Gene Klodzen
01-08-2002, 06:10 PM
The following was received from NAWCC 2nd VP John Hubby and is posted for your information. John may be reached for comment by using the email link below.
To all Chapters and Members
The NAWCC Council met in Columbia at National Headquarters on January 6
and 7, 2002. The following are highlights of actions taken in the
meeting for your information. Please note that these are NOT official
minutes of the meeting, and there may be some differences when those are
published.
John Hubby
2nd Vice President
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTIONS OF COUNCIL
January 6, 2002
The meeting was opened, and a motion approved to accept the Council
Agenda as presented.
The minutes of the July 2001 meetings of Outgoing and Incoming Councils
were approved.
The following Council actions via E-mail were ratified:
* Votes taken August 17, 2001: (a) rescinded a change in employee pension
plan contribution procedures made July 2001, pending review by Employee
Handbook Special Committee, and (b) approved for the Executive Director
to proceed payments for FYE 2002 using previous procedures.
* Votes taken September 3, 2001: (a) approved Committee appointments of
Mary Francillon to Bylaws & Procedures and John Hubby as Chairman of Web
& Technology; (b) accepted the resignation of Sonny Traphagen from
Ethics; (c) approved revised operating budget for FYE 2002; (d) defeated
motion to consider establishment of a Corporate Membership; and (e)
tabled a motion to modify the membership renewal form to show amount of
dues that would be tax deductible based on support of the NWCM.
* Vote taken November 14, 2001: Authorized Executive Director to sign a
joint certification letter with Prudential Securities to replace existing
employee pension plan with a "Simple 401(k) Plan".
Committee Personnel changes were approved for Ethics, Membership &
Publicity, Research, and Web & Technology, as follows:
* Brad Johnson was removed from Ethics and Rich Whipple from Membership &
Publicity.
* Brian Rogers was added to Research and Robert Holmes to Membership &
Publicity
* Membership of the Web Technology Committee (John Hubby, Chair) was
confirmed: Terry Casey, Mike Kearney, Ron Kowalski, Tom McIntyre, Wayne
Schlitt, Fred Tischler, Michael Tyler, Gordon Uber, Rick White. Diana
Burnett and Roger Huegel will be staff members.
The Employee Handbook Special Committee was reappointed: George Brusky,
Chairman, Bruce Gilmore, Mary Ann Wahlner, Rochelle Gaenger.
The Executive Director's Report was received. Highlights included that
total headquarters expenses were down substantially from last year, but
that income was also down. Challenge for FYE 2003 is to find additional
income sources. The School of Horology has a new Director, Dan Nied, and
is now operating in the black with a positive budget contribution
expected in FYE 2003. The Museum gained about $22,000 in grants compared
to zero last year, and a higher number is expected in the coming year.
About 90 % of accessioned items now included in the new inventory system.
Sound attenuation devices were added to the chiller units in response to
a noise abatement legal action, noise now well within regulations.
Personnel changes include appointment of Scott Sagar as Acting Curator,
replacing Michele Nichols (newly married). Recommended to hire Marketing
Director to replace Marie Killian (resigned). Retirement of Lamar
Swisher (janitorial services) after 36 years, now covered by reduction in
guard staff with reassignment of duties. A motion of appreciation to
Swisher was approved.
A motion to hire a Marketing Director to replace the vacant Special
Projects Director was approved.
The draft FYE 2003 budget was reviewed, which presently shows a cash
deficit of $120,000. Treasurer David Wood noted that the premises were
reasonably conservative. He also noted there were no "new" initiatives
yet included on the revenue side. Additional discussions on items were
held later in meeting.
NWCM Trustee Chairman Ralph Fletcher reported on funds management issues.
Discussion centered on ensuring that true endowment funds needed to
exist and be clearly identified. In summary, permanent endowment funds
will be established in January by E-mail Trustee vote for the Library and
Research Center, and for the Museum. In further discussion, David Wood
questioned the need for a Board designated reserve fund, and it was
agreed this will be reviewed.
