Member News: AWNA adopts two-year terms for directors, President

AWNA members adopted a change in favour of more continuity for its directors and Presidents, Vice Presidents.

Members approved the bylaw change at the annual spring meeting in Red Deer on Friday, June 5th.  What it means is that starting in September 2009, members will elect the President and Vice-President (one vice-presidential position only) for two-year terms.  Directors-at-large will be elected to either one or two-year terms.  CCNA directors’ positions will be elected in the same fashion as before.  The position of Past President has been eliminated from the board, so that the commitment to serving on the AWNA board does not become too onerous.

The board approved its 2009-10 operating budget last week.  It calls for significant expenditure cuts across the board to compensate for the 27% loss of classified ad revenue during the last 12 months.  What the board is not cutting is its continued investment in sales and marketing; to help ensure that national advertising placements in member newspapers remain strong.   We have renewed our commitment in AdWest Marketing Inc. for a further two years and have of course hired Greg Foster to provide additional sales support.

We are looking at plans to develop an Internet advertising program to help boost members’ and AWNA revenue, in addition to several promotions aimed at maintaining the blanket classifieds.

One significant change is the decision by the board to not budget for a Symposium in 2010.  This event costs the association $40,000 annually.  Members present at the spring meeting in Red Deer expressed a wish that the association find a way to continue offering the Symposium, even if it means raising the fees charged to members.  The Symposium committee is now looking at ways it can keep this event alive.  An online membership survey has been sent out.  Please respond if you would like to see the Symposium continue.

Thanks.