that way,
but in challenging times. More members would help a lot! Enter Member
Get a Member Campaign – great raffle opportunity. Development of donor
base a full time job, this is a major focus. If you want to contribute,
there is a way. Lois O’Connor is there to help.
·
501 (c) 3 status for HQ AFA is still awaiting a decision.
IRS is looking at some states. All in good time. More to follow under
new business.
·
You can be a star. **HANDOUT** Frances McKenney would like
your timely inputs for the AF Magazine, she does not get enough quality
inputs – see hand out (chapter did, not I did). Contact her - FMcKenney@AFA.ORG.
See your chapters’ stories on airforce-magazine.com – that’s where ALL
your inputs go. Right hand of the web page and click National Report! No
there is not a Chapter News page label.
·
Government Relations staff will help you target a message
for your Congressional representatives. Doug Birkey is your contact and
has significant credibility with the Congress. The Air Force leadership
has missed opportunities to tell their story effectively to Congress, but
AFA is able to backstop this. That’s why we need you.
·
Policy and Communications **HANDOUT** – Chet Curtis develops
Policy and Communications story for AFA. PR slant, but a very robust
source of “data.” Go to Field Resources/Toolkit and you will find lots of
help. Behind the Professional Development door there is a cornucopia of
great products. Letters to Editor rebuttal help is available too.
Contact them if you don’t find what you need.
·
Membership Operations – Jim Simpson is there to make your
job easier. Chapter President you need to download AFA 101. If you can’t
download a 4MB file let me know.
o
Those near bases should approach Transition Assistance
Program OPR for 5’ to pitch AFA as a networking opportunity and way to
stay in touch, brief on line at starter brief at
http://www.afa.org/members/tap.pdf
o
Foot stomper: don’t let your chapter get one dimensional
(and not just in leadership). The point is if you only have one program,
what happens if you get a new outside contact in the program that doesn’t
like the way you part your hair and shuts the door on you. Chapters grow
by doing multiple things that then bring in new blood from other parts of
the community.
o
FOG Chapter 11 Finance is updated with ROE on chapter
payments. We’ll say more later.
o
Mary Nauheimer is your advocate and ready to talk, so ask.
o
“How can we help you?” Susan Rubel is a generalist and knows
the “How.” You always get a real person when you call, never a voice
mailbox. (800.727.3337 or
service@afa.org)
·
Aerospace Education – Ann Sagle. Programs to fit every
chapter’s needs and budget. “Education” now spelled out in the mission
statement under support bullet. Utah, Texas and Virginia were asked to
share their Aerospace Education paradigm. Skip did a masterful driving
home our Chapter centric model. Again just ask and help is on the way.
·
Air Force Memorial Foundation – Pete Lindquist. Subsidiary
of AFA, but funding is fenced. Lots of interest in using the facility.
o
Arlington, VA as agreed to reposition a road, which now
allows the Cemetery to expand once the Navy Annex is demolished.
4. Chapter Reports
·
Format
a.
Overall health of chapter.
b.
Last quarter accomplishments and next quarter plans, with tie-in to
strategic plan.
c.
Membership & recruitment status.
d. Areas of concern
·
Leigh Wade #169, provided by Jim Barker,
Tab 7
·
Steele #239, provided by Nick Abate,
Tab 8
·
Danville #240, provided by Jerry Hovalter,
Tab 9
·
Tidewater #242, provided by Bill Cuthriell,
Tab 10
·
Richmond #243, provided by Dave Reisenwitz,
Tab 11
·
Roanoke #285, provided by Jim McGuire,
Tab 12
·
Langley #323, provided by Blair Ellis,
Tab 13
·
Jones #345, provided by Kevin Lavin,
Tab 14
·
Gabriel #433, provided by Ken Spencer,
Tab 15
·
N. Shenandoah #435, provided by Art Olsen,
Tab 16
5. Regional President Reports:
·
Format
a. Cross-fertilization of
good ideas.
b. Problem areas.
