Minutes of the latest WFSC's Annual Business Meeting

The 74th Annual Business Meeting of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs was called to order by President Brian J. Liedtke at 1:00 p.m. at Madison Turners Hall, Madison, WI. Verna Shackleton gave the invocation.

Secretary Karen Weigt read the roll call of member clubs and 16 delegates responded, having previously presented their credentials. The total, therefore, of 2005 membership represented was 16 (listed below); total not represented was 15.

American Topical Association, Chapter 5

Badger Stamp Club

Central Wisconsin Stamp Club

Germany Philatelic Society, Chapter 18

Janesville Stamp Club

Kettle Moraine Coin and Stamp Club

Milwaukee Philatelic Society

Monroe Stamp and Postcard Club

Northwestern Mutual Stamp Club

Oshkosh Philatelic Society

Outagamie Philatelic Society

Polish American Stamp Club

Rockford Stamp Club

Sheboygan Stamp Club

Waukesha County Philatelic Society

Wauwatosa Philatelic Society

Treasurer Paul T. Schroeder announced that the WFSC consists of 31 clubs and 21 members-at-large. Thirty clubs paid 2005 dues based on their memberships that total 760 individuals, which is a decline of 147 from 2004. The Italian American Stamp Club has not yet paid its 2005 dues, and the Lake County Philatelic Society (Gurnee, IL) resigned its membership earlier in the year.

A motion was made to approve the minutes of the 2004 Annual Business Meeting. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

President, Brian J. Liedtke expressed his sadness at the loss of WFSC Treasurer Deanna Juhnke, who passed away last fall. He related his concerns about declining club memberships and the WFSC's financial limitations.

On the positive side, he announced his confidence in Paul T. Schroeder, the WFSC's new treasurer, and he's looking forward to celebrate the WFSC's 75th anniversary in 2006.

Brian recalled some of the highlights of WFSC activity within the past year:

• The summer Executive Board meeting was held at TRI-PEX, where two new committee appointments were made.

• The fall meeting took place in Monroe in conjunction with the Monroe Stamp and Post-card Club's annual show. The meeting featured a good discussion of the hobby's future.

• A WFSC promotional table was staffed at the revitalized MILCOPEX.

• The winter Executive Board meeting was held in Fond du Lac, where efforts to produce a cacheted cover commemorating the release of the Wisconsin state quarter was realized.

• Ted Gifford took over as the WFSC's Webmaster and revamped and expanded the WFSC's website

• The U.S. Postal Service confirmed two upcoming first days in Wisconsin.

• Dealer Bob Friedman, of Woodridge, IL, donated $100 in support of WFSC activities. Brian thanked the Badger Stamp Club for hosting WISCOPEX `05. He stated that he is proud to have had the opportunity to serve as WFSC president and will pass the gavel on to his successor with confidence in our future.

Vice President, Hank Schmidt said that he stands ready if it should become necessary for him to take over the duties of the presidency, and he thanked WFSC officers for keeping him informed of business matters. Due to health issues, he attended only one Executive Board meeting this past year. He expects, however, to be able to resume regular attendance.

Hank is active in the Oshkosh Philatelic Society (his home club), taking on some of the group's special projects. Because he is a member of the Oshkosh Postal Customer Advisory Committee, he'll assist at the first-day ceremony for the American Advances in Aviation issue. The event will be held on July 29 at AirVenture 2005.

Hank also handled getting WISCOPEX `OS publicity in Yesteryear, a popular collectibles magazine published in Wisconsin.

Secretary, Karen Weigt, reported that she performed all the usual duties associated with her position. She has kept the membership abreast of WFSC matters through "WFSC Announcements" that appear in Across the Fence Post. She also submits the "Club News" items, writes "The Club Co-op" column, and maintains the Stamp Show Calendar and Registry.

Karen serves on three committees and holds three other appointed positions. She further more served as publicity chairman for WISCOPEX 2005.

