AN OPEN LETTER TO TO THE OABA MEMBERSHIP FROM THE PRESIDENT


Our recent AGM in November 2008 resulted in the election of Jim Marsh to the position of Secretary (Congratulations,Jim). There were no nominees for the position of 2nd VP which is now vacant. We will conduct another election at the February meeting, at Waldie's, to fill that position. Please consider running for that position, OABA needs your input !!!

I also recently received a letter of resignation from our newsletter editor, Marsha Wakabayashi, which I reluctantly accepted, and wish to thank her for her hard work over the last year. This will explain, in part, why the last issue was late in arriving. I am hoping she will put out one more issue which will combine the Jan/Feb and Mar/Apr issues. In the meantime, the executive is persuing a replacement, as the editor's position is an appointed one, rather than an elected one.
I have taken this opportunity to post the job descriptions for all the executive positions, so you are better aware of the duties involved. These descriptions are taken from the OABA bylaws.


President:
(a) be a member of ABANA and preferably a practicing blacksmith
(b)preside at all general and executive meetings of OABA
(c) appoint all committees and shall be an ex-officio member of said commitees
(d) act as Chairman of the executive
(e)prepare an annual report on activities for the General Meeting
(f)be notified of all communications with OABA from outside organizations
(g)act as the official spokesperson for the Assoc.
(h) approach fund granting agencies
(i)serve as a signatory for cheques with the Treasurer and other financial matters

1st Vice-Pres:
(a) assume the duties of the President if the President is unable to continue for reasons of health or personal circumstances
(b)serve as an alternate signatory for cheques with the Treasurer and other financial matters
(c)organize and assist demonstrators for the monthly meetings or workshops

2nd Vice-Pres:
(a)assume the responsibility of the 1st VP if required
(b) assist in the production af an informative, quality newsletter, particularly through solicitation of materials for publication by members and from other newsletters
(c)organize the locations for the monthly meetings or workshops

Treasurer:
(a)make arrangements with the local branch of a chartered bank that holds OABA monies convenient for the Treasurer to deposit of Assoc monies with withdrawal by cheque over the signature of the Treasurer and the Pres or 1st VP
(b)receive all fees from the members and associate members and with the assistance of the Membership Chair provide the Secretary and the Newsletter Editor with an up-to-date membership list
(c)keep records of all assoc. finances, bills,etc...
(d)report the state of the Treasury at each Executive meeting and at the AGM, and provide a written account of the Association's finances as of the end of the fiscal year,August 31, for inclusion in the newsletter soon after that date
(e)control expenditures within reason
(f)provide a proposed budget from the Executive at the AGM
(g) accurately complete and file all required government tax and corporate reurns by their due dates

Secretary:
(a) keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the general and Executive meetings of OABA
(b)conduct the correspondence of OABA
(c)keep a record of attendance at all Executive and general meetings and workshops, to be included at the beginning of each set of minutes
(d)provide safekeeping of thr Corporate Seal and the Minute Book and maintain any other files,documents and records pertaining to the members, or the business of OABA, ie: newspaper reports etc...
(e) assist the Newsletter Editor as deemed necessary

Past President:
(a) advise the new Executive as requested or needed.

Any position within the Executive may be amalgamated or separated as required. All positions are for a (2) two year term. Elections to be held at the AGM. Incumbents will be eligible for re-election for the same position for one further (2) two year term. Incumbents may run for election to a different position at the end of their term.

The AGM also resulted in the proposal and acceptance that OABA will hold (8) eight meetings for the 2009 calendar year. With that in mind, the schedule for the year is taking shape. There are a few holes to fill and a couple of ideas are being discussed with the rest of the Executive. You can access the schedule by clicking on the link at the top of the main page of the OABA website.

My hope is that this letter keeps the membership informed on ongoing activities in the absence of the newsletter. Please pass on this information to those who don't have access to the website.

Please keep in mind that the positions of President, 1st Vice Pres., and Treasurer are up for election in September 2009 at the AGM.

Thank you, and keep in touch, Bob Cook, President, OABA

<30>