Hey Cal,
It is good to hear from you as always! As to your request for information concerning committee assignments, I feel other members may benefit from my answer, so, I am sending as a forum rather that a reply to your PM. It is easy to volunteer for a committee, and your rewards will be great! You will be able to achieve a wonderful feeling of self satisfaction, in a job well done contributing back just a little bit of the wonderful benefits we all receive of this great association, of which each member owns a little piece. If elected, I will take a personal interest in each and every member who wishes to volunteer for a committee. Insuring that any member who wants to contribute will find the right fit for their interests and ability, in a place where their efforts can achieve the maximum success for them as well as our association.
Our standing committees are listed in the front of the newsletter, top of the page is titled 'HPOCA Club Info" , the standing committees contact person is listed under 2006 HPOCA Committee Director. This will change Jan. 1, significantly. The Membership Committee will change to become the Membership and Chapter Coordination Committee, this committee is made up of Chapter representatives, the Chairman will be Nelson LeCount, as elected persuant to the bylaws. This was done at the Dover show. Finance &amp; Planning will be chaired by Sam Meeker, who was elected at Dover also, by acclamation. Although Jim Kline resigned as the Activity Director prior to the Dover show, much strenuous conversation by many members have persuaded him to continue on until President Humes' term expires. At that time a new Activity Director will be seated, persuant to bylaws provisions for filling a vacancy. There is also the Nominating Committee, which is made up of 3 or 5 volunteers, this will be done at the Winter Get Together. There is also currently a 'Vision' committee for the HPO Foundation, it is more or less a steering committee to seek out our options concerning a museum. Let me take a moment to discuss another development. I have gotten a message from a good friend that he will be retiring this year. He is a career museum administrator. If elected one of the things I will try to do is to hire him in a consulting capacity. Let's be completely honest with each other, we don't know how to do this, we collect, and a successful museum is far more than just a building with a bunch of stuff in it. It would be greatly to our advantage to have a career professional to consult us, and educate us as to what to do, why, and where to look for things to guarantee our ongoing success as well as prosperity in this endeavor. Look at the committees, the duties of each standing committee and special committees,(nominating and auditing) is listed in the bylaws under Article VII which you can find in your latest newsletter, or on our website.
Concerning the Chapter that members seek to establish near your area. You should contact Ed Pietrzykowski, President, Empire State Oliver Collectors, folks in NY call him 'Chico', he is a great guy, and a good member. I am certain he will do all in his power to help establish this chapter, matter of fact he told me he would be taking a personal interest in this matter. His Ph# (585) 343-4237. He works days at the big milk processing plant near his home. I'd probably wait until evening to call him. He is not too hard to catch, when he isn't doing his Fire Department obligations.
I hope this answers your concerns, if not don't hesitate to get in touch!!
Have a great day!!!
Andy