AMSAT Members:
There have been several recent postings on the topic of an AMSAT Annual Report. At the time of writing this (September 15, 2008) as near as I can determine the most recent annual report available to the membership is for the year 2006 (see http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/AboutAmsat/documents/finance.php).
On reading the AMSAT bylaws the closest thing I can find to a requirement for an annual report is in Section 1 which states: "An Annual Meeting of the corporation shall be held during October or November of each year at such time and place as the Board shall determine. At this meeting, the President shall present a report to the members."
I believe the bylaws should be changed to incorporate the following:
1. assign responsibility for the production of an annual report to the the AMSAT President
2. specify a list of topics which must be addressed in the annual report
3. require no more than a 3 month interval between the close of the calendar year and the publication of the annual report
4. specify that publication must consist of mailing a copy to each member or posting a copy on the AMSAT website
It might be appropriate to post the annual report on the AMSAT website and then later in the year distribute a printed copy of the annual report in the same mailing that is used to distribute BOD candidate's CVs and the BOD candidate ballot form.
If you are a current AMSAT member your comments are solicited...
Joe Cassano - K3FMA AMSAT member
Hi, Joe,
Sounds good. But:
On 15-Sep-2008, at 4:26 PM, joe cassano aka jmario wrote:
I believe the bylaws should be changed to incorporate the following:
- assign responsibility for the production of an annual report to
the the AMSAT President
The President will delegate as seen fit. What's important is that the job gets done well.
- specify a list of topics which must be addressed in the annual
report
This is an ever changing list depending on fundraising, which is a common objective of an annual report. Some judgement applies.
- require no more than a 3 month interval between the close of the
calendar year and the publication of the annual report
The Annual Report should contain information from the audited financial statement of the corporation. Normally, this isn't ready for at least six months after the close of the fiscal year.
- specify that publication must consist of mailing a copy to each
member or posting a copy on the AMSAT website
Printing and mailing costs several thousands of dollars. Suggest posting on the web site, as is done now, and putting the rest into projects.
Seems like the crew is doing reasonably well, given all requirements.
73, art..... W4ART Arlington VA
Indeed, I am a little crazy! Follow the story: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/seagull08/afeller
It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little." - Sydney Smith, writer and clergyman (1771-1845)
Joe, Responding to your questions regarding the "Annual Reports' of AMSAT:
The President has historically "Reported" to the membership on the state of the affairs of AMSAT. This presentation is done at the "Annual Meeting" of the organization and contains details not included within the "Formal Annual Report" for the outside world. There is no reason to think that this will not continue to be the practice. The Annual Meeting is a typical time to make such a presentation.
Since becoming the AMSAT Treasurer, some years ago, I have produced a full color 12 page "Annual Report" which is used in fundraising efforts. It is really designed for the "Outside World" including mention of our many projects and containing the financial report of our Auditors in an easy to read format. These reports are on the amsat.org web site for the entire world to see. Printing and mailing to 4000 ~ 5000 members would be cost prohibitive especially when we make it available on-line.
The Auditors do not complete the Annual Audit until the third quarter each year due to the press of tax deadlines. This is not uncommon in the industry. Having the Audit done within the first three months of the year is not likely to happen. The "Annual Report" is of no outside-world value without this financial information.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions. If there is anything additional I can contribute, feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Gunther Meisse W8GSM AMSAT LM: 594 AMSAT Treasurer
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of joe cassano aka jmario Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Annual Report Discussion
AMSAT Members:
There have been several recent postings on the topic of an AMSAT Annual Report. At the time of writing this (September 15, 2008) as near as I can determine the most recent annual report available to the membership is for the year 2006 (see http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/AboutAmsat/documents/finance.php).
On reading the AMSAT bylaws the closest thing I can find to a requirement for an annual report is in Section 1 which states: "An Annual Meeting of the corporation shall be held during October or November of each year at such time and place as the Board shall determine. At this meeting, the President shall present a report to the members."
I believe the bylaws should be changed to incorporate the following:
1. assign responsibility for the production of an annual report to the the AMSAT President
2. specify a list of topics which must be addressed in the annual report
3. require no more than a 3 month interval between the close of the calendar year and the publication of the annual report
4. specify that publication must consist of mailing a copy to each member or posting a copy on the AMSAT website
It might be appropriate to post the annual report on the AMSAT website and then later in the year distribute a printed copy of the annual report in the same mailing that is used to distribute BOD candidate's CVs and the BOD candidate ballot form.
If you are a current AMSAT member your comments are solicited...
Joe Cassano - K3FMA AMSAT member
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
As a former CPA, I can tell you this, a non-profit audit is "filler", low margin work for an accountant unless you're a mega-non-profit. If we requested the statements to be completed by the auditor by March 31st, you can count on about a 300-400% increase in cost. As "filler" work, the firm usually charges a substantial discount. If you started a non-profit and you asked a CPA when your fiscal year should end, it would be any month other than January-May. 70% of a firms business and revenue is in that period.
73 Greg N3MVF
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gunther Meisse Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 6:42 PM To: 'joe cassano aka jmario'; [email protected] Cc: 'Rick Hambly (W2GPS)'; 'Barry A. Baines' Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Annual Report Discussion - Meisse Reply
Joe, Responding to your questions regarding the "Annual Reports' of AMSAT:
The President has historically "Reported" to the membership on the state of the affairs of AMSAT. This presentation is done at the "Annual Meeting" of the organization and contains details not included within the "Formal Annual Report" for the outside world. There is no reason to think that this will not continue to be the practice. The Annual Meeting is a typical time to make such a presentation.
