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USPS Board of DirectorsRaleigh, N.C.19 – 20 November 2020November 19, 2020Called to order at 0900Attendees: C/C Mary Paige Abbott, SNV/C Craig D. Fraser, SNV/C Willliam McManimen, SNV/C Ralph Bernard, APV/C Harry Hebb, SNV/C Diana Jackson, SNP/C/C Gary Cheney, SNGuests present:R/C David Allen, SNMary Catherine BerubeTammy BrownMilton TuckerMotions approved:1)The national treasurer will evaluate hiring an outside accountant to prepare financial statements for the annual audit each year and will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors no later than July.2)To contribute 3 percent of qualified headquarters employees annual salary to the USPS Employee Retirement Plan for fiscal year 2020.3)To renew the USPS annual insurance policy effective 1 Dec. 2020 at an annual cost of $134,933 and reduce the umbrella policy limits from $14 million to $10 million. 4)To charge a $3 processing fee per dues invoice effective with the June 2021 dues renewals. 5)To invoice the USPS Endowment Fund, not to exceed $1,000 per month, for accounting and administrative services performed by the USPS headquarters staff. 6)To approve the 2021 Budget at a net profit of $1,931.7)To spend $3,000 to update the virtual classroom Learning Management System with funding from the 2020 USPS Endowment Fund 5 percent allocated for BOD projects. 8) To spend $4,000 to hire Atlantic Webworks to evaluate the America’s Boating Course website and offer recommendations on updating the site with funding from the 2020 USPS Endowment Fund 5 percent allocated for BOD projects.Ratification of electronic votes:Upon motions to approve, which motions were seconded, discussed and voted upon by the Board of Directors, United States Power Squadrons, the following was approved.1)To spend up to $12,000 to purchase computer equipment that will provide adequate backup of USPS computer systems and data from the 2020 USPS Endowment Fund 5 percent allocated for BOD projects. 2)To hire TCDI to provide information security consulting services at a cost not to exceed $10,000 from the 2020 USPS Endowment Fund 5 percent allocated for BOD projects. 3)To approve the DBA name District 16, of America’s Boating Club Washington, Alaska, Idaho. 4) To apply for a U.S. Department of Treasury Payroll Protection Program loan that would provide possible relief for the Headquarters staff salaries and overhead expenses. The final acceptance requires a second board vote after review of the loan terms and conditions. 6)Whereas it has been determined that continuing with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LLC, dated September 12, 2009, is contrary in the best interest or mutual benefit of the United States Power Squadrons.Now Therefore, it is resolved: A.That said Memorandum of Agreement be terminated by a letter indicating same from the Chief Commander in accordance with Paragraph C of said Memorandum of Agreement. B.That the Squadrons and Districts of USPS be notified, in advance as determined by the Chief Commander, of the termination to allow them to recover any information or documents they have posted on the website of SailAngle. 7) To accept the terms of the Payroll Protection Plan loan, which was approved on Fri., May 1, 2020. The terms and conditions state that USPS could be required to return any unused funds if the FTE (Full-time Equivalent) changes. The interest rate for the loan is 1.0%, which starts accruing interest in 10 months. Payments to the loan start in 2022. The 1.0% interest can be handled with investments, where the rate of return is higher. 8)To approve the National Meetings Committee negotiating with the Hilton Raleigh North Hills Hotel to host the 2021 Fall Governing Board keeping in mind all religious holidays. It is believed COVID-19 will affect the attendance at the 2020 Fall Governing Board and that will limit the number of members of America's Boating Club/USPS visiting National Headquarters. It was noted that holding the Governing Board again in Raleigh will rectify that situation. It is also believed that the National Meetings Committee can negotiate a favorable contract. 9) To consolidate multiple small remaining balances on non-restricted grants and funds that have not been used for many years to market online offerings and membership during this very trying time with COVID-19 and social distancing.10) To approve $30,000 of Endowment Fund earnings from the 5 percent allocated for BOD projects to continue the marketing drive of online educational courses and seminars as well as driving membership during COVID-19 and social distancing. 11) To approve two additional staff commanders for the Information Technology Committee, bringing the total of staff commanders to three.12) To waive the minimum requirement for vessel safety check examiners to perform five vessel safety checks in 2020. 13) To approve one additional staff commander for the Boat Systems Committee, bringing the total number of staff commanders to two, and one additional staff commander for the Publishing Committee, bringing the total number of staff commanders to five. 14) To sign a contract with the Hilton Raleigh North Hills Hotel to host the 2021 Fall Governing Board.15) To increase the cost for a replacement Boating Course card from $20 to $25. 