The SGAG report was received and discussed at length. Motion was
approved to accept underlying concepts presented, with agreement to
undertake follow-up work to resolve specific restructuring actions and a
transition plan. Major concepts include:
* Delegation of more responsibility to the Executive Director for
Headquarters management, within the confines of a clear delegation of
authority and updated job description.
* Elimination of the Executive Committee, and reduction in the number of
standing committees. A verbal recommendation was to have Directors head
the standing committees.
* A smaller Council, with 9 members instead of 16.
* Revision of Bylaws to enable more flexible Council action, but with a
clear delineation of authority under which Council would operate
including type of issues requiring member referendum.
Later in meeting, SGAG were requested to immediately develop a
comprehensive proposal for delegation of authority for the Executive
Director.
The Editor's report was received. The publishing of an updated
membership roster was discussed, to be made available at cost to members.
Motion approved to proceed.
The Membership & Publicity Committee report was received. A review of
membership recruiting and retention initiatives was given, and the
results of a pilot survey focusing on member's wants and needs was
discussed. Motion approved authorizing a new Special Interest Chapter
focusing on wrist watches, named The Wristwatchers Chapter #181.
The Long Range Plan status was received, including updates of situation
analysis and challenges. Further review requested to be completed by
April 1 to be ready for NWCM Trustee meeting in early May.
The Bylaws & Procedures Committee reported that the NAWCC Operations
Manual had been fully updated, to include current Motions and Directives
of Council, procedure additions and updates for all standing committees.
Copies have been provided to all members of Council and key staff.
The Web & Technology Committee report was received. The new eMART is now
functional, with membership number registration required. The committee
will now focus on further enhancements and other areas of our Internet
presence. A motion of commendation for member Ray Fanchamps, for his
dedication and service in promotion of all aspects of our Internet
presence, was unanimously approved.
A motion was approved to rescind the membership reinstatement fee which
had been authorized in July.
A motion to reconsider the possibility of a Corporate Membership was
tabled pending establishment of a marketing plan by the new Marketing
Director.
A motion to consider a revised travel expense policy was tabled for later
review by Council.
The revised final budget for the 2002 National Convention in Anaheim,
based on reduced attendance and expenditures, was approved.
The final budget for the 2002 Seminar on Pocket Watches was approved.
President Cowan presented a new business plan document. He noted there
was a significant discontinuity between NWCM and NAWCC regarding the
present situation. The Trustees are focused on improving the quality of
the Museum including having started the application for AAM
accreditation, but don't have the funds to proceed, and the NAWCC is
focused on survival. He said he had agreed with Ralph Fletcher to name a
joint 4-person task force to review the situation and recommend actions.
John Hubby and David Wood to represent Council, to report in three
months. With regard to the business plan, the first priority is
survival, and the focus will be to take strong and positive steps to
focus on increased revenue. Such measures include staffing for marketing
and resources development on permanent basis. No more "business as
usual".
A motion was approved to hire a Development Director to focus on revenue
and fundraising for both the NAWCC and NWCM.
David Wood reopened budget discussion, as approved positions noted above
will further increase deficit if not offset by corresponding revenue.
Possible items listed: additional grants, sub-leasing of building space,
sale of excess collection items, sale of property, increased School
income. Cowan said all under review. Wood and Connelly directed to
review highest probable success items for inclusion in budget.
John Hubby reviewed progress on defining 501(c)3 question of admission of
public to Marts. Several not-for-profits are being contacted to define
their actual status (many are 501(c)6 or 501(c)7 which have major tax
disadvantages). Primary threat could be reclassification to one of
these, final report by April.
Review of Idea Bank status by Frank Del Greco, now have 10 items with
three under active review.
Regional attendance boosting ideas were discussed including Ft. Mitchell
tailgate party, early bird entry, and walkthrough of guests. Ft.
Mitchell OK if for members only, early bird per the Golden Gate Regional
model seems to work for smaller Marts but may not for large Regionals.
Counsel Mintz advised that walkthrough of guests "possible". However,
other alternatives should be followed up.
Ethics Committee issues were reviewed. John Hubby pointed out that the
Bylaw covering the Ethics Committee does not limit the type of complaint
between members, and that the only area where specific limitations have
been established is in the area of transactions between members. The
Committee were directed to review this and return to Council with
recommendations.
