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freedom rider
Hello fellow New Hampshire concerned sledders,

As you are all aware there has been a great amount of controversy here on HCS and a few other forums, about the NHSA policies, the delivery times and content of the .Traveler, the website that has basically been down for 12 months plus, and last but not least the infamous insurance letter. I had the pleasure of taking up an invite, which was kindly extended to me from Carroll County Director Mr. Tom Willand and fellow HCS member tysoid 3317 ( Tyson McKenna) who is Assistant County Director from Belknap County. This meeting was held this past Tuesday evening in Tilton, N.H. at NHSA headquarters.

Fellow HCS member ZR1000 and I decided it would be good to see, firsthand, the workings of the Executive Board and interaction of the fellow Officers of NHSA and guests in a public forum. We did go basically unannounced to this meeting due to mitigating circumstances. I can speak for myself, and I think ZR1000 would agree that we were both hesitant as to how we would be received by the Board. We were pleasantly surprised at how well we were treated, allowed to speak on our own topics in the guest segment, and also allowed to enter in conversations and ask more questions throughout the night.

I, first off, would like to commend Sitting NHSA President Craig Mayo for being very patient with our asking so many questions, and treating us with respect by keeping the meeting very orderly, even when we hit some sensitive subjects i.e. Mandatory NHSA membership and insurance issues.

A)

During the first part of the meeting was the financial information and reports given by Christopher Runnals, Treasurer of NHSA. I have found that there are a lot of questions about the financial integrity of the NHSA in the past and a great deal of concern on this board, HCS, as to where the money goes. During Chris’s presentation there were number of questions, which were presented by members, as to specifics of the handouts given to fellow Board members and missing or inaccurate information. My personal opinion on this was, basically, there seems to be an overhaul of the financial record keeping and accounting procedures that is going on presently. With what transpired in front of me, I walked away more confident that the paper trail and accountability of the financial portion of NHSA is changing for the better. I think it will at this rate be a better, and more members accessible type of management. More information that is detailed will provide an easier explanation for any question that would or could be presented by a member in regards to financial matters. One question from the floor was asked if the NHSA could put a condensed financial statement in the .Traveler, in the nature of what the Maine Snowmobile association does in there’s. This question was debated kind of heavily by many people. There seemed to be quite a few of people who were against any kind of disclosure of financials except at the Annual Meeting. At that point, Terry Callum Jr., Vice President of NHSA presented to the floor an explanation as to that the NHSA is a Non-Profit 501 C4 Corporation. Any one who wants the financial information of the Association can get it from the Secretary of States office. The Annual Report is a public information article. To try to hold this info back, from the general membership, would be improper. From my understanding of the discussions thereafter, the committee will research a way to maybe include a basic breakdown of expenses and income for the Association, to be put in the .Traveler if possible. I think this will help people get a better understanding of just where the Association stands financially.

My personal opinion is that this will help open the lines of communication with the membership and provide a look into the so-called “black hole” This in reference to some people’s description of the Finances of the Association. This will bring a lot more in the way of checks and balances, and a major semblance of accountability for the financial sector of the Association.

B) The .Traveler aka the Slow-Traveler at times.

Much heated discussion at times over this. References were made as to why such slow delivery and procedures in the running of the paper. Many points were discussed in regards as to how to get the paper out to the members in a timelier manner, yet staying economical as well. It was presented that the paper’s print date has been changed to four days later this season to accommodate the manufacturers advertising campaigns. The way the paper is laid out and how the cost and responsibility for advertising is addressed was a question that I asked. It was explained to me that the inserts are printed by the advertiser, at their expense, and inserted at the printers when the paper is printed.

Questions were asked about the cost of having paper and what was associated with it. My understanding is that the paper is considered a perk or benefit of every member’s enrollment. The paper’s advertisers pay the cost of the paper being printed and the postage portion is paid out of the income from membership monies.

At this point, a gentleman whose name I did not get presented a plan for changing how the paper was shipped by the Postal Service. He made a great presentation that the paper should be designated a periodical. He suggested that the NHSA should proceed with trying to obtain a permit to do such. The way I interpreted it was that cost for shipping would drop from around 32cents per issue to around 22 or 23 cents per issue if this system were to be applied. The paper would also be treated more like a first class piece of mail instead of 2nd or 3rd class, which it is presently being categorized as. The idea was supported and voted on to proceed with the application process. This will be a lengthy but worthwhile endeavor when completed. It should save quite a significant amount of money and also speed up the delivery time on the paper getting to the membership.

