President's Report March 2014
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 1:56 pm
Presidents Report – March 2014
First, let me say that it has been a most honored, enjoyable ride as President of IHMSA, but it is time for new blood, as they say. So, at the end of my term next year I will not be seeking re-election. Since my open heart surgery last year, there are more things that I wish to get into and enjoy my retirement. Thank you all for your support and understanding as we go through this journey together, I will continue to shoot and support IHMSA to the hilt.
That being said, there are some things that need to be addressed, based on what I am hearing about from the IHMSA Forum. Let me just say that I do not go on the IHMSA Forum, and the reason is, that I wish to remain neutral in my position as president. It always, amazes me, however, that those who can find fault with myself or the IHMSA Board, always have a complaint but never bring a solution to the table. In my working history, all of my bosses, said if you find a problem, come back with a solution. I don’t pretend to have all the answers for the growth of IHMSA and sustaining itself. It takes a village (membership) that said I wish to set some things straight.
First, Lorene Thompson, our only paid HQ person, she does only what the IHMSA Board asks of her and in my opinion she goes above and beyond her job description. Every year she attends the IHMSA World Championships on her own dime and for the last two years has served at the IHMSA Editor in a volunteer position. She also reads the IHMSA Forum, from time to time and does not post, also to remain neutral. At the World Championships, she is on duty to serve the attending membership starting at 7am and working long after the 5pm closing to ensure all matters of business is taken care of.
So, now let’s address her compensation. Since 2004 when the IHMSA Board appointed Lorene, a set pay was determined and she accepted the position, this amount has never been hidden and appears in IHMSA Finances as contract labor and initially saved IHMSA $20,000 annually from prior contract labor who had the same responsibilities. She has had one raise that the IHMSA Board approved in 2006. As a contract laborer, IHMSA does not have to pay payroll taxes or any other related employee expenses, these costs are passed on to Lorene and she pays them from her compensation. She provides her own internet and IHMSA pays for only the HQ telephone service. She does not keep strict 9-5 business hours Monday through Friday because that would not provide the best service to IHMSA. The office is in her home and therefore she answers calls not only during business hours but also in the evening and on weekends. IHMSA pays for the printing of score cards and other IHMSA related printing costs, but Lorene absorbs all the costs (approximately 90%) of ink, paper etc. She also provides the office space to store all IHMSA related supplies with no additional compensation. As equipment has needed replacement, she also has paid for this through her 501c company. I also want you to know that she waived her compensation for two months in 2013 and I anticipate this will happen more in 2014. Thank you Lorene for all you do!
Now, let’s address the IHMSA News. In an effort to reduce costs, we the IHMSA Board had a survey sent out to the life members to see what their thoughts were on this subject. Overwhelmingly, they all came back with “keep the printed copy”. Due to the increase in postage, this is just not sustainable for IHMSA. Therefore, we are going to have the IHMSA News posted on the IHMSA Website (details to be determined) and for those who still wish to continue receiving a hard copy you will need to notify Lorene at HQ to keep on getting the hard copy sent. Let me also address the cost of printing of the IHMSA News, our current printer, Eido has not increased their printing costs in the twenty years that they have been printing it for IHMSA and they have done an excellent job. Sadly, we just cannot continue to print the hard copy and pay postage for the mailing. Here in Minnesota all of current gun ranges went to an on-line format years ago with little or no problems. More information will be forth coming.
Next, let’s address the travel expenses of the IHMSA Board of Directors. For the past ten years the only travel expense paid for IHMSA Board of Directors was the hotel, during the World Championships. However, last year, due to the finances of IHMSA, the board itself voted to be compensated for only 50% of the costs. This year, I am going to ask them to pay for it in full, as Ken and I have done in the past, prior to me becoming president. I call this dedication, and let me remind you all that these positions are all volunteer, does anyone want to take on these positions? Please note that they all volunteer to work every day and receive no compensation for their entries at this event and often even forfeit entries they have paid for to take care of business. How many of you can say that? They also are coordinating all the match requirements well before the match to ensure that all attendees have a great time and that all runs smooth
If you wish to address issues, have ideas to keep this sport going or tell me something good, the best way to get a hold of me is by email, IHMSAPREZ@aol.com or call me at 612.554.1800.
Until next time shoot safely and often.