Motion approved that Chair of Ethics Committee, after investigation, and
on approval by a majority vote of Council, may temporarily suspend
membership privileges for a period of up to six(6)months of a member who
has engaged in misconduct, fraud, or committed a crime with respect to
NAWCC activities.
Council approved temporary suspension of member John Brion, pending his
appearance before Council.
A motion was defeated that all votes taken at Council meetings be
recorded by yeas and nays, and results be published by motion and name.
A motion was approved establishing specific procedures for E-mail votes
of Council.
A motion was defeated to rescind the $60 new member dues rate. Council
asked for more conclusive data.
The following agenda items and motions were withdrawn, mainly due to
pending action from SGAG proposals or changes in direction already
incorporated in above items:
* A motion for consideration of an associate Lifetime Membership.
* A review of Bylaw revisions proposals regarding the School of Horology,
Electronic Voting, and Reporting of Minutes.
* Motion that no new items be placed on the agenda and voted in the same
meeting.
* Motion that Parliamentarian be instructed to keep a tally of yeas and
nays for motions of Council.
* Motion to reaffirm Council's intention to uphold current Bylaws
(redundant, motion already approved July 2001)
* Motion to create a Bylaw enabling Council to experiment in areas that
step outside current Constitution and Bylaws.
* Motion to move National Elections from February/March to July/August
* Motion to eliminate position of 2nd Vice President
* Motion to eliminate position of Immediate Past President
* Motion to change number of Directors from 10 to 7
The following motions were tabled pending development of a marketing
plan:
* Motion to allow new members to sign for two years at $50 per year.
* Motion to allow current members to pay dues in two year increments
* Motion to establish a yearly dues date for all members.
The status of the Regional registration program was reviewed. President
Cowan will follow up with Gene Volk to expedite.
President Cowan proposed that in FYE 2003 there be three face to face
Council meetings, at National in Anaheim, in early November in Columbia,
and in February 2003 prior to the Orlando Regional. However, the third
meeting will require all Council members to pay their own costs.
The meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm January 7, 2002.
John Hubby
pastimes@juno.com
To all Chapters and Members
The NAWCC Council met in Columbia at National Headquarters on January 6
and 7, 2002. The following are highlights of actions taken in the
meeting for your information. Please note that these are NOT official
minutes of the meeting, and there may be some differences when those are
published.
John Hubby
2nd Vice President
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MOTIONS OF COUNCIL
January 6, 2002
The meeting was opened, and a motion approved to accept the Council
Agenda as presented.
The minutes of the July 2001 meetings of Outgoing and Incoming Councils
were approved.
The following Council actions via E-mail were ratified:
* Votes taken August 17, 2001: (a) rescinded a change in employee pension
plan contribution procedures made July 2001, pending review by Employee
Handbook Special Committee, and (b) approved for the Executive Director
to proceed payments for FYE 2002 using previous procedures.
* Votes taken September 3, 2001: (a) approved Committee appointments of
Mary Francillon to Bylaws & Procedures and John Hubby as Chairman of Web
& Technology; (b) accepted the resignation of Sonny Traphagen from
Ethics; (c) approved revised operating budget for FYE 2002; (d) defeated
motion to consider establishment of a Corporate Membership; and (e)
tabled a motion to modify the membership renewal form to show amount of
dues that would be tax deductible based on support of the NWCM.
* Vote taken November 14, 2001: Authorized Executive Director to sign a
joint certification letter with Prudential Securities to replace existing
employee pension plan with a "Simple 401(k) Plan".
Committee Personnel changes were approved for Ethics, Membership &
Publicity, Research, and Web & Technology, as follows:
* Brad Johnson was removed from Ethics and Rich Whipple from Membership &
Publicity.
* Brian Rogers was added to Research and Robert Holmes to Membership &
Publicity
* Membership of the Web Technology Committee (John Hubby, Chair) was
confirmed: Terry Casey, Mike Kearney, Ron Kowalski, Tom McIntyre, Wayne
Schlitt, Fred Tischler, Michael Tyler, Gordon Uber, Rick White. Diana
Burnett and Roger Huegel will be staff members.
