APS Trims Budget To Secure Its Future
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In March, the Boards of the American Philatelic Society and American Philatelic
Research Library charged a joint Long Range Planning Committee
with presenting a plan for an immediate spending reduction of
at least $200,000 in 2009, with total recurring savings of at
least $400,000 by 2010. At a special meeting May 6, APS and APRL
staff were briefed on actions recommended by that Committee and
enacted by the Boards to meet these goals and ensure a strong,
bright, financially responsible future for the Society, the Library,
and their members.
The first of these changes — elimination of the current
Executive Director position formerly occupied by Peter Mastrangelo
— was instituted April 1, at which time Ken Martin became
APS Interim Executive Director. The Executive Director/Development
travel budget also has been substantially reduced.
Many of the reductions impact staff, including the elimination
of the organization's 4% pension contribution, elimination of
traditional year-end bonuses, and a salary freeze on all staff
through 2010. Board Member and Finance Committee travel reimbursements
also have been eliminated.
Paid APS staffing will be eliminated at two-thirds of World Series
of Philately shows, though volunteers may represent the Society
at many of the shows that will not have an APS staffer in attendance.
An APS staff representative will attend each WSP show at least
every three years.
One of the biggest savings was the rate modification negotiated
on principal and interest on the mortgage loan on the American
Philatelic Center, which dropped substantially in April.
A final cutback was the elimination of APS Public Relations Manager,
and the termination of Fred Baumann in that position effective
May 8. Hired late in 2006, Baumann was responsible for press releases
and photography, as well as promotion for the annual APS StampShow
and AmeriStamp Expo philatelic exhibitions. Since late 2007, Baumann
also prepared APS mini-albums, which will be continued after his
departure.
“It has been a privilege to work with the many fine men
and women at APS these last 30 months,” Baumann said. A member
of the Society since 1984, and a former senior editor at Linn’s
Stamp News and Stamp Collector, Baumann said, “I still plan
to proudly pick up my 25 Year Membership pin at Summer Seminar
next month.”
“Many collectors have told me they regard the opportunity
to work at the American Philatelic Center as a dream job,”
said Baumann. “Well, I did, and it was. I’m grateful
to have had the chance to learn so much.
“I can only echo what Peter Mastrangelo said earlier: The
Society is in good hands, with dedicated staff that serve the
hobby with great skill, talent, and care. They deserve your support,
and they have mine.”
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