Treasurer, Paul T. Schroeder explained that he was appointed to the office of treasurer in May 2004 after illness prevented Deanna Juhnke from completing her term in office. He commended Deanna for having the financial records in good order. Paul then referred delegates to the 2004 WFSC financial report. The report showed assets of:

Paul noted that the small increase in the treasury was due to net income from WISCOPEX `04. Without that income, the WFSC would have experienced an operating loss of $377. Operating loss for 2003 was $605 and an estimate of 2005 income and expenses could result in a loss of $1,150. Factors that could reduce that loss are sufficient sales of the WFSC's Wisconsin state quarter cover and two new first-day covers anticipated for 2005. He added that several thousand dollars within the general fund balance has been reserved for up-front costs to produce a revised edition of Wisconsin on Stamps.

With the drop in club membership, the number of needed Across the Fence Post copies has also decreased. Consequently, Paul will recommend producing 500 copies of each issue rather than the usual 600.

An annual membership-at-large expense is now up to $7.10, whereas dues are just $7. Consequently, Paul will also recommend an increase in dues for that membership category.

Paul concluded by thanking WFSC officers and other volunteers who have expenses but never submit bills.

Vice President, Youth Division, MaryAnn Bowman, reported that Wisconsin continues to promote youth philately through several active youth clubs. A large number of youth exhibits are entered at this year's WISCOPEX, a testimony to clubs and leaders who graciously give of their time and materials to help youth collectors succeed. MaryAnn continues to write regularly with ideas about working with kids and various activities to keep them engaged in the hobby. Although she no longer writes for Across the Fence Post, she does write for and works closely with both the American Philatelic Society and American Topical Association while serving in various youth capacities. Many of the projects and activities that she becomes involved in are at the national level and her ideas have their grass roots right here in Wisconsin. MaryAnn assured delegates that she would continue to work hard to promote youth and philately whether representing the WFSC or other philatelic organizations.

MaryAnn thanked the many individuals and WFSC clubs that have supported youth through their generous donations of stamps, supplies and other philatelic material.

Northeast Region VP, A1 Marcus, reported that with the exception of the Wisconsin Postal

History Society, he has visited meetings of all clubs in his region. The WPHS meets once a year at WISCOPEX, and A1 will make contact with the group today.

The Green Bay Philatelic Society is doing well and recently sponsored a successful show. The Northwoods Philatelic Society (Iron Mountain) is an enthusiastic group with a meeting attendance of at least 20. It's not unusual for members to travel an hour or more to get to the meetings that often include an auction. Silent auctions are popular.

The Outagamie Philatelic Society's annual show is always well attended and dealers are surprised at the number of families that participate. The OPS believes that shows are the best way to interest the general public and at-tract prospective members. Consequently, in addition to the usual OPS spring show; the group now sponsors a fall bourse.

East Central Region VP, Vern Witt, reported that he visited five of the six clubs in his region, and he'll visit that sixth club next week. All seem to be doing well but are experiencing diminishing membership. Vern has warned clubs that WFSC dues might be raised because Across the Fence Post costs now exceed $1 per copy and postage rates have gone up.

Central Region VP, Gregg Greenwald, reported that he attended numerous meetings of the Central Wisconsin Stamp Club. He also attended one meeting of the Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society (Wausau). Gregg made attempts to contact the Chippewa Valley Stamp Club (Eau Claire) and the Northwoods Stamp and Coin Club (Rhinelander) but did not hear back from either club. He plans to make additional attempts at contact to let them know there is a representative from the WFSC that is interested in helping them clubs if and when they need it. Gregg said he looks forward to the prospect of having the fledgling Lakeland Coin and Stamp Club (Minocgua/Woodrufj9 join the WFSC.

Southeast Region VP, Art Schmitz, stated that he visited each club in his region at least once during the past year. He also attended the Kenosha Stamp and Cover Club's Christmas dinner, the TRI-PEX dinner, and the Milwaukee Distinguished Philatelist Award luncheon. Negotiations are ongoing regarding a misunderstanding involving two clubs in his region, with an optimistic outlook for a positive resolution of the issues involved. He presented two WFSC District Representative's Awards. Recipients were Dennis Mueller and Paul Zientek.

The second Southeast Region VP, Kurt Albrecht, was absent with no submitted report.