I would like to say to this gentleman that he did a great amount of research for his presentation, and I as a paid member of NHSA want to thank him for his work.



I will try to finish this post over the next day or two. This meeting lasted three plus hours and a great deal of information exchanged hands. Please bear with me as to the time it takes to write this with Turkey day here. I want to put together an accurate and informational post here to give everyone a more accurate idea of the happenings’ going on at NHSA.

I still have to get on to the subject of Insurance, The Letter, and the web. Please check back when this post is completed.

Thank you very much,

Freedom Rider

Please understand that this post is just my opinion and doesn’t reflect on anyone but myself.
minik47
Freedom Rider

Thank you for the post and keep up the good work. You are the MAN!!
Old Thumper
Good report - looking forward to the rest... :div20:
Thanks
freedom rider
QUOTE(freedom rider @ Nov 23 2006, 02:40 AM) *
Hello fellow New Hampshire concerned sledders,

As you are all aware there has been a great amount of controversy here on HCS and a few other forums, about the NHSA policies, the delivery times and content of the .Traveler, the website that has basically been down for 12 months plus, and last but not least the infamous insurance letter. I had the pleasure of taking up an invite, which was kindly extended to me from Carroll County Director Mr. Tom Willand and fellow HCS member tysoid 3317 ( Tyson McKenna) who is Assistant County Director from Belknap County. This meeting was held this past Tuesday evening in Tilton, N.H. at NHSA headquarters.

Fellow HCS member ZR1000 and I decided it would be good to see, firsthand, the workings of the Executive Board and interaction of the fellow Officers of NHSA and guests in a public forum. We did go basically unannounced to this meeting due to mitigating circumstances. I can speak for myself, and I think ZR1000 would agree that we were both hesitant as to how we would be received by the Board. We were pleasantly surprised at how well we were treated, allowed to speak on our own topics in the guest segment, and also allowed to enter in conversations and ask more questions throughout the night.

I, first off, would like to commend Sitting NHSA President Craig Mayo for being very patient with our asking so many questions, and treating us with respect by keeping the meeting very orderly, even when we hit some sensitive subjects i.e. Mandatory NHSA membership and insurance issues.

A)

During the first part of the meeting was the financial information and reports given by Christopher Runnals, Treasurer of NHSA. I have found that there are a lot of questions about the financial integrity of the NHSA in the past and a great deal of concern on this board, HCS, as to where the money goes. During Chris’s presentation there were number of questions, which were presented by members, as to specifics of the handouts given to fellow Board members and missing or inaccurate information. My personal opinion on this was, basically, there seems to be an overhaul of the financial record keeping and accounting procedures that is going on presently. With what transpired in front of me, I walked away more confident that the paper trail and accountability of the financial portion of NHSA is changing for the better. I think it will at this rate be a better, and more members accessible type of management. More information that is detailed will provide an easier explanation for any question that would or could be presented by a member in regards to financial matters. One question from the floor was asked if the NHSA could put a condensed financial statement in the .Traveler, in the nature of what the Maine Snowmobile association does in there’s. This question was debated kind of heavily by many people. There seemed to be quite a few of people who were against any kind of disclosure of financials except at the Annual Meeting. At that point, Terry Callum Jr., Vice President of NHSA presented to the floor an explanation as to that the NHSA is a Non-Profit 501 C4 Corporation. Any one who wants the financial information of the Association can get it from the Secretary of States office. The Annual Report is a public information article. To try to hold this info back, from the general membership, would be improper. From my understanding of the discussions thereafter, the committee will research a way to maybe include a basic breakdown of expenses and income for the Association, to be put in the .Traveler if possible. I think this will help people get a better understanding of just where the Association stands financially.

My personal opinion is that this will help open the lines of communication with the membership and provide a look into the so-called “black hole” This in reference to some people’s description of the Finances of the Association. This will bring a lot more in the way of checks and balances, and a major semblance of accountability for the financial sector of the Association.

