THE BIG THREE IN 4Q
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chadb@modelaircraft.org
AND JUST LIKE THAT, we are wrapping up another year! 2020 seemed to be the year that never ended, but 2021 was gone in a blink of an eye.
The title “The Big Three in 4Q” references three major organizational initiatives during the fourth quarter: a Program of Work, annual budgets, and AMA’s Annual Report. This important exercise, conducted through the collaboration of staff and the AMA Executive Council (EC), allows us to reflect upon the past year and prepare for the next. I will highlight elements from each effort that will be rolling out in the fourth quarter and early next year.
Program of Work
A Program of Work outlines day-to-day work and new initiatives by AMA to grow the hobby. Woven throughout the Program of Work are three goals: invest in our clubs, invest in our members, and improve engagement. In 2022, AMA will be working on new club offerings, such as a club officer toolkit and online club charter renewal; breathing new life into programs, such as flying site services; offering more new member benefits; and providing new member services, such as a digital AMA card.
Although I won’t get too much into how the sausage is made at AMA Headquarters, staff spent many hours collaborating with various departments and the EC on the 2022 Program of Work. We are tackling some heavy initiatives in 2022 to continue to improve and grow the hobby.
To help improve workflows, we created a responsibility assignment (RACI) Matrix for project management. RACI assigns many staff and EC members one of four roles: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. A RACI Matrix clearly defines milestones and roles to help initiatives come to completion.
Budgets
I am pleased that for the last 2 years, AMA has exceeded budgeted projections and ended each year in the black. This surplus allows us to invest back into the hobby by providing many of the initiatives that are outlined in the Program of Work. As we prepare for the 2022 budget, both the staff and the EC are forecasting another positive year. We continue to be good stewards of our membership dues by investing in services that positively and measurably impact AMA’s mission, clubs, and members.
Every year, we also work with outside certified public accountants to conduct audits and provide guidance. We continue to receive a good financial bill of health, thanks to the hard work of staff, the AMA Finance Committee, and EC.
Annual Report
In early 2022, we will roll out this year’s Annual Report. The 2021 Nats had a great year, with participation outpacing each of the past 5 years. We made huge strides in government relations, securing higher altitudes at club flying sites and gaining waivers. AMA launched new services, such as the AMA/UASidekick app, and the annual National Fun Fly grew in size and participation. We launched new model aviation educational efforts, inspiring the next generation of hobbyists, aviators, and innovators.
These accomplishments were only possible through the support of our members. I am pleased to share that in 2021, we consistently exceeded our membership forecast goals and outpaced last year’s totals. At the time that I wrote this column, we were beginning to work on the 2021 Annual Report. I will outline more details in a future column with a link to review. Until then, I encourage you to read the 2020 Annual Report at www.modelaircraft.org/documents under the “About AMA” tab.
2021 was a good year, and I anticipate 2022 will be even better. Thank you all for your support and membership as we work to grow the hobby. Keep flying and stay safe.
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