A Look Ahead

Jeff Ingertson, CPD, 2006–2008 ASPE Secretary/Treasurer

Now that the elections are over, it is time to look forward, take what they the delegates have said, and do it. This is my second term as your secretary/treasurer, and I have a clearer view of two items: how members perceive our finances and how those finances impact them.

At the convention, many delegates approached me with respect to our dues rebates. For the most part, they were very positive. The fact that the largest chapter in the Society relieved over two-thirds of the debt owed them is testimony to a positive outlook. However, I did hear some concerns about our owing back dues rebates. One particular comment was, “The back dues rebates are owed to our chapter; we feel they were taken from us, and we would like to have them returned.” This is very understandable, and in accordance to our bylaws, the Society will return the back dues rebates as soon as our financial situation allows us to. The board of directors appreciates those chapters that forgive back dues rebates. For those that decide not to take this step, we will eventually return all that is due.

How Much Debt Is Left?

As of this writing, our Society is about $1.7 million in debt. The Convention will make nearly $500,000,  bringing our debt down to about $1.2 million. We owe around $800,000 to the chapters, meaning that we owe around $400,000 to vendors outside of ASPE. I predict that if we stay on the same course, which means any money we spend from now on has to bring in a return, we will be out of debt in a few years. If we do not bring in a return on programs and publications or we exercise poor financial judgment, especially in an off-Convention year, we will start to slide back into the abyss of debt. I urge all of you to ask questions of this board of directors and inquire as to how we are spending your money.

Newsletter

Soon I will be sending you the secretary/treasurer newsletter, which will include, but not be limited to, financial matters. I will be writing about the IRS and what all chapters need to do to avoid problems in this area. Did you know that no chapter should be paying any tax on activities within the chapter?

Also in the newsletter will be information about protecting your treasury from unscrupulous people. Remember: Locks on doors keep the honest people honest, but a thief will be able to break in so you need to know more ways to stop him.

The Society bylaws require ann audit to be distributed at the Convention. The audit for the most part was a good representation of our financial situation, but remember that it is only a snapshot of the finances. Briefly, this audit is saying we are solvent, stabilized, and on the right track, but we need to take great steps to keep us going in that direction.

One last thing, the Grassroots Budget Meeting would normally be scheduled for March 2007. Some feel it is not necessary to have this meeting anymore due to lack of attendance. The board of directors is interested in knowing how you feel. Please e-mail me at jingertson@cox.net with your thoughts and comments.