The Employee Handbook Special Committee was reappointed: George Brusky,
Chairman, Bruce Gilmore, Mary Ann Wahlner, Rochelle Gaenger.
The Executive Director's Report was received. Highlights included that
total headquarters expenses were down substantially from last year, but
that income was also down. Challenge for FYE 2003 is to find additional
income sources. The School of Horology has a new Director, Dan Nied, and
is now operating in the black with a positive budget contribution
expected in FYE 2003. The Museum gained about $22,000 in grants compared
to zero last year, and a higher number is expected in the coming year.
About 90 % of accessioned items now included in the new inventory system.
Sound attenuation devices were added to the chiller units in response to
a noise abatement legal action, noise now well within regulations.
Personnel changes include appointment of Scott Sagar as Acting Curator,
replacing Michele Nichols (newly married). Recommended to hire Marketing
Director to replace Marie Killian (resigned). Retirement of Lamar
Swisher (janitorial services) after 36 years, now covered by reduction in
guard staff with reassignment of duties. A motion of appreciation to
Swisher was approved.
A motion to hire a Marketing Director to replace the vacant Special
Projects Director was approved.
The draft FYE 2003 budget was reviewed, which presently shows a cash
deficit of $120,000. Treasurer David Wood noted that the premises were
reasonably conservative. He also noted there were no "new" initiatives
yet included on the revenue side. Additional discussions on items were
held later in meeting.
NWCM Trustee Chairman Ralph Fletcher reported on funds management issues.
Discussion centered on ensuring that true endowment funds needed to
exist and be clearly identified. In summary, permanent endowment funds
will be established in January by E-mail Trustee vote for the Library and
Research Center, and for the Museum. In further discussion, David Wood
questioned the need for a Board designated reserve fund, and it was
agreed this will be reviewed.
The SGAG report was received and discussed at length. Motion was
approved to accept underlying concepts presented, with agreement to
undertake follow-up work to resolve specific restructuring actions and a
transition plan. Major concepts include:
* Delegation of more responsibility to the Executive Director for
Headquarters management, within the confines of a clear delegation of
authority and updated job description.
* Elimination of the Executive Committee, and reduction in the number of
standing committees. A verbal recommendation was to have Directors head
the standing committees.
* A smaller Council, with 9 members instead of 16.
* Revision of Bylaws to enable more flexible Council action, but with a
clear delineation of authority under which Council would operate
including type of issues requiring member referendum.
Later in meeting, SGAG were requested to immediately develop a
comprehensive proposal for delegation of authority for the Executive
Director.
The Editor's report was received. The publishing of an updated
membership roster was discussed, to be made available at cost to members.
Motion approved to proceed.
The Membership & Publicity Committee report was received. A review of
membership recruiting and retention initiatives was given, and the
results of a pilot survey focusing on member's wants and needs was
discussed. Motion approved authorizing a new Special Interest Chapter
focusing on wrist watches, named The Wristwatchers Chapter #181.
The Long Range Plan status was received, including updates of situation
analysis and challenges. Further review requested to be completed by
April 1 to be ready for NWCM Trustee meeting in early May.
The Bylaws & Procedures Committee reported that the NAWCC Operations
Manual had been fully updated, to include current Motions and Directives
of Council, procedure additions and updates for all standing committees.
Copies have been provided to all members of Council and key staff.
The Web & Technology Committee report was received. The new eMART is now
functional, with membership number registration required. The committee
will now focus on further enhancements and other areas of our Internet
presence. A motion of commendation for member Ray Fanchamps, for his
dedication and service in promotion of all aspects of our Internet
presence, was unanimously approved.
A motion was approved to rescind the membership reinstatement fee which
had been authorized in July.
A motion to reconsider the possibility of a Corporate Membership was
tabled pending establishment of a marketing plan by the new Marketing
Director.
A motion to consider a revised travel expense policy was tabled for later
review by Council.
The revised final budget for the 2002 National Convention in Anaheim,
based on reduced attendance and expenditures, was approved.
The final budget for the 2002 Seminar on Pocket Watches was approved.