16) To move $50,000 from the Endowment Legacy fund-USPS Board Designated funds to the Capital Reserves Funds to catch up for 2019 and 2020 contributions at $25,000 each year. 17) To continue assigning and registering MMSI numbers pursuant to the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding.18) To accept the addendum contract from the Marriott Resort Sawgrass for the United States Power Squadrons Annual Meeting to be held from 13 Feb. to 22 Feb. The addendum removes the room night and food and beverage requirements. 19) To approve the appointment of Williams Overman Pierce, LLP of Raleigh, N.C., as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending 30 Nov. 2020. It was noted that the Governing Board was unable to approve the appointment due to the 2020 Fall Governing Board meeting cancellation. 20) To request $1,000 of Endowment Fund earnings from the 5 percent allocated for BOD projects for Facebook advertising of the ABC Learning Centers. 21) To update the USPS Travel Policy as follows: 1) limit travel reimbursement to Annual and Governing Board meetings to $200, 2) reduce hotel reimbursement from $65 to $50 per night, and 3) eliminate hotel reimbursement for individuals who use hotel reward points or stay at a non-authorized hotel for Annual or Governing Board meetings. Discussions:1)Mary Catherine Berube reported that the Headquarters Communications staff developed the America’s Boating Club Make Boating Better Campaign in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, which will be held on Dec. 1, 2020. The campaign launched with a “Save the Date” email to all members followed by a flurry of social media posts and reminders. The campaign website at began accepting donations on Nov. 22. Board members were invited to be ambassadors for the campaign by promoting the campaign inside and outside the organization. 2)Berube reported that the Communications Staff continues to support the Educational Department to promote online courses and on-the-water courses at the Learning Center in Tavares, Florida, through email marketing, Facebook advertising and boosted Facebook posts. 3)The Communications Staff is promoting the Knots to Know video series through Facebook posts and boosted posts which has been successful in driving additional traffic to the Compass website. Notably, two America’s Boating Compass articles showed up on an America’s Boating Club Google Search alert. 4)Berube reported receiving contributions totaling $1,347 from MMSI recipients and $34,673 from life members in 2020.5)Berube reported receiving notification of PPP loan forgiveness from First Citizens Bank on Nov. 4, 2020. The full loan amount for $164,700 was forgiven. 6)V/C Craig Fraser, SN, reported that website statistics remain strong noting a slight decrease in Oct. 2020 due to seasonal effects. He noted approximately 800 website hits following the ad promoting the All About Marine Radio seminar. There has also been a spike in new Cyber members, with 78 joining in September and October. 7)V/C Fraser reported that the joint marketing efforts resulted in an increase in online educational sales. Total year-to-date online sales for America’s Boating Course were 1,895 compared to 998 one year ago, and BoatUS online sales were 794 compared to 450 one year ago. 8)The Marketing Committee reported that the America’s Boating Club mobile app is available on the Apple and Google Play stores.9)The national executive officer reported that the Marketing Committee is working with the I.T. Committee to address website issues related to educational course and seminar titles and descriptions. It was also noted that hosting educational online courses on separate websites makes it difficult to track sales conversions.10)V/C Fraser reported on the USCG Hispanic Outreach grant, noting that the Hispanic Communications Network was contracted to conduct two campaigns promoting USPS’ Hispanic educational offerings. The first campaign ran from Sept. 1, 2020 through Sept. 25, 2020 to coincide with Labor Day. This campaign produced 230,284 digital and social media impressions and 3,719 unique visitors on the website. A second campaign is scheduled for May 2021 to coincide with Memorial Day. V/C Fraser also noted that the rise in demand for online activities due to COVID-19 has created a unique opportunity to promote the benefits of becoming a member and taking educational courses. 