South Central Region VP, Art Gaffney, reported that average attendance at the Waukesha County Philatelic Society is about 23 of the club's 40 members. A supply of WCPS publicity fliers placed at the Waukesha County Museum recently attracted a new member. Art presented a WFSC District Representative's Award to Parnell Ryan. Unfortunately, the Lake County Philatelic Society (Gurnee, IL) recently resigned its WFSC membership.

Southwest Region VP, Valerie Cook, stated that she attended as many WFSC Executive Board meetings and visited as many clubs in her region as her full-time job would allow. Upon WFSC President Brian J. Liedtke's suggestion, she contacted all clubs in her region to request that they have a delegate present at today's meeting. Val said she's looking forward to another year of fun with philately.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance Committee, Paul T. Schroeder, Chrmn., reported that no committee action was required in the past year.

Publicity and Public Relations Committee, Karen Weigt, member, reported that she coordinated and staffed the WFSC society table at MILCOPEX `04 and today's WISCOPEX. An amazing number of people stop at the WFSC table, giving the WFSC an opportunity to direct lone collectors to club meetings and visitors to local shows. Karen urged clubs to provide the WFSC with publicity literature such as meeting schedules listing educational programs, brochures, or fliers. She displayed examples of such literature produced by the Badger Stamp Club and the North Shore Philatelic Society of Milwaukee. She produced the annual show/bourse/club meeting information flier that lists all clubs and upcoming shows. At least 600 copies of the flier are distributed annually.

The WFSC will participate in this year's National Topical Stamp Show, which will be held in Milwaukee. All visitors who stop at the WFSC table will receive a gift item, thereby keeping the WFSC's name up-front and promoting goodwill on the national level.

The WFSC is also supporting organized philately by providing an incentive for clubs to get its members to attend a seminar on club administration to be held at MILCOPEX `O5.

Delegates were directed to the WFSC's website that also lists club meeting dates and locations. It furthermore includes the "Wisconsin Idea!" page, which is a Publicity and Public Relations Committee document that promotes the WFSC as a whole.

Publicity and Public Relations Committee, MaryAnn Bowman, the other member, stated that she produced the fifth in a series of WFSC mini-exhibit pages to be used for club and hobby promotion. The exhibit pages centered on the theme of "The Arts in Stamps," which was the U.S. Postal Service theme for its 2004 stamp issues. Only current U.S. stamps were used in the exhibit for several reasons but mainly because of availability to both the clubs using the pages and for those seeing the exhibit and having an interest in trying to obtain the issues displayed. The pages were distributed to every club with the mailing of the September 2004 issue of Across the Fence Post.

This year, the WFSC surveyed member clubs asking whether they were interested in receiving a copy of the 2005 promotional pages. Six clubs returned a positive response. If the project is undertaken for another year, only those six clubs will receive the pages unless the WFSC hears differently from representatives of the clubs that did not return the survey.

As an aid to Wisconsin clubs, MILCOPEX will host a series of short workshops related to club administration. Attendees will learn the responsibilities of serving as a club officer and how to perform the respective duties. They'll also learn about tasks associated with maintaining a successful club including how to write press releases, plan educational programs, etc. The goal is to get more people involved in club activities by giving them background in-formation and training.

WFSC clubs sending members to these Saturday workshops will be rewarded. A point system is being developed as a means of deter-mining which clubs have the most participation. Winning clubs will receive one of the following prizes: $50 credit toward WFSC dues, a copy of the APS Stamp Identifier, and the APS Manual of Philatelic Judging. Anyone interested in presenting a short segment of the program or having ideas of the type of information they would like to see included should contact MaryAnn.

Judging Committee, Frank Moertl, Chrmn., was absent with no submitted report.

Wisconsin Stamp Suggestion Committee, Jay Bigalke, sole member, reported that it's highly unlikely that a Robert M. ("Fighting Bob") La Follette Sr. stamp will be issued in 2005. The anniversary of La Follette's 150th birthday, however, will not be totally overlooked. Jay is involved in plans for a special cancellation and ceremony to be held June 14 at 12:00 noon on the steps of the Capitol Building in Madison. A La Follette stamp could materialize in conjunction with the pending 2006 rate increase.

