United States Stamp Society
General Membership Meeting Minutes, October 12, 2002
PNSE - King of Prussia, PA

President Jay Stotts called the meeting to order at 1 PM.  He then asked those present to introduce themselves.  Jay encouraged those present to stop at the Society table to view materials, sign in, and chat with other members.

George Wagner moved to have the minutes of the annual meeting held January 20, 2001 in Tucson approved.  (These minutes were published in the March, 2001 Specialist.)  Second by Jeff Shapiro.  Passed.

Executive Secretary, Larry Ballantyne, reported that membership the past three years has stayed around 1900 members.  This year it may drop three to four per cent, partly due to the economy, and also because the Society has not had a presence at as many shows this year as last.  In 2001 the Society added 143 members.  Of these 50 were through Rod Juell's efforts as Recruiting Chairman; 43 were from various shows, and 25 were generated from the website.  Larry encouraged the group to make people aware of the USSS when others express an interest in United States collecting.  Rod added that those who trade on eBay or other trading venues could add a tag line mentioning the Society and including the website address.  Larry added that dues notices are at the printer and should be out in early November.

David Sugar, Treasurer, reported that last year (2001) the Society made a profit of over $17,000.  He stated that this year would probably be a break-even year since income from endowments is down and it is expected that there will be fewer book sales in 2002.

The webmaster, Mike Lampson, explained that there has not been any great change in the website since the beginning of 2001.  There is a search option that allows a user to access information available on the site by entering a key word or words.  Mike urged members to forward suggestions to him.  One suggestion mentioned at this meeting was to have an option to allow each member "x" amount of web space to exhibit an item or items.  Mike said that he would have to look into what limitations may exist for that.  Another suggestion was that the USSS website could provide links to members' web pages.

Jay reported that Bob Toth continues to receive photocopies of exhibits that can be distributed on request for cost.  At this time nine exhibits are available.  Jay added that this is a way to share expertise and exhibiting techniques.  He encouraged others to submit photocopies to share with the membership.

Jay also reported on other items discussed at the morning Board meeting:

1. Progress on the Littlefield book on booklets and booklet panes continues.  Publication may be completed later in 2003.
2. Mike Perry is developing a revision of the booklet cover checklist that will contain a cross-reference checklist to help in cover identification.
3. The two most recent Durland catalogs had been published in three-year spans (1997 and 2000).  The next edition may not make that schedule for several reasons: Editor Kim Johnson has had some health problems which have limited his efforts; and the printer has higher standards regarding illustrations and type font that will require attention.  Jay added that editions previous to 1997 had been on a four-year schedule.
4. Future sites for USSS meetings are:
         2003 - Chicagopex in November
         2004 - NOJEX (Secaucus, NJ) on Memorial Day weekend

Jay asked Rod Juell, Recruiting Chairman, to share the proposal he made to the Board.  Rod said his goals are to increase membership and to retain members.  He received support from the Board to prepare a glossary of philatelic terms that could be given to prospective members and/or to new members.  As a long-term project, he suggested a series of articles and/or pamphlets to cover most aspects of the U.S. stamp hobby.  As an alternative this information might be developed as a book.  The Board considered commissioning a philatelic writer for this project.  Rod will follow up on these ideas.  Jay added that committee chairs are listed in the front of The Specialist so members can submit questions or indicate interest in a specific area.

Jay mentioned that presently there is no person serving as chair of the First Bureau issues.  He added that Barbara Mueller is stepping down as chair of the Essays and Proofs Committee.  James Patterson will take that position.

Jay also reported that there are plans to change the Society logo to include the United States Stamp Society name and retain the identities of BIA and PPNA.

Jay then asked if there were any questions or other input from those at the meeting.  Paul Bourke invited members to attend the local meetings of the Philatelic Group of Boston at the Spellman Museum in Weston.  George Wagner added that meeting dates/times/locations of various local clubs can be found at the American Philatelic Society website.  He has used that information when traveling.

Since there were no other questions or comments, Paul Bourke made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Second, Bob Thomas.  Passed.  The meeting adjourned at 1:45.

The Minutes for the Annual General Membership Meeting presented above will be submitted for approval at the 2003 Annual Meeting.

Board Meeting Committee Reports