AMA News
Announcements, news, and information from the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the elected district representatives.
2005 Election Candidate Statements
Ed. note: Campaign statements are edited by AMA staff for grammar, punctuation, and spelling only.
Executive Vice President
C. Douglas Holland, Incumbent Raleigh, North Carolina
I am the incumbent Executive Vice President of AMA and a candidate for reelection to a three-year term beginning January 1, 2006. I graduated from Duke University with a degree in accounting. I am a Certified Public Accountant and have been practicing for 55 years.
During World War II, I served in the US Navy, primarily in the Philippines. At the present time I am the President of C. D. Holland & Company, PA, a certified public accounting firm.
The Executive Vice President of AMA is responsible for the financial operations. This includes matters of finance, investing of funds, budgeting, daily accounting operations, and structuring debt to acquire fixed assets. There is involvement with the federal tax law due to the amount of revenue generated and because AMA has unrelated business income from sales of advertising by Model Aviation.
I have a great deal of academic training and practical experience in all of the aforementioned items as well as involvement in management responsibilities and consulting. In addition, my service on various committees has given me knowledge of the financial needs of AMA.
All of these factors stand me in good stead to perform for you the work that is required by this position in a manner that is both knowledgeable and professional.
My involvement with model aviation goes back to 1935 when I began building model airplanes at a YMCA camp. I have been involved in Indoor, Free Flight, Control Line, and Radio Control categories. I have been an active participant in these classes as well as a contestant in many events, including various Nationals, as well as a CD for more than 35 years. I am presently active in electric flying.
Because of my love of modeling and my extensive business experience in the field of accounting, finance, and management, I feel I am most qualified to serve as the Executive Vice President of AMA. I appreciate your support.
Horace D. Cain New Caney, Texas
The AMA executive vice president (EVP) is AMA’s chief financial officer (CFO). He guards AMA funds as your wife does yours.
AMA’s EVP/CFO should function as both financial overseer and a promoter of programs enhancing all model aviation, yet expanding the main revenue source—membership.
Four items demand attention:
- Ensuring any IRC 501(c)(3) nonrelated business is profitable;
- Increasing the membership;
- Ensuring governmental agencies are aware of AMA’s recreation and international good will; and
- Flying facility acquisition.
These items are too entwined to establish a firm priority. Each will take time along with refinements in other programs, from less-restrictive insurance, to the possibility of an AMA foundation.
Model Aviation could be a profitable activity, yet it now costs the membership almost as much as insurance. Indirectly it costs more than insurance as all AMA staff but one are accounted for under AMA staff expense.
Comparing advertising rates, AMA is second lowest, yet it is double in circulation of other top media. Bringing advertising rates to competitive levels can 1) return nearly 1.5 million dollars to AMA profits, and 2) restore the modeling media’s support of AMA programs.
Other media even sell on newsstands. Their support of AMA reaching outside the hobby will motivate other modelers to investigate this organized AMA modeling, thus helping increase membership.
Membership numbers indicate trouble. End-of-year results:
2000 - 165,365 2001 - 170,754 2002 - 173,420 2003 - 168,075 2004 - 163,709
Electric modeling’s boom definitely evidences many people still love things that fly. With outreach and new direction, some will join AMA.
AMA’s investment and marketing income cannot compare to losing 5,000 members ($290,000), far exceeding certain AMA program forecasts. Retaining 5,000 plus adding another 5,000 results in 10,000 members worth $580,000.
Now increase next year by 5% and you then have $449,500, providing a second year more than $1,000,000 better. More membership is the financial answer.
Using all media support, AMA can easily enhance both the public’s and governmental agencies’ knowledge of our educational and recreational sport by providing communications to all departments along with television networks about all activities, from the US State Department about FAI programs’ international goodwill right down to the Nat’s youngster’s picture in the local newspaper.
As the information comes and comes, some will pay attention. Auto manufacturers pay millions to television, yet not everyone buys the product, but some do. AMA can also obtain “some.” I will also ensure that you, the individual member, will have the opportunity to know all that is happening, either by MA column, or by other means.
As governmental agencies become informed, local clubs and groups will find their local governments to be more receptive to those providing worthwhile recreational activities if they have a place to do so.
While some with good ideas suggest AMA purchase and provide flying sites, as one with some real estate experience, I think AMA now lacks resources to burden itself in such expense. In the short term, AMA needs to provide local clubs with an informed local government approach. Without a facility, a club cannot function.
My advisor resources can provide both you and the EC all needed information to reference those things AMA needs for better use of current tools, growth in membership, finance resources, and outside awareness.
Only your use of the ballot will determine if AMA maintains its current downside or redirects to a strong and better future.