Since becoming the AMSAT Treasurer, some years ago, I have produced a full color 12 page "Annual Report" which is used in fundraising efforts. It is really designed for the "Outside World" including mention of our many projects and containing the financial report of our Auditors in an easy to read format. These reports are on the amsat.org web site for the entire world to see. Printing and mailing to 4000 ~ 5000 members would be cost prohibitive especially when we make it available on-line.
The Auditors do not complete the Annual Audit until the third quarter each year due to the press of tax deadlines. This is not uncommon in the industry. Having the Audit done within the first three months of the year is not likely to happen. The "Annual Report" is of no outside-world value without this financial information.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions. If there is anything additional I can contribute, feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Gunther Meisse W8GSM AMSAT LM: 594 AMSAT Treasurer
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of joe cassano aka jmario Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Annual Report Discussion
AMSAT Members:
There have been several recent postings on the topic of an AMSAT Annual Report. At the time of writing this (September 15, 2008) as near as I can determine the most recent annual report available to the membership is for the year 2006 (see http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/AboutAmsat/documents/finance.php).
On reading the AMSAT bylaws the closest thing I can find to a requirement for an annual report is in Section 1 which states: "An Annual Meeting of the corporation shall be held during October or November of each year at such time and place as the Board shall determine. At this meeting, the President shall present a report to the members."
I believe the bylaws should be changed to incorporate the following:
1. assign responsibility for the production of an annual report to the the AMSAT President
2. specify a list of topics which must be addressed in the annual report
3. require no more than a 3 month interval between the close of the calendar year and the publication of the annual report
4. specify that publication must consist of mailing a copy to each member or posting a copy on the AMSAT website
It might be appropriate to post the annual report on the AMSAT website and then later in the year distribute a printed copy of the annual report in the same mailing that is used to distribute BOD candidate's CVs and the BOD candidate ballot form.
If you are a current AMSAT member your comments are solicited...
Joe Cassano - K3FMA AMSAT member
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
What, pray tell, has initiated this discussion to start with?
Tim T. K4SHF 35580
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Greg Dober Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 7:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Annual Report Discussion - Meisse Reply
As a former CPA, I can tell you this, a non-profit audit is "filler", low margin work for an accountant unless you're a mega-non-profit. If we requested the statements to be completed by the auditor by March 31st, you can count on about a 300-400% increase in cost. As "filler" work, the firm usually charges a substantial discount. If you started a non-profit and you asked a CPA when your fiscal year should end, it would be any month other than January-May. 70% of a firms business and revenue is in that period.
73 Greg N3MVF
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gunther Meisse Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 6:42 PM To: 'joe cassano aka jmario'; [email protected] Cc: 'Rick Hambly (W2GPS)'; 'Barry A. Baines' Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Annual Report Discussion - Meisse Reply
Joe, Responding to your questions regarding the "Annual Reports' of AMSAT:
The President has historically "Reported" to the membership on the state of the affairs of AMSAT. This presentation is done at the "Annual Meeting" of the organization and contains details not included within the "Formal Annual Report" for the outside world. There is no reason to think that this will not continue to be the practice. The Annual Meeting is a typical time to make such a presentation.
Since becoming the AMSAT Treasurer, some years ago, I have produced a full color 12 page "Annual Report" which is used in fundraising efforts. It is really designed for the "Outside World" including mention of our many projects and containing the financial report of our Auditors in an easy to read format. These reports are on the amsat.org web site for the entire world to see. Printing and mailing to 4000 ~ 5000 members would be cost prohibitive especially when we make it available on-line.
The Auditors do not complete the Annual Audit until the third quarter each year due to the press of tax deadlines. This is not uncommon in the industry. Having the Audit done within the first three months of the year is not likely to happen. The "Annual Report" is of no outside-world value without this financial information.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions. If there is anything additional I can contribute, feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Gunther Meisse W8GSM AMSAT LM: 594 AMSAT Treasurer
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of joe cassano aka jmario Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Annual Report Discussion
AMSAT Members:
There have been several recent postings on the topic of an AMSAT Annual Report. At the time of writing this (September 15, 2008) as near as I can determine the most recent annual report available to the membership is for the year 2006 (see http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/AboutAmsat/documents/finance.php).
On reading the AMSAT bylaws the closest thing I can find to a requirement for an annual report is in Section 1 which states: "An Annual Meeting of the corporation shall be held during October or November of each year at such time and place as the Board shall determine. At this meeting, the President shall present a report to the members."
I believe the bylaws should be changed to incorporate the following:
1. assign responsibility for the production of an annual report to the the AMSAT President
2. specify a list of topics which must be addressed in the annual report
3. require no more than a 3 month interval between the close of the calendar year and the publication of the annual report
4. specify that publication must consist of mailing a copy to each member or posting a copy on the AMSAT website
It might be appropriate to post the annual report on the AMSAT website and then later in the year distribute a printed copy of the annual report in the same mailing that is used to distribute BOD candidate's CVs and the BOD candidate ballot form.
If you are a current AMSAT member your comments are solicited...
Joe Cassano - K3FMA AMSAT member
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (5)
-
Arthur Feller -
Greg Dober -
Gunther Meisse -
joe cassano aka jmario -
Tim Tapio