The short version: APS finances are in good shape, but the search for a new executive (carefully not called an “executive director“) came up empty. Here are more detailed notes from Saturday, August 23rd’s General Membership Meeting of the American Philatelic Society:

Today is Ken Martin’s birthday.

Kehr Award presented to Tom Fortunato for contributions to help guarantee the future of the hobby.

About 800 APS members reach 25 years this year and (25?) hit 50….all with memberships in the 44-46,000 range. 180,000 members have joined since they did.

President Steve Reinhard: “I’ve been working very hard as your president.”

Search for “additional executive-level help:” Had about 50 applicants, telephone interviews with about 15, had 3 finalists, invited to Bellefonte. One of three took another job right before the visit. Two spent 3 days in Bellefonte, but “we” (presumably APS personnel committee) decided that both were viable candidates for the job, but “neither had everything we were looking for… and we did not want to make the same mistakes that we had in the past.” So decided to begin the process again. Not sure yet what format that will take…. doing all the work themselves or hire an executive recruiter. (I wonder how much all this cost, with nothing to show for it. -LdeV Added: about $30,000)

Construction of new library space continues. Space that is ready will be used for upcoming Aerophilately show and the postal history symposium. (Do these functions delay the preparation of the library space? -LdeV)

Membership: The rate of decrease in membership is improving “markedly”…. “vast improvement.” Hoping next year he can report membership is increasing.

Alex Haimann, chair, Board of Vice Presidents‘ report: range from non-payment of philatelic debts to non-return of books. Doesn’t give numbers of expulsions, suspensions, etc. (I asked later; he said the number of expulsions was “very low,” maybe 4 or 6. -LdeV)

Ken Nilsestuen, Treasurer: “It’s all good news.” Audit report is posted on website; no problems found. For first 6 months, about $16K ahead of budget, APRL is behind budget by about the same amount, so together…right on the mark. Over $4M in endowment as of June 30. 30,000 members, $12M building, $4M in endowment, good shape, but yes APS could use more donations. Recommending a small dues increase soon, thinking $1-$2. (This is not likely to fly and was a surprise to many APS insiders. -LdeV)

Executive Director Ken Martin:

Donations, in 12 months ending July 1 were almost $1M in cash gifts, plus 1,650 in-kind gifts, mostly stamps. Last year, put $25,000 of donated mint stamps on envelopes, this year on track for $40,000 — difference is more volunteers to put stamps on envelopes!

Many volunteers (45) during Volunteer Work Week), some of whom aren’t even stamp collectors!

This is the first year in over 20 that for the past 7 months there’s been an increase in the number of applications — small, and doesn’t counter the loss of members, but still an improvement.

Non-members can now buy from Internet Sales Unit, but pay 10% surcharge. Still have to be member to sell. Shipping now free for orders over $100 within US ($500 outside). 10 consecutive months of increased sales in Internet Sales.

American Philatelist beginning in October will have a mobile app. About 20% of membership is opening the e-newsletter on a mobile device.

Can see status of items submitted for expertizing onlne now..back to 2003. May even see an opinion before you receive it in the mail.

Although there were 5 50-year members present, with membership numbers in the 40,000’s, the meeting was adjourned by someone with a number in the 30’s.

Scuttlebutt: The APS Board is split down the middle on many issues, 5-5, with President Reinhard casting the deciding vote. In addition, the APS and APRL boards, which share responsibility for the American Philatelic Center as well as share the executive director, often disagree.