I was checking my messages, I do that every couple of weeks or so. I decided perhaps it might be OK to look in on this forum. Since I did, I decided it might be OK to comment. There seems to be some concern as to what is going on with the bylaws, so, I will try to touch on some high points.
As the proposal has developed, the major concern is to empower the membership. The main way we will propose to accomplish this is thru elected directors, we propose to elect all directors, thru normal election procedure, just like the officers, with the exception of the membership director. Larry Widner proposed that we change the membership committee to the membership and chapter coordination committee, and his proposal was accepted. The method of filling this position will be as follows; Each chapter will have a seat made available to them on the membership and chapter coordination committee. Chapters who wish representation on this committee will send a representative to fill their seat. This committee will meet and from representatives in attendance, shall nominate and elect a chairman. This chairman shall serve on the board of directors as the director of membership and chapter coordination. As with any committee, they will meet as reasonable and seasonable, when there are matters of concern which should be addressed, and make reports, or recommendations, to the board, and to the membership. We looked closely at the issue of chapter representation, as well as overepresentation. Taking into account that every member has one vote, regardless of chapter affiliation, there is the issue of fairness to all members. So, this becomes an issue of finding a balancing point that accomodates the contribution of chapters, with the need to treat members equally, and fairly. For those who are not aware, Larry is the President of The Oliver Gang, and one of the strongest advocates of chapter representation. But, his trademark has to be fairness, I have known him many years, when the question of equality and fairness is brought up, no matter what position he has taken, he will rethink, and he will seek fairness. This was wholly his proposal, after looking at all fiqures and factors, it was accepted. I am also a chapter President, I agree with this proposal, and find it to be an excellent balance of powers.
Nominations; This was brought to my attention by Doug Grandy, and we had several discussions on the matter, on this website. As we currently are doing can be considered normal and proper in most organizations, yet, when the President appoints a nominations committee, that committee would in effect serve at the pleasure of the President, just like other appointments. So, after much discussion and debate, we came up with a proposal which I felt comfortable with addressing to the bylaws committee. This proposal empowers the membership in the following manner: We have eliminated appointed nominating committees. What we will propose is to seek volunteers, during the membership meeting at the WGT. The number will be either 3 or 5, depending on available volunteers. If more than 3 and less than 5, or if more than 5 volunteers are available, they will decide amongst themself a method of drawing lots, to fill the highest number of available seats. By drawing lots, the definition would be some fair method using luck or skill, which is fast, fair, and in public view. An example would be drawing straws or pitching pennies, but is not limited to just these methods, any suitable method can be used, even cutting cards. The method would be at the disgression of the majority of the volunteers. After a nominating committee is seated, they will seek willing qualified nominees in a variety of methods, thru communication of normal means, a.e. mail, personal, electronic, advertising, etc. Once they build a slate, the committee chair, will announce the slate, at the Summer Show. At this time nominations from the floor will be accepted, and included on the slate. Once there appears to be no more nominations from the floor, the nominations committee chairman will ask 3 times, 'Are there any more nominations from the floor?', giving sufficient time for response each time. If there are nominations, these will be included on the slate, until such time as the chair gets no response, 3 consecutive times. At this time the chair will make the following statement, 'If there are no more nominations, the chair will entertain a motion that nominations be closed.' If there are more nominations, the chair must continue to repeat this procedure, until such time as all members are satisfied that there are no more nominations. A motion, second, and affirmative vote of the majority of voting membership present will be required to close nominations. At this time the slate will be filed with the Secretary, and must be included in it's entirity on the annual ballot. This proposal has been accepted by the bylaws committee, and will be included in proposed bylaws changes.
 With these proposed changes will come a need for additional willing candidates. Currently, I am working with the committee to create solutions for this need. To make available opportunities for members to serve on committees, and to create subcommittee positions to give members opportunity to serve, and gain experiences, as well as to stay current on issues. Members who serve on committees are more likely to find a benefit in participation, as well as to be effective in an elected position.
 Another issue I am working on is to build a mechanism which would allow an endowment trust fund for our association. This would basically take any excess revenue, and allow for investment, creating interest and dividend revenue, which would help stabilize our revenue against inflation. This is something we should be looking at as a long term solution. There are other issues financially related for the short term that I am working on, which can increase stability, perhaps there will be enough time to work this out, but it is not in the front burner, yet.
 Our committee's front burner issues are to empower the membership, and give fair and just representation, if the only thing accomplished is to propose means to do this, the committee will have done a good and honorable service to the association, any other accomplishments would be secondary. 
 Well, I guess this is enough for now, taking into account that I was wanting to be in Atlanta today, I might make it by midnight! There are other comments I would like to make on various issues, but, that will need to come later!!!
Take Care!!!
Andy