Jay related that he has received inquiries on how to promote a Sterling North stamp. A writer for the Janesville Gazette about the matter interviewed him. North, a notable author is a native of Edgerton and the 100th anniversary of his birth is forthcoming in November 2006. A group just started pushing for the stamp. Jay commented that although a North stamp is a possibility, it's a bit late as the U.S. Postal Service has already finalized its 2007 program.

Jay was instrumental in the Postal Service's decision to include the EAA's AirVenture event in its plans for a first-day of the American Advances in Aviation issue. He also assisted with the successful promotion for a first-day ceremony of the Silver Coffeepot stamp at MILCOPEX `O5.

Jay concluded with a suggestion that the WFSC contact Gary Shuler of Kenosha to design first-day cover cachets for the above-mentioned stamps. Although Jay has been designing covers for the WFSC for the past couple of years, it now could pose a conflict of interest with the potential of employment with the Postal Service. If needed, Jay could do the computer printouts of the first-day covers.

Jay announced that if he attains employment with the Postal Service, the WFSC would have to find someone to take over the Wisconsin Stamp Suggestion Committee. Jay's employment plans should be finalized by the time of the WFSC's Executive Board meeting scheduled for this June.

Committee on Exhibitions, Robert Matzek, Chrmn., reported that the committee supports the concept that exhibits and local displays build interest in stamp collecting, which leads to more involved collectors and, in turn, to greater membership in local clubs and participation in WFSC activities. The committee, therefore, has suggested that the WFSC Executive Board explore means of encouraging philatelic exhibiting.

Bylaws Committee, Karen Weigt, Chrmn., reported that the committee recommended to the WFSC Executive Board that it retain the rule that no WFSC officer shall serve as a voting delegate at the WFSC's Annual Business Meeting. The committee also guided the board in the matter of filling the vacancy of WFSC treasurer.

Newsletter Editor, Ted Gifford, related that although he didn't experience any major problems with Across the Fence Post within the past year, some issues were rather skimpy because of poor advertiser and contributor support. Regarding advertising, Ted said he has learned that many dealers want to advertise in ATFP but have not been given the opportunity to do so. He, therefore, will be soliciting advertising on his own. As to contributors, he contacted individuals who had regularly written for ATFP in the past urging them to resume their columns. New writers are needed for the "Exhibiting and Judging," "Joining with Juniors," and "Topic-Corner" columns. He warned that all articles may appear on the WFSC website. Consequently, writers should not include anything they wouldn't want seen on the Internet, and the WFSC might want to develop a policy on this matter.

Ted outlined detailed restrictions as to content and format for "Show Calendar and Registry" listings, which also will be published on the WFSC website with contact information. He additionally suggested that the editor take over "Club News, "WFSC Announcements," and "The Club Co-op" column.

The American Topical Association, Chapter 5, delegate noted that the front-page banner for page sponsorship has been empty for a long time because of limitations as to what is allowed to appear in that space. President Liedtke related that text for the $25 space is restricted to "This page sponsored by _ the blank to be filled in with a club name, an individual's name, or the name of a club-sponsored event excluding event date, location, or contact. By including more information, the space becomes an ad rather than a statement of support for ATFP.

As delegate of the Rockford Stamp Club, Ted Gifford made a motion, that text allowed within the page sponsorship space be expanded to include detailed information to advertise or promote any philatelic-oriented subject. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

In response to the suggestion that the space is now an ad and should be handled through the advertising manager, Ted advocated that the position of ad manager is redundant. All ads easily could be submitted directly to the ATFP editor. It was concluded that the matter would be discussed at the next Executive Board meeting.

ATFP Ad Manager, Dave Carney, couldn't leave his dealer booth to attend the meeting. WFSC Treasurer Paul T. Schroeder, therefore, read Dave's written report. Dave stated that in the past year, advertising revenue has dropped a bit. One reason is that many of the business-card size ads that Dave recruited when he became ad manager about two years ago have not been renewed. Dave discontinued his own ad because it did not draw any new customers.

