Pres Messages

President’s Message 1-1-2012  Looking  Ahead

As we look ahead to 2012, please take a moment to review some of our successes which should build momentum for the upcoming year.

In 2011 we started with approximately 250 bad addresses. That number is now down to 40 due to constant corrections and the replies received from an address correction letter.  A good database is fundamental to good dues collections.

We held a wonderful Reunion at the Glenn Curtiss Museum-Hammondsport which was attended by 55 people.  Our OX5 engine rebuilding projects are now under way with several Wings with funds allocated by the board for this project.  Other Wing projects were also approved by the Board.

The Web Site has received over 20,000 hits which means that people are viewing OX5 material.   I encourage you to browse our site at  OX5.ORG

Editor Sylvia Cook published and mailed four quality newsletters to the membership of 1,300.

We now have a reserve in the working account rather than a zero balance at the end of the year.

This allows us to concentrate on projects and growth instead of being concerned about survival.

I thank you for your generosity.

In conclusion, as we look ahead to 2012, the thrust of the Pittsburgh team/officers will be to keep the momentum alive and continue our work to grow and strengthen the organization.

I offer best wishes to the entire OX5 community for a great new year.

President’s Report  ending 2011

2011 has been a good year with the main reason for our success being the leadership of our Executive Board, Officers, support staff and members.  Ivan D Livi is completing his first year as Secretary and has kept me on my toes with his dogged persistence and attention to detail.

Treasurer Thomas J Barruso has again taken us through another fiscally responsible year.  His books balance to the penny and can supply us with up to the minute financial position reports at any time.

Among the Board of Directors’ important tasks for the year… was the recovery of monetary assets by Michael Lawrence and the update of our Club’s Constitution and Bylaws by Co-chairmen Ivan D Livi and Michael Lawrence.

Our accomplishments also show up under these sections.

Membership

Since Jan 2010, we have admitted 60 new members.  However, we must keep in mind that due to the average age of our members, we have seen 91 depart this Earth since Jan 2010.  Recruitment must be considered a priority.

Supporters

Our members are a generous lot who continue to support our Organization as evidenced by the following statistics.

We asked for your support and you always came through with flying colors.

Members who paid 2011 dues        619

Total Members who donated           249

Life members                                  162

I want to enter in the record my thanks to all members for your continued generosity.  I want you to know that we have used your money wisely to keep this club viable.

Public Relations

Our Public Relations focus this year has centered on increased communications with Wings and members.   This was achieved by being responsive to inquires,  answering letters and eMails, sending rosters and labels, mailing birthday cards and thanking members for their help.  Our Public Relations director Ivan D Livi has been very responsive and has done a superior job in this respect.

New Website   OX5.ORG

The new web site has been a huge success.  Our web site is informational, good public relations and tremendous advertising for our cause.  It has been viewed by members and the public 18,570 +  times in 6 months.  I am pleased with the numbers and consider this a success.

Club Administration

The Pittsburgh Headquarters is running smoothly under the Standard Operating Procedures which we have instituted.

Our newsletter is of high quality work produced by Editor, Sylvia Cook.

Harold Walter-as usual…has done an exemplary job as Awards Chairman.

Cheryl Dewey-has stepped up as Chairperson of the nomination committee.

Norman Brush and his Curtiss staff have done a wonderful job on the Reunion.

Past President George Vose has contributed much by advising the officers in times of need.  George wore several  hats this year.  He served as an advisor to the Officers in Pittsburgh, operated the Gift Shoppe…. and produced certificates as needed.

Service Projects

Our service projects this year included support to Mid-West Florida for Sun n Fun and support for Wisconsin Oshkosh AirVenture.  I would hope we do more for the Wings in 2012.

Strategic Plans  This will be given our attention as soon as the bylaw revisions have been ratified by the membership.     

In Conclusion

The master plan is to keep the organization on a sound financial footing, expand our accomplishments of 2010 and 2011, streamline and modernize where needed and to work toward our goals as recommended by the Officers and outlined in the mission statement and direction of the Board.

I am happy with the accomplishments that have been made in the last two years.  This organization is flying straight and level and heading in the right direction.  I would hope that 2012 is another great year of progress for our organization.