B) The .Traveler aka the Slow-Traveler at times.

Much heated discussion at times over this. References were made as to why such slow delivery and procedures in the running of the paper. Many points were discussed in regards as to how to get the paper out to the members in a timelier manner, yet staying economical as well. It was presented that the paper’s print date has been changed to four days later this season to accommodate the manufacturers advertising campaigns. The way the paper is laid out and how the cost and responsibility for advertising is addressed was a question that I asked. It was explained to me that the inserts are printed by the advertiser, at their expense, and inserted at the printers when the paper is printed.

Questions were asked about the cost of having paper and what was associated with it. My understanding is that the paper is considered a perk or benefit of every member’s enrollment. The paper’s advertisers pay the cost of the paper being printed and the postage portion is paid out of the income from membership monies.

At this point, a gentleman whose name I did not get presented a plan for changing how the paper was shipped by the Postal Service. He made a great presentation that the paper should be designated a periodical. He suggested that the NHSA should proceed with trying to obtain a permit to do such. The way I interpreted it was that cost for shipping would drop from around 32cents per issue to around 22 or 23 cents per issue if this system were to be applied. The paper would also be treated more like a first class piece of mail instead of 2nd or 3rd class, which it is presently being categorized as. The idea was supported and voted on to proceed with the application process. This will be a lengthy but worthwhile endeavor when completed. It should save quite a significant amount of money and also speed up the delivery time on the paper getting to the membership.

I would like to say to this gentleman that he did a great amount of research for his presentation, and I as a paid member of NHSA want to thank him for his work.
I will try to finish this post over the next day or two. This meeting lasted three plus hours and a great deal of information exchanged hands. Please bear with me as to the time it takes to write this with Turkey day here. I want to put together an accurate and informational post here to give everyone a more accurate idea of the happenings’ going on at NHSA.

I still have to get on to the subject of Insurance, The Letter, and the web. Please check back when this post is completed.

Thank you very much,

Freedom Rider

Please understand that this post is just my opinion and doesn’t reflect on anyone but myself.

I received a pm with the gentlemans name that I was referring to for the postal permit plan. He was John Violette, Past President NHSA. He was very passionate about this avenue to provide a better and a more cost efficent service for the Association members. :div20:
NH_RED
Thanks for the report FR. If they need any input on printing and mailing advice i have a fair bit of experience with that :div20: . Lots of ways to save money. I wouldn't mind working with them on it once our new press is up and running :beerchug: Click to view attachment
freedom rider
QUOTE(NH_RED @ Nov 23 2006, 11:13 AM) *
Thanks for the report FR. If they need any input on printing and mailing advice i have a fair bit of experience with that :div20: . Lots of ways to save money. I wouldn't mind working with them on it once our new press is up and running :beerchug: Click to view attachment

I know after speaking with the Board on very subject of getting more people involved on Committee that oversees paper, that you would be a very welcome addition.

Maybe you could try to go to the meeting as I know I will. Plenty more questions to be asked.
ckf
QUOTE(freedom rider @ Nov 23 2006, 02:40 AM) *
Hello fellow New Hampshire concerned sledders,

As you are all aware there has been a great amount of controversy here on HCS and a few other forums, about the NHSA policies, the delivery times and content of the .Traveler, the website that has basically been down for 12 months plus, and last but not least the infamous insurance letter. I had the pleasure of taking up an invite, which was kindly extended to me from Carroll County Director Mr. Tom Willand and fellow HCS member tysoid 3317 ( Tyson McKenna) who is Assistant County Director from Belknap County. This meeting was held this past Tuesday evening in Tilton, N.H. at NHSA headquarters.

Fellow HCS member ZR1000 and I decided it would be good to see, firsthand, the workings of the Executive Board and interaction of the fellow Officers of NHSA and guests in a public forum. We did go basically unannounced to this meeting due to mitigating circumstances. I can speak for myself, and I think ZR1000 would agree that we were both hesitant as to how we would be received by the Board. We were pleasantly surprised at how well we were treated, allowed to speak on our own topics in the guest segment, and also allowed to enter in conversations and ask more questions throughout the night.

I, first off, would like to commend Sitting NHSA President Craig Mayo for being very patient with our asking so many questions, and treating us with respect by keeping the meeting very orderly, even when we hit some sensitive subjects i.e. Mandatory NHSA membership and insurance issues.