Dave has had a problem with show ads from the Milwaukee area being sent to other individuals associated with the WFSC administration. Since they bypassed Dave, they were not prepaid and Dave had difficulty tracking down payment for the ads. Another problem arose when the charge for a club name listing on the 2004 Christmas ad page was raised. This allowed clubs the option of purchasing a quarter-page display ad for just $1.20 more than a listing. Years ago, clubs ran individual Christmas greeting display ads, which only added to the number of pages for the December issue and ran up the cost of printing. Dave also has experienced problems regarding communication with the current editor. Dave concluded with a recommendation that the WFSC do something to improve the overall quality of its newsletter.

Editorial Advisory Council, Ted Gifford, Chrmn., reported that there's been no council activity in the past year.

WFSC Historian, Verna Shackleton, reported all volumes of historical material are up to date.

BLUE BOOK Coordinator, Brian J. Liedtke, reported that he distributed update pages at last fall's Executive Board meeting, and he promoted the BLUE BOOK in his November 2004 Across the Fence Post column. Brian stated that there's more he'd like to do with the book but does not have time and would like someone else to take over the position. Tim Wait volunteered and Brian appointed him as the new BLUE BOOK coordinator.

American Philatelic Society Representative for the WFSC, Karen Weigt, reported that she has submitted all necessary reports involved with the WFSC's chapter membership. Twenty-five of the WFSC's 31 clubs also hold APS chapter or affiliate membership. The WFSC, therefore, receives an annual credit that can be used for purchasing APS publications that are passed on to WFSC members in the form of gifts or prizes. The most recent use of the credit was to acquire two booklets to be awarded as incentives for clubs to get their members to attend a club-oriented seminar at MILCOPEX `O5. The current credit balance is $58.60.

Karen urged all clubs to seek APS chapter membership. Benefits include slides shows that can be presented at club meetings, receipt of regular mailings of APS circuit books, and a quarterly APS Chapter Activities Committee Newsletter. Karen offered to get a membership application form to any interested club.

Karen encouraged all APS members to vote in the upcoming APS elections. A quorum of officers will get together sometime this weekend to confer on the WFSC's votes.

American Topical Association Representative for the WFSC, Robert Mather, was introduced as the current ATA president. Bob stated that contrary to the trend of declining club membership, the ATA is growing, mainly due to the efforts of the organization's executive director. He invited everyone to attend National Topical Stamp Show `O5, which will be held in Milwaukee in June. The show offers many innovative features and special events. He added that the APS and ATA are engaged in serious discussions about the future direction of exhibiting.

Cover Exchange Pro-gram Coordinator, MaryAnn Bowman, reported that the WFSC sponsors the exchange annually and it is open to all stamp clubs, philatelic organizations, and individuals and draws national participation. Although it is a WFSC project, usually only two or three Wisconsin clubs participate. MaryAnn urged more clubs to take advantage of the cover exchange.

The program is conducted in conjunction with National Stamp Collecting Month in October. It provides clubs an opportunity to reduce their own inventory of covers by exchanging them for different covers that can be used as club auction items, door prizes, or gifts.

Wisconsin on Stamps, Karen Weigt, Editor, said she's sorry to report that there's been no progress on the project.

WFSC Awards, John Fagan, Chairman, reported that he has not had any requests for the WFSC District Representatives Award and recipient informational forms. He prepared the 2005 Hall of Fame and the WFSC Dealer Recognition Award certificates, and he provided exhibitor certificates of participation to the WISCOPEX `OS exhibits chairman. John offered to provide the certificates already filled in. For future WISCOPEX, all he'd need is a list of the exhibitors and respective exhibit titles a week before the event.

WFSC Webmaster, Ted Gifford, said that due to a total updating, the site is approximately three times the size it was a year ago and updating is an ongoing process. He changed the password as of April 15 because he suspected some tampering with the site. He requested any available color illustrations included in articles from past issues of Across the Fence Post that have been posted.

Ted asked regional VPs to contact their clubs with a request that they check their e-mail addresses and any Web links. All bad links will be deleted on June 1.

Ted proposed that the WFSC allow each member club to have its own page on the site. He also proposed that for a fee, dealers who participate at WISCOPEX might have a page on the site. Other new pages could be offered for members-at-large and outside links of a philatelic nature.

Ted further proposed that ads that appear in Across the Fence Post be posted on the site. This, however, would involve setting up a new joint ATFP-website ad rate structure.