11)The Cooperative Charting Committee received 83 reports in Oct. 2020. Thirty-seven new participants and seven new squadrons joined the Honor Roll, bringing year-to-date totals to 70 and 26, respectively. V/C Fraser reported that District 7 was the only district to achieve Honor Roll status for 100 percent participation from its squadrons. He also noted minimal participation in the marina surveys due to social distancing requirements.12)The Safety Committee reported that 1,202 vessel examiners completed 15,823 vessel safety checks year to date. The committee encouraged vessel examiners to visit for updates on USCG Stand Down restrictions due to COVID-19.13)V/C Fraser reported that the Environmental Committee reached out to the CPS-ECP national environmental committee to coordinate environmental issues and events.14)V/C Fraser reported that classes are scheduled through the end of the year at the ABC Learning Center in Tavares, Fla. The Headquarters Communications Staff sent a direct marketing initiative to Cyber members and University students in Florida and posted events on Facebook to promote the Learning Centers.15)V/C Fraser reported that the following squadrons are in the process of dissolving: Lake Champlain/2, Kingsway/5, Salisbury/5, Buffalo/6, St. Lawrence/6, Coral Ridge/8, Alamitos/13, Honolulu/13, and Agate Pass/16.16)V/C Fraser reported that he attended the virtual 2020 CPS-ECP annual meeting and districts 7, 19 and 26 virtual 2020 fall conferences.17)V/C Harry Hebb, SN, reported that the Communications Committee is reviewing district and squadron websites and newsletters for the 2020 Distinctive Communicator Awards. He noted that reports are due by Nov. 30. The winners will be posted on the committee’s website in January 2021, and certificates will be presented during the 2021 Annual Meeting or mailed to squadron commanders. 18)The Heritage & Protocol Committee is working with the I.T. Committee on a redesign of the district and squadron history reports.19)V/C Hebb reported that the I.T. Committee continues to develop new software that will replace DB2000 functions. The committee installed new network switches at headquarters, is acquiring backup equipment to process and grade exams, and purchased software to identify and resolve website issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. 20)The Ship’s Store Committee reported that 35 certified instructor items and 42 vessel examiner items were purchased from the Ship’s Store pop-up in Sept. 2020. The online Ship’s Store will offer a 10 percent holiday sale on all garments and gifts from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2020. 21) Tammy Brown reported that DAN Boater, the National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Harbors, Brunswick, Sea Tow, West Marine and the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, supported the Stay at Home, Learn from Home Campaign on their social media platforms. 22)Tammy updated the Board on a partnership with Sport Fishing magazine promoting America’s Boating Club to 50,000 subscribers. The magazine distributed two email blasts and ran a Facebook ad representing approximately $9,500 in-kind advertising. Participants were asked to 1) like all our Facebook posts in December 2020, 2) share our F.B. posts, and 3) download the America’s Boating Club mobile app. 23)Tammy reported on a co-branded boating awareness and safety campaign with West Marine that will begin in March 2021. During the 2021 National Safe Boating Week, USPS instructors will demonstrate a Boating Skills Virtual Trainer in selected West Marine stores. 24)Tammy proposed a partnering program with boat manufacturers that would launch in 2021. For an annual contribution of $10,000, selected boat manufacturers will receive several benefits including recognition on both the America’s Boating Club and Boat Live websites and at national meetings. 25)R/C David Allen, SN, reported that he sends congratulatory emails to Cyber members who have transferred to a local squadron and assists Cyber members with questions about their membership. 26)V/C Diana Jackson, SN, reported that expenses exceeded revenues by $98,855 as of 30 Sept. 2020. She estimated that revenues would exceed expenses by approximately $65,000 at year-end due to recording $164,700 of PPP revenue that was forgiven.27)The national treasurer reported a balance of $2,044,528.68 in the USPS Endowment Fund as of 30 Sept. 2020. She also reported expenditures of $443,773.60 for USCG grant expenses year-to-date. 28)V/C Jackson presented the 2021 Budget to the Board for discussion.29) The national treasurer reported that USPS absorbs approximately $33,000 in credit card and bank fees annually for dues collection and processing. 30)V/C Ralph Bernard, AP, reported that the Squadron Development and Membership committees are preparing for the 2021 Annual Meeting. 31)The Member Benefits Committee updated the Member Benefits brochure that can be downloaded at )V/C Bernard reported that the National Meetings Committee is preparing for the 2021 Annual Meeting. He noted that that the 2021 contract with the Sawgrass Marriott was amended to remove the required room night and food and beverage minimums. The hotel reservation site is open, and the discount rate expires on 6 Jan. 2021. 