Chairman's Report

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors was held at INDYPEX '05 in Indianapolis on Saturday July 9th.  Traditionally after the minutes of the previous year's meeting are approved, The Governors receive reports from the Society officers, Committee Chairmen, The Specialist Editor and the Society's Webmaster.  The Governors have the responsibility of overseeing the activities and finances of the Society.

This year, 2005 is the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the United States Stamp Society which was incorporated as the Bureau Issues Association in 1930.  The Society entered this anniversary year with a talented and dedicated group of officers and chairpersons as well as strong treasury.

I would like to share with you the highlights of the meeting as well as several important decisions that were made by the Board.  First, I am happy to introduce the new Society Logo (see above) that was approved by the Board.  Next month's Specialist will feature the story behind the design and engraving of the new die by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Chief Engraver Thomas Hipschen.

At the Annual Meeting, our fourth Century of Service Award was presented to former Society treasurer, George Voltzow.  The Board voted to present a Century of Service Award at next year's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.  The name of the recipient will be announced later this year.

In addition to introducing the Durland 2005 at the INDYPEX '05 show, the Board reaffirmed its support to the Editor, Project Manager and staff of The Encyclopedia of United States Stamps Collecting, which will debut at the Washington 2006 International Stamp Show.  Membership support in writing and reviewing this important reference book has been gratifying. Donations to the fund to defray production costs and distribute copies of the Encyclopedia to libraries have been extraordinary.  Over 300 members have contributed $100 towards this endeavor.

The Board also agreed to support financially the new publication of the Checklist of Booklet Covers 1900-1975.  The original card stock publication was issued 30 years ago.  The new publication, an all-color book with significant enhancements, will be a "user friendly," valued resource for booklet stamps researchers and collectors.

In addition to having the Society's publications listed for sale on the Virtual Stamp Club website during the past year, the Board has negotiated with the National Postal Museum to offer five of our book titles at the museum book store.

Earlier in the year the American Philatelic Society (APS) and American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) approached the USSS with a request for support of mutual benefit to their combined organizations and the United States Stamp Society.  Last year the APS/APRL opened their new American Philatelic Center building complex at Bellefonte, PA.  One of the buildings will contain exhibition and educational facilities.  The ground floor of that building will be an exhibition hall.  The second floor will contain meeting and seminar rooms.  The Board has agreed to a proposal to make a $25,000 donation to the APS/APRL in return for which the APS/APRL will dedicate a United States Stamps Society room on the second floor of the main educational facility.  The Board also authorized the expenditure of $6,000 for cabinets, shelving and display materials. Three other philatelic societies have accepted a similar proposal from the APS/APRL.

For the 75 year existence of the BIA and USSS, the Society has not had a central location to house our archives, nor has there been a way properly to recognize those who have honored our Society.  Historical documents have been stored in boxes, to be moved from one basement to another over the years.  Some of that material has been lost, but surprisingly much has survived.  In addition, only within the pages of The United States Specialist have we given recognition to the many that have served and built our Society.  These men and women deserve more than existing on the spreadsheets of officers' computers.  A Society room at the APS facility will provide us with a way to honor our past properly and serve as a tribute to the accomplishments of our Society within the greater philatelic community.

As the plans for the USSS Room at the American Philatelic Center progress, details will be available in The Specialist and on our website, www.usstamps.org.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I want to thank the Officers, Chairpersons and members who have contributed toward making this past year one of noteworthy accomplishments for the USSS.

Special events are planned for next year's Annual Meeting at the International Philatelic Exposition, Washington 2006.  We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC.

- Roger S. Brody
Chairman