A)

During the first part of the meeting was the financial information and reports given by Christopher Runnals, Treasurer of NHSA. I have found that there are a lot of questions about the financial integrity of the NHSA in the past and a great deal of concern on this board, HCS, as to where the money goes. During Chris’s presentation there were number of questions, which were presented by members, as to specifics of the handouts given to fellow Board members and missing or inaccurate information. My personal opinion on this was, basically, there seems to be an overhaul of the financial record keeping and accounting procedures that is going on presently. With what transpired in front of me, I walked away more confident that the paper trail and accountability of the financial portion of NHSA is changing for the better. I think it will at this rate be a better, and more members accessible type of management. More information that is detailed will provide an easier explanation for any question that would or could be presented by a member in regards to financial matters. One question from the floor was asked if the NHSA could put a condensed financial statement in the .Traveler, in the nature of what the Maine Snowmobile association does in there’s. This question was debated kind of heavily by many people. There seemed to be quite a few of people who were against any kind of disclosure of financials except at the Annual Meeting. At that point, Terry Callum Jr., Vice President of NHSA presented to the floor an explanation as to that the NHSA is a Non-Profit 501 C4 Corporation. Any one who wants the financial information of the Association can get it from the Secretary of States office. The Annual Report is a public information article. To try to hold this info back, from the general membership, would be improper. From my understanding of the discussions thereafter, the committee will research a way to maybe include a basic breakdown of expenses and income for the Association, to be put in the .Traveler if possible. I think this will help people get a better understanding of just where the Association stands financially.

My personal opinion is that this will help open the lines of communication with the membership and provide a look into the so-called “black hole” This in reference to some people’s description of the Finances of the Association. This will bring a lot more in the way of checks and balances, and a major semblance of accountability for the financial sector of the Association.

B) The .Traveler aka the Slow-Traveler at times.

Much heated discussion at times over this. References were made as to why such slow delivery and procedures in the running of the paper. Many points were discussed in regards as to how to get the paper out to the members in a timelier manner, yet staying economical as well. It was presented that the paper’s print date has been changed to four days later this season to accommodate the manufacturers advertising campaigns. The way the paper is laid out and how the cost and responsibility for advertising is addressed was a question that I asked. It was explained to me that the inserts are printed by the advertiser, at their expense, and inserted at the printers when the paper is printed.

Questions were asked about the cost of having paper and what was associated with it. My understanding is that the paper is considered a perk or benefit of every member’s enrollment. The paper’s advertisers pay the cost of the paper being printed and the postage portion is paid out of the income from membership monies.

At this point, a gentleman whose name I did not get presented a plan for changing how the paper was shipped by the Postal Service. He made a great presentation that the paper should be designated a periodical. He suggested that the NHSA should proceed with trying to obtain a permit to do such. The way I interpreted it was that cost for shipping would drop from around 32cents per issue to around 22 or 23 cents per issue if this system were to be applied. The paper would also be treated more like a first class piece of mail instead of 2nd or 3rd class, which it is presently being categorized as. The idea was supported and voted on to proceed with the application process. This will be a lengthy but worthwhile endeavor when completed. It should save quite a significant amount of money and also speed up the delivery time on the paper getting to the membership.

I would like to say to this gentleman that he did a great amount of research for his presentation, and I as a paid member of NHSA want to thank him for his work.
I will try to finish this post over the next day or two. This meeting lasted three plus hours and a great deal of information exchanged hands. Please bear with me as to the time it takes to write this with Turkey day here. I want to put together an accurate and informational post here to give everyone a more accurate idea of the happenings’ going on at NHSA.

I still have to get on to the subject of Insurance, The Letter, and the web. Please check back when this post is completed.

Thank you very much,

Freedom Rider

Please understand that this post is just my opinion and doesn’t reflect on anyone but myself.

popc1.gif
Bilbo
Thank you Freedom Rider for your Efforts to find answers and help Improve these issues. :div20:
freedom rider
I need to make a correction on my post above but can't edit it.

The public information portion of my statement about financial info would come from the IRS not the Secratary of States office.

Sorry about the mistake.

Freedom Rider
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