REPORTS

8/19/10

Third Quarter Report

 

I want to thank all of the membership who have provide help both this year in the past years to the Secretary.

 

The trademark license program has improved but still takes a large part of my time. When I took over the trademark program we had 185 applications (some were still pending), we now have 772 approved trademark license agreements with our chapters and outside vendors.

 

The trademark license program for chapter business is still not working as well as expected. We have 205 chapters who have been approved for a trademark license for chapter business. We have 346 chapters; therefore, 59% have approved trademarks for chapter business. This has improved from 56% in 2009. All chapters are required to have a Chapter Business Trademark.

 

The Trademark Application can be found on our web site (www.redknightsmc.com). The turnaround time for approving new trademark applications to the chapters is 5 to 7 days, depending on the mail system.

 

In the first seven months of 2009, we insured 48 chapter events. For the first seven months of 2010, we have insured 48 chapter events. In my visits with other chapters, I have found that there are still chapters who do not know about this program. We need to get the word out to all chapters about this program.

 

In the first seven months of 2009, we had 71 requests for information on starting new chapters. Of these, we approved 16 new chapters (22%). For the first seven months of 2010, we had 70 requests for information on starting new chapters. We have approved 19 of those requests (14%). As the numbers show, we are getting a lot of inquires but are not getting the same number of new chapters. I think that one of the reasons is failure to follow up on the request of information for new chapters.

 

We have to do a better job of following up on these applications. We are not gaining as many chapters as we are getting requests for information. The Regional Directors and State/Province Representatives have to take the lead in following up on these requests. As the applications are good for only 120 days, I would suggest at least two or three follow-ups on each request.

 

The SOG manual is still a work in progress and I want to thank the Board members who have input on this. The one thing that I have found is that not all of the State/Province Representatives are aware of this manual or where to find it (it is on our web site under the link for Membership). As they are the first line in the chain of command, they need to be aware of this. Many of the questions that I received from them (and the Board); the answers are in the SOG manual.

 

A Procedure Manual for Hosting of the International Convention is given to each hosting chapter/association by the Regional Director. This lists the requirements for hosting the convention, the needs of the International and the reporting forms need. It is a road map for the chapters/associations to follow. If the Convention Committee uses this manual, it is a big help to them. The financial reports are a big help to the International Treasurer.

 

The Convention Handout Booklet containing all of the reports, by-law changes and other information given to each member in attendance when they registered is also now in its third year. This has been accepted by the membership with good results.  This allows the member time to review what will take place at the ABM. This year we hope to add a short bio on members seeking election to the International Board.

 

In 2010, I attended two International Board meetings, the Annual International Convention, the Dixie Rally, Americade and with many chapters.

 

I attended three funerals of Red Knight members as the representative of the Red Knights International Board.

 

I worked an average of 28.94 hours per week, since 2004 on behalf of the membership as the International Secretary.

 

I want to welcome the new Board members who were elected in August to the Board. I know that they will work towards the team building and devotion to service of the membership and organization that is required of all board members.

 

This is to give notice on my intent to seek re-election as the International Secretary at the 2010 Annual business meeting in August. I was first elected in 2004. At that time, the Board set short and long-term goals. I would like to be able to work on behalf of the membership in reaching the long-term goals. I also want to work on the placement of the WTC artifact at our RKMC Memorial and the on-line voting for Officers, which will allow all of the members of the RKMC a voice in who is elected.

 

Bill Snodgrass, International Executive Secretary