·
VP – North No report
·
VP – East Chip Moran
§
All 4 Chapters in the Region received National Level Awards
this year
§
Fredericksburg is the target area for expansion
·
Richmond will hold one quarterly meeting in Fredericksburg
area
·
Attempting to find leadership seed corn
·
VP – West No report
6. Central East Region Report:
·
Provided by Mason Botts,
Tab 17
7. Committee Reports:
·
Awards & Aerospace Education – Mary Anne Thompson
§
Mary Ann requested all chapters provide her and Jeff Platte
an email copy of any Aerospace Education Achievement Award for review
prior to submission. They will assist in a quick review to ensure
compliance and make additional substantive suggestions.
§
Mary Ann reviewed the Virginia & Central East Region AFA
Awards Handbook. Details are at
Tab 18.
§
Chapters were reminded to submit all National, Region, and
State Nomination Packages for individual AND unit awards, not later
than 30 April to Mary Anne Thompson at 3 Tam-O-Shanter Way, South
Yarmouth, MA 02664. Email to
mathompson67@comcast.net. Remember to cc Jeff Platte.
Mary Ann also provided an
up-to-date copy of the Central East Region awards spreadsheet at
Tab 19. It contains a running history of all individual nominations
and awards for all Chapters in the Region.
·
Fund Raising/Virginia Suite – Peter Jones
·
The 2008 Virginia AFA Hospitality Suite Final Financial
Report was presented, at Tab 20.
o
BL: $29,421 in income; $23,630 in expenses; $5.7K in profit
which is in line with previous years
·
Peter noted the following in his report:
o
Not enough information at this time to project outcome of
2009 Suite
§
Need site visit with convention office
o
No need to raise prices of sponsorships
o
But we do need to raise number of sponsorships
o
Also considering only one class of sponsorship — but we’ll
“grandfather” in those who are currently at the lower price
o
Depending on the size of the room in 2009, 15 sponsors may
be the most we can deal with
o
We’re at 12 now, and EADS and BAH want to sponsor next year
·
After some discussion, it was determined to add the topic of
Suite Sponsorships as Old Business in February
·
Leadership Development – Mason Botts
·
Chapter Revitalization Plan is available on line at AFA.org.
Provides good information for all Chapters no matter the state of their
individual programs.
·
Membership- Nick Abate
·
Nick’s highly informative and motivation presentation on all
aspect membership recruitment is at
Tab 21.
·
Nick challenged the entire EXCOM to signup one new member by
the next Quarterly Meeting. Actually had the group raise their hand and
pledge to give a “gift” of membership and be ready to report in February.
·
From a Virginia State aspect the curve is steep and we are
falling behind. Requirement is for 20 new members per month and 60 per
quarter.
·
Membership tracking is a Chapter’s bread and butter – follow
through with AFA HQ to ensure the Chapter gets the credit for new members
they signup. AFA tracking systems are from the dark age so you need to
help them.
·
Veterans Affairs – Dave Ellis
·
See report at
Tab 22 providing highlights on the following topics:
o
Air Force Examines New TBI Treatment
o
November is Warrior Care Month
o
Wounded Warrior Christmas Leave Program
o
Military PTSD Requirements Relaxed
o
Some Disability Retirees to Have Chance to Rating Redone
o
Veterans Day Program at the Memorial to Our Fallen Heroes
8. Old Business:
·
Chapter Reporting – Skip Williams for Jeff Platte
·
Please use this files label format: VA Danville 240 CY08 Q4
Act Rpt. VA is new!
·
Reports + Programs + Membership = Support payments
·
No reports no support funding. 1) Officer Report, 2) Annual
Plan(s), 3) Quarterly Reports 4) Newsletters.
·
Due dates: Officer Rosters - 31 Oct. Annual Plan – 5
December to me. Quarterly Reports – 15 November (Jul – Sep Qtr), 15
February, 15 May, 15 August.
·
HOT: Annual Plans to me by December 5th.