33)V/C Bernard reported that in Oct. 2020, 155 new members joined, 122 renewed, 366 nonrenewed and 27 deaths occurred, resulting in a net loss of 97. He reported that contact information for nonrenewals is sent each month to district administrative officers to share with their respective squadrons.34)V/C Bernard reported that the Sawgrass Marriott requested moving the meeting dates of the 2022 Annual Meeting from Feb. 6 - 13 to Feb. 19 - 28. In exchange, the hotel has agreed to several concessions. The Board agreed to moving the meeting dates.35) V/C Bernard discussed future national meeting locations for the 2022 Governing Board. Following discussion, the Board agreed to investigate potential hotel sites in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada.36)V/C Bernard reported that R/C Richard Zucchi, SN, chairman, Committee on Rules, passed away on Nov. 8, 2020.Adjourned 1700.November 20, 2020Called to order at 09001)Milton Tucker, Headquarters Grants Administrator, reported that the USCG America’s Boating Channel/DML 4.0 and Boat Handling Simulator VII grants ended on Sept. 30, 2020. He noted that all funds were expended, and the required reports were filed.2)Milton reported the following balances in USCG grants as of Oct. 31, 2020: America’s Boating Channel/DML 5.0 - $67,803; Boat Live 365 Part 4 - $38,584; Boating Skills Virtual Trainer VIII, $44,543, and Engaging Hispanics Phase III - $91,849.3)Milton reported the following balances in Educational Fund grants as of Oct. 31, 2020: Online Seminars Development - $15,310; Advertising Phase II - $1,337; America’s Boating Club Mobile App - $1,323; Vimeo Implementation - $1,260; Chapman Awards - $2,415; BOC-USPS Boat Schools - $14,400; USPS Communications Videos - $2,000; USPS Boat Handling Course - $2,000, and USPS Online Course Marketing - $22,565. 4)Milton reported that as of Oct. 31, 2020, there were nine open Educational Fund grants with a remaining balance of $60,672. 5)Milton reported that USPS managed ten USCG sponsored grants totaling $1.1 million in FY2020. Four new grants were added in 2020 including America’s Boating Channel/DML 5.0, Boat Live 365 4.0, BSVT VIII, Engaging Hispanics Phase III, which accounted for $330,000. As of 10/31/20, the remaining balance for USCG grants totaled $242,800. 6)Milton reported that in May 2020, the Board of Directors voted to reallocate dormant funds from specific awards to fund marketing efforts to support COVID-19 response efforts. The fund balances reallocated were from the following: OMC Foundation ($6,643.99), R+M Branding Project ($500.00), Youth Poster Contest ($3,816.99), PROLOG Ads ($136.91), and Friends of Marketing Fund ($7,870.62) totaling $18,968.21. The funds were completely expended as of Sept. 30, 2020.7)Milton noted that as of Oct. 31, 2020, the remaining balance in Endowment Fund grants totaled $50,443 and that spending remains consistent with project initiatives. 8) The Board discussed potential USCG grant proposals for 2021.9)Milton reported that he is researching grant funding opportunities with other agencies and organizations, noting that funding opportunities are not readily available because of COVID-19 based fiscal conservancy.10)Milton reported that he is working with the national law officer to update the USPS Policy Statement on Non-Discrimination to meet Department of Homeland requirements for organizations that receive federal grant funding. 11)V/C Bill McManimen III, S.N., reported that the Educational Department continues to convert educational materials into electronic format and replace printed instructor manuals with CD’s. 12) V/C McManimen reported 3,200 online course and seminar sales year-to-date. He noted that the volume of online sales in 2020 will be approximately 200 percent higher than 2019. 13) The national educational officer reported on course updates. The Weather Course is being revised and will include updates in Chapter 8 on weather forecasting. The Marine Navigation, Advanced Marine Navigation, Offshore Navigation and Celestial Navigation courses are scheduled to be released in 2021. Updated versions of Sail and Cruise Planning are in development as well as new seminars for Sonar, Man Overboard, and Radar for Boaters. 14) V/C McManimen reported that an ad hoc committee was formed to analyze and evaluate the current departmental pricing model.15)V/C McManimen reported that the Chapman Awards selection committee completed its analysis of the district nominations. The winners and their respective DEO’s will be notified in December 2020. 16)The national educational officer reported that the online America’s Boating Course is 15 years old and is running on an outdated software platform. He noted receiving a proposal from Atlantic Webworks to evaluate the site. He also reported that the virtual classroom LMS needs updating to handle the capacity and speed required to host additional products. 17)The USPS Educational Department developed a Rapid Response Center to assist with inquiries on educational courses and related topics. The link to the center can be downloaded at under news and announcements.18)C/C Mary Paige Abbott, SN, led a discussion on potential Bylaws updates that will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules for input. 19)C/C Abbott reported that she is working with a team to test an electronic voting app that could be used at national meetings. She noted that the National Meetings Committee is considering alternatives to hosting an in-person Annual Meeting in 2021 due to the pandemic. 20) C/C Abbott reported that the Board received a status report from the Planning Committee on the Strategic Transition Plan. The Board discussed the cover letter and reviewed the attachment. The BOD will proceed as recommended.Adjourned 1700. ................
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