Nancy LaCroix
First, let me say that it has been a most honored, enjoyable ride as President of IHMSA, but it is time for new blood, as they say. So, at the end of my term next year I will not be seeking re-election. Since my open heart surgery last year, there are more things that I wish to get into and enjoy my retirement. Thank you all for your support and understanding as we go through this journey together, I will continue to shoot and support IHMSA to the hilt.
That being said, there are some things that need to be addressed, based on what I am hearing about from the IHMSA Forum. Let me just say that I do not go on the IHMSA Forum, and the reason is, that I wish to remain neutral in my position as president. It always, amazes me, however, that those who can find fault with myself or the IHMSA Board, always have a complaint but never bring a solution to the table. In my working history, all of my bosses, said if you find a problem, come back with a solution. I don’t pretend to have all the answers for the growth of IHMSA and sustaining itself. It takes a village (membership) that said I wish to set some things straight.
First, Lorene Thompson, our only paid HQ person, she does only what the IHMSA Board asks of her and in my opinion she goes above and beyond her job description. Every year she attends the IHMSA World Championships on her own dime and for the last two years has served at the IHMSA Editor in a volunteer position. She also reads the IHMSA Forum, from time to time and does not post, also to remain neutral. At the World Championships, she is on duty to serve the attending membership starting at 7am and working long after the 5pm closing to ensure all matters of business is taken care of.
So, now let’s address her compensation. Since 2004 when the IHMSA Board appointed Lorene, a set pay was determined and she accepted the position, this amount has never been hidden and appears in IHMSA Finances as contract labor and initially saved IHMSA $20,000 annually from prior contract labor who had the same responsibilities. She has had one raise that the IHMSA Board approved in 2006. As a contract laborer, IHMSA does not have to pay payroll taxes or any other related employee expenses, these costs are passed on to Lorene and she pays them from her compensation. She provides her own internet and IHMSA pays for only the HQ telephone service. She does not keep strict 9-5 business hours Monday through Friday because that would not provide the best service to IHMSA. The office is in her home and therefore she answers calls not only during business hours but also in the evening and on weekends. IHMSA pays for the printing of score cards and other IHMSA related printing costs, but Lorene absorbs all the costs (approximately 90%) of ink, paper etc. She also provides the office space to store all IHMSA related supplies with no additional compensation. As equipment has needed replacement, she also has paid for this through her 501c company. I also want you to know that she waived her compensation for two months in 2013 and I anticipate this will happen more in 2014. Thank you Lorene for all you do!
Now, let’s address the IHMSA News. In an effort to reduce costs, we the IHMSA Board had a survey sent out to the life members to see what their thoughts were on this subject. Overwhelmingly, they all came back with “keep the printed copy”. Due to the increase in postage, this is just not sustainable for IHMSA. Therefore, we are going to have the IHMSA News posted on the IHMSA Website (details to be determined) and for those who still wish to continue receiving a hard copy you will need to notify Lorene at HQ to keep on getting the hard copy sent. Let me also address the cost of printing of the IHMSA News, our current printer, Eido has not increased their printing costs in the twenty years that they have been printing it for IHMSA and they have done an excellent job. Sadly, we just cannot continue to print the hard copy and pay postage for the mailing. Here in Minnesota all of current gun ranges went to an on-line format years ago with little or no problems. More information will be forth coming.
Next, let’s address the travel expenses of the IHMSA Board of Directors. For the past ten years the only travel expense paid for IHMSA Board of Directors was the hotel, during the World Championships. However, last year, due to the finances of IHMSA, the board itself voted to be compensated for only 50% of the costs. This year, I am going to ask them to pay for it in full, as Ken and I have done in the past, prior to me becoming president. I call this dedication, and let me remind you all that these positions are all volunteer, does anyone want to take on these positions? Please note that they all volunteer to work every day and receive no compensation for their entries at this event and often even forfeit entries they have paid for to take care of business. How many of you can say that? They also are coordinating all the match requirements well before the match to ensure that all attendees have a great time and that all runs smooth
If you wish to address issues, have ideas to keep this sport going or tell me something good, the best way to get a hold of me is by email, IHMSAPREZ@aol.com or call me at 612.554.1800.
Until next time shoot safely and often.
Nancy LaCroix