Mason and I enjoy the holidays! Next: 4th Quarter due
February 6th Next hoop:
·
Your reports provide roughly half our budget. Your State
depends on getting your membership numbers and filing your reports on
time! There are no surprises.
o
Quarterly: Two programming goals (25%+25%) that suit
your chapter. Newsletter 25%. Recruit 0.75% new members (from the start
of the Oct 1st OY, extras carry forward). Extra 25% credit for more
members (1.5%) – maybe you would make money buying someone a membership –
OR additional conduct or support Goals. Can qualify for OTE match of
minimum $200 up to $1,000.
·
Newsletter excusals for Oct-Dec Quarter – Jeff Platte:
Northern Shenandoah 4th Quarter Newsletter Excused
·
Always send a copy to AFA National Headquarters,
Region and State presidents. You must have a newsletter that keeps the
membership tied to your Chapter. If you loose any connection you’ll lose
the member.
·
Option 1 – “Traditional”: Electronic Contact rules –
Newsletter Distribution Chapters MUST distribute a copy of the Newsletter
to EACH chapter member EACH quarter Via either electronic or snail
mail.
·
Option 2 – “New”: Chapters undertake an annual communication
to members asking for updated e-mail addresses OR to indicate they wish to
continue receiving hard copy. For the remaining 3 quarters e-mail to all
with valid addresses and hard copy to only those who specifically
requested it. Repeat the process each year.
9. New Business:
·
Virginia Joint Leadership
Council Report – Mason Botts
- Regional Presidents’ Meeting Update
- National AFA Convention 2009 will be moving to
the Gaylord complex in MD
- VA Chapters are generally in good health
- Reminded to safe guard AFA provided address
lists and use only for official AFA purposes
- Thanks for getting all Chapter reports in on
time. Still need to work formatting issues
- There are $1,000 matching grants for Chapters’
use on “other than education.”Apply before 31 December. After that
you must meet the Chapter operating metrics spelled out for CY2009
before you qualify.
- Chapter matching Education Grant requests should
be forwarded to Mary Ann Thompson
- Drill Meet Competition – Chip Moran
- The Meet will be held the last Saturday in April
- Appreciate funding from Langley, Steele and
Tidewater Chapters
- Any AFA member that would like to attend contact
Chip for details
- Virginia 2009 Mission: Goals and Focus – Skip
Williams
o
Maintain our emphasis on AE, JROTC, etc
o
Communication Toolkit:
§
Develop a newsletter for members
§
Contact local reporters – be a willing source
§
Contact Congressional MLAs
§
Contact Civic Groups, Rotary, Lions – volunteer as
speaker/obtain speakers on Air Force issues
§
Contact Local Talk Shows-radio
§
As Issues appear affecting the Air Force write op-
ed/letters to editor/AFA will post
§
Participate in Outreach events-airshows
o
Strategic Communications Outreach (See Field
Resources/State Presidents Meeting Materials/ Comm Workshop)
§
Slippery slope in congressional knowledge, few Air Force
veteran are in Congress, base closing cut off many locals from first hand
AF experience, thrust of press coverage is all ground force operations,
Steve Canyon, Jimmy Stewart are distant memories.
o
Given the lack of awareness of Air Force requirements,
elected to include a State (Chapter) an additional Strategic Theme goal
under (1) Educate the Public.
o
Initiate quarterly contact with the local media such as:
write an Op/Ed, letter to the editor rebutting a story, call in to a talk
show, speak to non-choir (Rotary, Lions etc audience), conduct a chapter
letter writing campaign to Congress.
o
At this point in our history this maybe even more important
than recruiting new members – it may even help in recruiting
.
·
Strategic Opportunity – Blair Ellis
o
Blair discussed a partnership between the Langley Chapter
and the
Langley Civic Leaders Association at
Tab 24
o
After some discussion, it was agreed to add this item for
additional review at the February meeting.
10. Adjournment:
o
Having completed the official business on the planned agenda
and with a motion to adjourn and seconded, the meeting was adjourned to
begin the planned social events of the evening.
Respectfully submitted,
Harold H. Barton, Jr.
Virginia State Secretary
|