State of the Society

NFSS Annual General Meeting

November 19, 1999 - The meeting was called to order at 12:00 pm by 1st Vice President Dale Laird who immediately provided opening remarks. Dale introduced the 1999 Board of Directors and presented plaques to those in attendance who will not be continuing in their current position for 2000. The 4th Vice President, Steve Hoppin, presented the current judge's panel and three apprentice judge's in attendance. Steve Hoppin introduced the new 2000/2001 Board members. The rest of those members in attendance introduced themselves and stated where they were from. Dale Laird gave the following State of the Society:

State of the Society

The president continues to run the day-to-day operations of the Society. The Education Committee is answering 2 - 3 questions a week from the NFSS WEB site. If you have Finch & Softbill questions visit our WEB site at http://www.nfss.org. The Publications department produced, labeled, collated by zip code and mailed 4,800 copies of the excellent bi-monthly Bulletin; produced all our professional Brochures and handouts and provided necessary publications for the Board. The FinchSave department is running the largest multi-species conservation program in the United States with 45 participants and 63 separate species. The paperwork required for submission is simpler than most of us keep for our own records. The Census had 88 participants and hundreds of species listed. The census is what we use to give credibility to our organization. ALL of us need to be members of FinchSave and participate in the census.

There are 29 panel judges who are fully qualified to judge all NFSS affiliated shows. A complete list of judges, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses are contained in the bi-monthly bulletin and the newest Judge's Handbook. 363 Band orders have been filled to date and 24480 bands sold. The color for the 2000 bands will be yellow. As of yet (11/19/99), they have not been received. 325,000 bands have been sold to NFSS members since 1985. 777 active members with 461 Membership renewals and new memberships have been processed so far this year.

There are 63 clubs and societies affiliated with NFSS around the world. Many of these clubs hold shows and order awards packages from the Awards Director. Several of the Regional Vice Presidents were very active this year. Jim Norman of Region 5 set up the NFSS table at the AFA convention this year and Armando Lee of Region 2 arranged the set up of the NFSS table for the Regional show. Both displays provided scores of material about NFSS. Region 2 conducted a raffle of birds; a book and a poster generating $100 in much need income for NFSS. Several other Regional Vice Presidents continue to distribute NFSS literature at bird events across the country. The NFSS table at the Nationals generated over $1,200 in memberships, donations, raffle of a book, band orders, Finchshop items, and commissions on cages sold at the table on Saturday.

We are all very pleased with the results of 1999 and look forward to a very exciting 2000.

The Treasurer, Martha Wigmore presented the Treasurer's report: Projected income for 1999 is $25,050. Projected expenses for 1999 are $28,545 for a loss of $3,495. The actions of the Board should result in a near break even for 2000. Steve Hoppin presented the Champion Exhibitor Awards for 1998 to 7 members. Martha Wigmore presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Paul Williams for judging the 1999 Nationals. Steve Hoppin and Paul Williams presented the Val Clear Award to Cecil Gunby for the best Softbill in the show. Dale Laird accepted on behalf of Cecil.

Dale Laird announced the 2000 National show site in Puerto Rico and asked Jacky Civitarese, Nationals 2000 local club show Chairman, to make a few remarks about the show, accommodations and side trips. Steve Hoppin announced the NFSS recommendation in order of preference for the 2000; Cecil Gunby, Bill Parlee, & Conrad Meinert. For the 2001 Kaytee Great American Armando Lee plus a three way tie for 2nd & 3rd. Steve Hoppin presented Ray Johnson with a lifetime membership and a lifetime Panel Judge's status for all his dedicated service and accomplishments in aviculture.

Three positions remain open for year 2000 and need immediate filling. Treasurer, Awards director, and Finchshop. Please contact any Board member to help out your Society by filling one of these very important positions. The drawing for the Finches & Sparrows book donated by Martha Wigmore was conducted. 1:15 meeting adjourned.