J_R

I owe GordonMc some information, which I still do not have. In the process of trying to get it, I picked up some other information I thought was interesting. Just facts, no opinion.

The DVD program initial mailing was sent to 2500 random AMA members. The contract gave the supplier an out if less than 10% of the mailing was responded to in a positive way. The 10% was exceeded. That set the stage for the marketing test of 50,000 members, which also had a boggy percentage. That percentage was also exceeded and the company has committed to the next video. It will sell at $19.95 plus 3.95 shipping and handling. Anyone wanting a copy of the first one, that did not already receive one, can request one from HQ.

There is an “opt out” of receiving solicitations from the AMA. Those that have not selected “opt out” in the past can contact HQ and have their names removed from solicitation lists.

The partnership with TN is projected to raise $50,000 the first year, and several hundred thousand over the next few years if the interest level stays at an acceptable level.

The bank credit card program involves a contract that requires the bank to pay the AMA $900,000 over the next 7 years. About $200,000 this year.

Monies are paid quarterly.

CDignition

My Feedback: (9)

Opt out is exactly backwards of the way it should be...it should be Opt IN

Hossfly

SWEET! $200,000 first year! Then 700,000 over 6 years, or $116, 666 per year. Sounds good. That is somewhat different than most organization associated credit cards which pay the organization what is usually rebate perks for the user.

OTOH, $200,000 constitutes the equal of 3448 Open members. 116,666 equates to 2011 Open members. Of course that does not take in the administration expense of serving those members with a card, a renewal letter, and a magazine, thus the CC does bring in a better NET. OR DOES IT??

If other AMA practices could result in a 5% growth rate reference the ESTIMATED current 150,000 OPEN members, then that would be 7500 new members at an income of $435,000 FIRST YEAR, and if the growth rate continued, another 7875 the second year which added to the 1st year's 7500 would be 15375 X 58 for $891,750 income the second year, for a total of $1,326,750 JUST THROUGH THE FIRST TWO YEARS![>:] If AMA practices were to promote the hobby and grow the membership, the exponential result will far exceed the "promises" of such mediocre projects as CCs and souvenirs.

IMO, even an engineer, much less a CPA, should be able to see that AMA is stomping Pi$$-ants while the elephants run right over the top of them, yet it is not the Muncie crowd getting crushed. [:@] It's the users, out here in the trenches that need a place to fly, that bear the load.

When the membership sits and allows the organization to run full speed over that membership, then the membership will eventually feel that weight. Regardless of those that post all the "All's well in the head-shed" stuff here, just remember who feeds them and what motivates them to insult your intelligence with that which they post. In addition for you in corporate management, you well know that the head Bean-Counter is the ultimate controller of the effective policies. It's time AMA had one that is only interested in making AMA totally FOR model aviation growth and strength plus being well recognized among those that count.

abel_pranger

True enough, CDI. OTOH, I would find it much less onerous to opt of AMA 'Affinity' programs than it is to opt out of class-action lawsuits. At least it is one-stop shop, and it isn't about being suckered by ambulance chasers. It's all relative. Too bad we're talkin' about the lesser PITA. Let's see.......the affinity programs so far are projected to net AMA about $250K/yr combined. If they meet projections, however unlikely, that's less than 2 bucks per head. Raise my dues by that amount if that is what is necessary to make them go away.

Abel

abel_pranger

Now damnitall, Hoss , I resemble that remark! Think about how much better off this country would be if there were more engineers than lawyers. Look to the Orient and see how a more sensible ratio affects the economy. I submit a million to none is about right.[8D]

Abel