President Cowan presented a new business plan document. He noted there
was a significant discontinuity between NWCM and NAWCC regarding the
present situation. The Trustees are focused on improving the quality of
the Museum including having started the application for AAM
accreditation, but don't have the funds to proceed, and the NAWCC is
focused on survival. He said he had agreed with Ralph Fletcher to name a
joint 4-person task force to review the situation and recommend actions.
John Hubby and David Wood to represent Council, to report in three
months. With regard to the business plan, the first priority is
survival, and the focus will be to take strong and positive steps to
focus on increased revenue. Such measures include staffing for marketing
and resources development on permanent basis. No more "business as
usual".
A motion was approved to hire a Development Director to focus on revenue
and fundraising for both the NAWCC and NWCM.
David Wood reopened budget discussion, as approved positions noted above
will further increase deficit if not offset by corresponding revenue.
Possible items listed: additional grants, sub-leasing of building space,
sale of excess collection items, sale of property, increased School
income. Cowan said all under review. Wood and Connelly directed to
review highest probable success items for inclusion in budget.
John Hubby reviewed progress on defining 501(c)3 question of admission of
public to Marts. Several not-for-profits are being contacted to define
their actual status (many are 501(c)6 or 501(c)7 which have major tax
disadvantages). Primary threat could be reclassification to one of
these, final report by April.
Review of Idea Bank status by Frank Del Greco, now have 10 items with
three under active review.
Regional attendance boosting ideas were discussed including Ft. Mitchell
tailgate party, early bird entry, and walkthrough of guests. Ft.
Mitchell OK if for members only, early bird per the Golden Gate Regional
model seems to work for smaller Marts but may not for large Regionals.
Counsel Mintz advised that walkthrough of guests "possible". However,
other alternatives should be followed up.
Ethics Committee issues were reviewed. John Hubby pointed out that the
Bylaw covering the Ethics Committee does not limit the type of complaint
between members, and that the only area where specific limitations have
been established is in the area of transactions between members. The
Committee were directed to review this and return to Council with
recommendations.
Motion approved that Chair of Ethics Committee, after investigation, and
on approval by a majority vote of Council, may temporarily suspend
membership privileges for a period of up to six(6)months of a member who
has engaged in misconduct, fraud, or committed a crime with respect to
NAWCC activities.
Council approved temporary suspension of member John Brion, pending his
appearance before Council.
A motion was defeated that all votes taken at Council meetings be
recorded by yeas and nays, and results be published by motion and name.
A motion was approved establishing specific procedures for E-mail votes
of Council.
A motion was defeated to rescind the $60 new member dues rate. Council
asked for more conclusive data.
The following agenda items and motions were withdrawn, mainly due to
pending action from SGAG proposals or changes in direction already
incorporated in above items:
* A motion for consideration of an associate Lifetime Membership.
* A review of Bylaw revisions proposals regarding the School of Horology,
Electronic Voting, and Reporting of Minutes.
* Motion that no new items be placed on the agenda and voted in the same
meeting.
* Motion that Parliamentarian be instructed to keep a tally of yeas and
nays for motions of Council.
* Motion to reaffirm Council's intention to uphold current Bylaws
(redundant, motion already approved July 2001)
* Motion to create a Bylaw enabling Council to experiment in areas that
step outside current Constitution and Bylaws.
* Motion to move National Elections from February/March to July/August
* Motion to eliminate position of 2nd Vice President
* Motion to eliminate position of Immediate Past President
* Motion to change number of Directors from 10 to 7
The following motions were tabled pending development of a marketing
plan:
* Motion to allow new members to sign for two years at $50 per year.
* Motion to allow current members to pay dues in two year increments
* Motion to establish a yearly dues date for all members.
The status of the Regional registration program was reviewed. President
Cowan will follow up with Gene Volk to expedite.
President Cowan proposed that in FYE 2003 there be three face to face
Council meetings, at National in Anaheim, in early November in Columbia,
and in February 2003 prior to the Orlando Regional. However, the third
meeting will require all Council members to pay their own costs.
The meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm January 7, 2002.
John Hubby
pastimes@juno.com