From Scott English, Executive Director of the American Philatelic Society:
How will you remember 2020?
For me, it will be the remarkable strength of our philatelic community in the face of adversity.
The hobby and the APS, long written off by too many people, could have easily folded under the pressure of the pandemic. Instead, you adapted, organized, connected, and thrived.
When government restrictions forced the APS and APRL to close in March, we weren’t sure just how devastating the pandemic would prove to be. I pledged to our Boards and members that we would run a balanced budget by the end of the year. We not only did it; we did it without cutting member services that you value.
None of that would be possible without you. Your support and commitment to the APS and the hobby did not just sustain us; it strengthened us. So for all that every one of you does, thank you.
As we turn the page to 2021, I wanted to share a few items with you.
Mortgage Debt
In this month’s issue of The American Philatelist, I wrote about our debt elimination plan, adopted by the APS and APRL Boards in October.
Since then, we have concluded work on the Estate of Robert Mason, originally estimated to bring in $725,000 in cash.
We managed to keep the expenses lower than initially projected through hard work, increasing the cash portion to $877,000.
With this Estate and $655,000 from cash reserves, we eliminated the last $1.5 million of our mortgage debt on Christmas Eve - 15 years earlier than initially anticipated.
We will celebrate this debt retirement with a mortgage burning when we can gather with fewer restrictions. In the meantime, take comfort that our future is more sustainable than it’s been in a long time.
Please Renew for 2021
Have you renewed your membership for 2021? Thanks to everyone who has already renewed your membership. I want to ask you personally to stay with us for 2021.
Renewing now is the best way to ensure you don’t stop receiving The American Philatelist or take advantage of the library, circuit sales, expertizing, and many other great benefits. You can renew online or contact us at (814) 933-3803.
Donate Today
There are just a few days left in the tax year to donate. Whether it’s an education program, the library, or a donation to the APS or APRL, each dollar you give is invested directly into serving the hobby. Both the APS and APRL are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, and your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Please give what you’re able on our website.
Together We Grow
In 2021, we begin a new membership campaign called “Together We Grow.” The campaign recognizes our communities: dealers, clubs, members, and affiliates and their vital role in growing the hobby and the APS. One lucky recruiter will win a free APS life membership. 2020 will be one of the best recruiting years over the past decade and we want to build on that momentum going into 2021. In the meantime, we want to tell your stories and why you are a proud APS member.
I always like to end by inviting you to share your thoughts. Please contact me by email or (814) 933-3814.
Mail is also welcome, and I will write back. Thank you again for your commitment and support.
Please have a safe and Happy New Year!