AMA News
District III (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia)
Bob Brown, Incumbent Bradford, Pennsylvania
The Academy of Model Aeronautics has experienced several significant changes in recent years. As your vice president, I have attempted to provide the professional leadership necessary to continue and enhance the membership benefits during this crucial period.
It is now time to focus on the needs of the individual members and the local club. The procurement and maintenance of local flying sites is of primary concern. The Academy has to enhance our programs that will enable the local clubs to obtain and maintain their flying sites. Positive liaison between national, state, and local government agencies has to be increased. Corporate involvement is also necessary. As your elected representative, I have the expertise needed to initiate this increased involvement.
Membership growth within the Academy has to be increased. To do this, the individual member must obtain additional benefits without increased cost. Programs involving the neophyte must provide the proper assistance needed to become a safe, active modeler. Today's modeling style is changing and we have to adapt to this change. A more positive alignment with the hobby industry will certainly provide benefit to all.
Apathy within society is very critical to our hobby. Unfortunately, not many club members desire to extend themselves for the club. The Academy's Leader Club Program should be extended to help encourage active club involvement and participation.
Within the modeling hobby, one can express oneself in several different avenues. We have airplanes, boats, cars, etc. The time has come for the Academy of Model Aeronautics to act as the catalyst to have all of the various organizations working for common goals. Duplication of effort is costly and often counterproductive. The primary need for all is to acquire additional sites to actively conduct our sport.
District VII (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
Bill Oberdieck, Incumbent Southgate, Michigan
I am truly honored to have been nominated for reelection for the District VII vice presidency by so many members. It has been my endeavor to represent all the members and the different venues of our district.
I pledged to do whatever I could to help our hobby/sport continue into the next millennium in my first campaign statement. And because of the strong District VII membership support, our district is moving forward.
In the slightly more than five years since I was elected to my first term as vice president, I have been involved in finding four new fields for clubs that have either lost or were going to lose their flying sites. I am currently negotiating for two more new sites.
I have instituted a District VII Web site for all the clubs to use, www.amadistrictvii.org. As promised, I have maintained a 24/7 open-door communication policy of telephone, fax, mail, and Internet.
I have also promoted the lifting of the restriction for 55-plus pound aircraft concerning when and where the modelers could fly their aircraft, providing their aircraft met all the qualifications. It will not be necessary to fly only at sanctioned events.
I have been involved with local TV, promoting our hobby/sport to our young people. I would like to continue to improve on these areas and also provide for more opportunities for our young people to get involved.
I am again asking for your support by reelecting me to serve another term as your representative to the AMA Executive Council. We have a good start in accomplishing some of the goals outlined in my first campaign statement. And with your help and input, we can continue to improve our district. We can make a difference; your vote is your voice. Thank you.
District XI (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
Bruce Nelson, Incumbent Spokane, Washington
My name is Bruce Nelson, and I represent you as a member of the AMA Executive Council. I have served in that capacity for the last six years and as an associate vice president for 22 years.
I am a retired police detective and owned my own business for 12 years. In the private sector, I have worked with managers of over a dozen major national corporations, providing their businesses with investigative and security services. I also served as a deputy coroner for Spokane County.
My past professions have taught me to deal with people in a wide variety of circumstances and situations.
I am an active modeler and have been for almost 53 years. I built my first model when I was 10 years old and have shared this hobby with my sons as well. My 16-month-old grandson is an AMA member and I look forward to sharing my hobby with him before long.
I served on AMA's Air Show Advisory Committee for more than 20 years and chaired that committee five times. This has given me the opportunity to work with many AMA staff members and have an understanding as to how the organization functions.
In that capacity I have successfully solved some complex and sensitive administrative problems. I received AMA's Distinguished Service Award for my work on this committee and for service as an associate vice president.
I am your representative to the Executive Council, which is the policy making board of directors for AMA. I am your voice to that board and help set the course of the AMA for today and for its future.
I do not have all the answers to the problems facing AMA and its members but those of you who know me know that I am not afraid to ask for advice and input.
If reelected, I promise to work with members and clubs, and to assist them with their problems and needs. My entire career has demanded that I be a problem solver, and I feel that this experience will be a great asset in this endeavor.
AMA News
"We have had many comments about our former site, saying that it looked like a park—always neat, in a valley setting with deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, ground hogs, coyotes, and one skunk! Last spring, one of our members landed near the end of the runway and a wild turkey came out of the undergrowth in full strut, and headed for his colorful airplane. We still don't know if the turkey did this thinking it was another turkey since this incident occurred during breeding season.
"The next city council meeting is March 21, at which time we will be signing the lease. As the membership was told last night at our monthly meeting, most of the paperwork has been done, and with the proper weather and soil conditions, the grunt work will start. The members are looking forward to this challenge and we all feel that the many work parties will further bond us.