The WFSC Executive Board will consider the proposals.

Speakers Bureau Coordinator, Karen Weigt, reported that there are five speakers on the WFSC bureau list and she offered copies of the list to all delegates. Through the Badger Stamp Club, she has personally had the opportunity to hear three presentations which were extremely well done. She asked for more volunteers to add to the list.

President Liedtke announced that the Executive Board reviewed the policy that no WFSC officer shall serve as a voting delegate the Annual Business Meeting and decided that the rule will be retained.

Bids for Future Conventions - The Rack-ford Stamp Club reconfirmed its bid for 2006. There were no firm bids for future conventions.

WFSC-sponsored WISCOPEX 2006 (By-laws Legality) - President Liedtke called for a motion to designate the WFSC as sponsor of WISCOPEX `06. The motion (bolded) was made. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Shared Mailing List - The delegate of the Monroe Stamp and Postcard Club stated that a mailing list of 100+ names has been compiled through visitor registration at the MSPC's annual show. He proposed that clubs combine such mailing lists. The larger and more comprehensive master list could then be shared for the purpose of promoting shows to a more widespread population and for recruiting members within local club areas. He distributed written copies of the proposal describing how the project of creating the combined mailing list could be accomplished, its cost-effectiveness, and future potential. He asked clubs that are interested to contact him.

President Liedtke added that WFSC support of the proposal would be discussed at the next Executive Board meeting.

Hall of Fame Class of 2005 - In the absence of Frank Moertl, Chrmn., Hall of Fame Committee, President Liedtke read the nomination of Bernard A. Hennig for the Class of 2005.

A motion was made to accept the nominations of Bernard A. Hennig. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

WFSC Dealer Recognition Award - President Liedtke announced that the 2005 award recipient is Roy Gensch, proprietor of North Bay Stamps. The award presentation will take place at the evening banquet.

2005 Trivia Contest Prize - MaryAnn Bowman announced the winner of the eighteenth annual contest is the North Shore Philatelic Society of Milwaukee, which answered all questions correctly and had the earliest post-mark on their contest entry.

President's Award - President Liedtke presented the President's Award to Southeast Region VP Art Schmitz.

President - Maurice Wozniak was elected without opposition. Maurice shall serve for a two-year term beginning July l, 2005.

Vice President - Hank Schmidt was re-elected without opposition. Hank shall serve for another two-year term beginning July 1, 2005.

Vice President, Youth Division - MaryAnn Bowman was re-elected without op-position. MaryAnn shall serve for another one-year term beginning July 1, 2005.

Regional Vice Presidents - The following were re-elected without opposition and shall serve for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2005:

Central Region - Gregg Greenwald Northeast Region - Al Marcus East Central Region - Vern Witt South Central - Art Gaffney Southeast Region (1) - Art Schmitz Southeast Region (2) - Kurt Albrecht Southwest Region - Valerie Cook

John Pare (Chrmn., WISCOPEX `OS), in accordance with bylaws, was automatically appointed to serve a three-year term on the Standing Committee on Exhibitions with Chrmn. Robert Matzek and A1 Marcus. (Matzek retains chairmanship as Wozniak assumes the presidency, thereby being no longer available to serve on the committee.)

Automatic appointments to the Nominating Committee are Chrmn. Paul T. Schroeder, A1 Marcus, and Brian J. Liedtke.

Art Petri was appointed to serve a three-year term on the Hall of Fame Committee with Chrmn. Tim Wait and Verna Shackleton.

Ted Gifford was reappointed Newsletter Editor.

Footloose Filatelists - John Fagan, Chief Hinge Licker of the Footloose Filatelists of America (Wisconsin Pane), thanked MaryAnn Bowman for her help. He reported a treasury balance of $125.

A moment of silence was observed in honor of the following WFSC members deceased in the past year: Howard Angermeyer, Louise Burst, Roald Faja, Deanna Juhnke, Harry Keppler, Robert Johnston and Roger Szymanski.

CLOSING

A motion was made to thank the Badger Stamp Club for hosting the 2005 WFSC convention and exhibition.

The meeting adjourned at 3:04 p.m.

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Latest change June 17, 2005