United States Stamp Society
(Bureau Issues Association, Inc.)
Annual Meeting, June 3, 2000
Tysons Corners, Virginia

Chairman of the Board, Roger Brody, called the meeting to order at 1 PM.  After welcoming the attendees, he asked each attendee to introduce him/herself.

The minutes of the previous meeting in Denver were approved.

Roger commended the editors of the new Durland, which was released at this show: Wallace Cleland, Kim Johnson, John Larson.  Kim Johnson commented that he was truly only an editor of the Durland and that Wallace Cleland is really the one responsible for the references in the catalog.

GH Davis was complimented for his book The Transports.

Roger then referred to the meeting of the Board and Committee Chairpersons held earlier, in the morning of June 3.  At that meeting the name change of the organization became official: the Bureau Issues Association is now the United States Stamp Society.  The basic structure will remain the same: the incorporation as BIA will remain and a new incorporation as the USSS will be enacted.  This will allow the organization the right to protect both names.  By the end of this year all of the transitional requirements should be completed.

Barbara Mueller was complimented for the series of articles in which she outlined activities of the organization over the past seventy years.  This summation was presented in The Specialist to highlight the organization's celebration of its 70th anniversary at this meeting

Roger announced that at the Board of Governors meeting it was announced that the Executive Committee had decided that two members were to be honored at the 70th anniversary banquet.

These members are:

The last induction into the Hall of Fame was ten years ago.  In the past, members were inducted posthumously; however, there is no ruling that this has to be the case.  This year it was decided to honor a member who is here with us and who has served this organization all or most of his adult years, namely George Brett.

Roger also reported on the various publications:

Roger also commended Mike Lampson, the Webmaster for the USSS web site; Mike has included a table of contents for recent copies of The Specialist on the site.  Actual copies of articles have not been put on the web.  Requests for help with research can be submitted to Mike; he will also send a copy to Leonard.

Kudos were expressed to Jimmy Galceran for his continuing recruiting efforts at West Coast shows and here at NAPEX; also thanks were expressed to Nick Lombardi for his efforts at the New York Mega Shows for the past two years.  Leonard was complimented for the terrific job he is doing with the journal; due to Len's efforts to keep the production cost-efficient, the Society is no longer losing money on the publication.

Credit was given to David Lee for his organization of the USSS/BIA meetings at NAPEX as well as his efforts to organize the tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the 70th anniversary dinner at the National Postal Museum.

Roger added that a plan to recognize members who give extra contributions may be put into effect following the next renewal drive; with permission of the members concerned, names may be listed in the journal.  Presently there are four types of memberships: member, sustaining, contributing and patron.

David Sugar stated that the actual results for last year showed a $15,000 profit, the most since David has been treasurer.  The budget for 2000 is pretty much on target as presented.  Also many members have given extra contributions.  Contributions do not have to be monetary; postage may be donated for use by the organization.

David Lee announced that ten postal souvenir bags - bags made identically to postal service specs, but with the NAPEX logo - will be offered for a $25 donation to NAPEX.  David said that these will be offered first to USSS members.

The annual meetings for the next few years are as follows:

In response to a question about photocopying exhibits, those present were told that there was information at the society's table at the show.

Roger thanked those present for coming and hoped all were enjoying the show.

The Minutes for the Annual Meeting presented above will be submitted for approval at the 2001 Annual Meeting.