"The club has a Web site that is still under construction but if you would like to see what we have so far, the address is www.washingtonrcflyers.com/.
"If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
"We signed the lease with the City of Washington the evening of March 21 at the end of the city council meeting. We had seven members present, one of whom is our unofficial club photographer, Don Pyles. We planted grass seed on the five acres on the 25th."
This is an unofficial base realignment and closure (BRAC) list and by the time that final official action takes place, it will probably change dramatically. I thought it would be an interesting reference for the possibility of future flying sites.
According to a knowledgeable official who spoke to Armed Forces News on grounds of anonymity, as of mid-December the following bases were being considered under the Base Realignment and Closure round of 2005:
BRAC 2005 - Air Force Bases Altus AFB, Oklahoma; Beale AFB, California; Brooks AFB, Texas; Cannon AFB, New Mexico; Columbus AFB, Mississippi; Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota; Goodfellow AFB, Texas; Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; Los Angeles AFB, California; McConnell AFB, Kansas; Nellis AFB, Nevada (to realign); Seymour Johnson AFB (to realign), North Carolina; Shaw AFB, South Carolina; and Vance AFB, Oklahoma.
BRAC 2005 - Army Bases Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; Detroit Arsenal, Michigan; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico; Fort McPherson/Gillem, Georgia; Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; Fort Monroe, Virginia; Fort Polk (to realign), Louisiana; Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Lima Army Tank Plant, Ohio; Natick Soldier Center, Massachusetts; Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey; Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois; Sierra Army Depot, California; and Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
BRAC 2005 - Marine Bases Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California; Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia; Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California (realignment); Marine Corps Mountain Warfare School, California; Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California (realign or close); and Marine Reserve Support Unit, Kansas City.
BRAC 2005 - Naval Bases Ingleside Naval Station, Texas; Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, New Jersey; Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi; Naval Postgraduate School, California; Naval Recreation Station Solomons Island; Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Indiana; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Virginia; Navy Supply Corps School, Georgia; Naval Support Activity, Louisiana; Pascagoula Naval Station, Mississippi; Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, New Hampshire; and Saratoga Springs Naval Support Unit, New York.
AMA News
Executive Vice President
Doug Holland
IN THE STATEMENTS of Cash Flows, the top line increase in net assets refers to the "profit" for the years of 2004 and 2003.
The numbers below that line represent items adjusted at the end of the year that appeared as expenses to operations and did not actually require money or produce money during the operations of the year. Therefore, for a cash conversion, they have to be specifically set out.
This is true for the section called change in operating assets and liabilities. After you consider all of those numbers, the: Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities for the year 2004 was $650,412.
The next two sections are INVESTING ACTIVITIES and FINANCING ACTIVITIES. The numbers show what activities generated or used the total amounts as shown. In other words, purchases of property and equipment required $322,151. The sales of investments generated $1,081,072 and AMA made investments of $1,220,016.
The FINANCING ACTIVITIES is the payment on our revenue bond issue which is our annual payment for the money borrowed to build the administration building. Using all of the items involved in producing the cash flow statement, it indicates that AMA spent $10,683 more in the year 2004 than AMA received. Therefore, if you look at the end-of-the-year numbers, you will see that for 2004, our cash and cash equivalents were $6,282,349 and for the year 2003 they were $6,293,032.
Next month I will give you a schedule on the Nats as to its contest revenue and expenses.
A couple of things to think about: A friend of mine saw a sign that said, "Live today in its fullest. Learn from yesterday. Prepare for tomorrow."
Humorous comment: Dogs have masters, cats have staff.
A-B-C Always Be Courteous. Until later ...
THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
OPERATING ACTIVITIES Increase in net assets $ 396,550 $ 845,841 Adjustments to reconcile increase in net assets to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 577,392 587,994 Unrealized gain on investments (20,084) (449,078) Loss on sales of assets — (38,159) Gain on sales of investments (127,745) (5,737) Donated investments — (10,356)
826,113 930,505
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables (25,298) 18,445 Inventory - at cost 1,065 59,383 Prepaid expenses 42,931 (162,263) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 72,406 (165,638) Competition funds escrow (285) (808) Deferred membership revenue (133,257) 217,530 Prepaid royalties and deferred IMS revenue (133,263) 8,892
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 650,412 906,046
INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment (322,151) (340,250) Proceeds from sales of property and equipment — 86,502 Proceeds from sales of investments 1,081,072 477,391 Purchases of investments (1,220,016) (372,251)
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities (461,095) (148,608)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES Principal payments on revenue bond issue (200,000) (200,000)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (10,683) 557,438
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Beginning of year 6,293,032 5,735,594
End of year $6,282,349 $6,293,032
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
