CREATING A PLAN TO UNITE THE TWO STATE BEE ASSOCIATIONS IN INDIANA Who is on the Joint Committee?
IBA Ginger Davidson, Co-Chair Matt Evans Dave Shenefield Debbie Seib Ron Myers
What is the process being used by the Joint Committee?
A joint committee has been convened to work through the summer with the help of a consultant. Its task is to develop a “plan” for a unified association of Indiana beekeepers, including its mission, vision, board structure, 5-year goals, and a transition plan for making the merger happen. Once developed, both boards will discuss the plan and propose it to the membership. The membership of both associations will vote on its adoption at their fall meetings. Assuming both associations approve the plan, it will be up to the new organization’s Board to implement it.
ISBA Mark Partridge, Co-Chair Dan Heliman Karen Lancaster John Wilson Tony Gaudin Ike Levy
How was the Joint Committee created?
Individuals from both organizations volunteered or were invited to participate because they possessed a particular skill set that could be beneficial in the process of creating a plan. Since the objective of the committee is to build a plan for a unified association, rather than debate merger, it was important that all involved be excited about the opportunities and potential benefits of the process. SEE MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE WEBSITE
www.BeeComeOneClub.com
WOW!!! Rough estimates indicate over $6000 per year is being spent on duplicated expenses by having 2 state level associations. Think of what we could do with this money to educate, assist, and advocate for beekeepers.
The Joint Committee wants to hear your ideas
A survey was created to ensure all members had the opportunity to express hopes, share concerns, and ask questions about the process. The survey is available from the website www.BeeComeOneClub.com. We are very excited about the possibilities and hope you are as well.
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Newsletter Insert created by the Joint Committee
July 1, 2015
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Newsletter Insert created by the Joint Committee
July 1, 2015
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Joint Committee Progress Highlights
A work schedule has been created. This summer, the committee will get together for 2 in person working sessions and 3 teleconference sessions. In order to save the beekeepers of Indiana money, the work plan is structured so committee members will be participating in smaller work groups in-between meetings. There they will do the bulk of the work in creating documents, pulling together information, etc. It will be a very intense summer for this volunteer committee.
A contract has been signed to hire Sara Peterson as an outside facilitator. She will help guide the Joint Committee in coming to decisions - especially to explore and create the vision, mission, and plan for the merged ISBA/IBA organizational structure. Having a neutral process which is led by someone with expertise in nonprofit management will be a huge benefit in creating a plan to bring the two organizations together as a single entity.
A contract has been signed with an attorney. As the project progresses, legal assistance will be needed to review the work of the Joint Committee and later to assist in implementing the plan and filing for the 501(c)3 non-profit status.
The Joint Committee held its first in-person meeting. This meeting focused on the vision and mission for the new organization. The exciting thing about this meeting is the entire discussion centered around plans and ideas to improve things for bees and beekeepers as well as ways to provide additional value to members. The next meeting will focus on by-laws.
Attended Purdue Field Day. Committee members were available to field questions from attendees. Interesting observation from this experience: ‘Most beekeepers are confused about which association they have joined’.
What is 501(c)3 Status and Why Is It Important? As the Joint Committee moves forward, the goal is to migrate both organizations from a 501(c)5 tax status into a single 501(c)3 tax exempt status organization. This is advantageous to members, donors, sponsors, and therefore the organization. Most notably, contributions to a tax exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization are deductible as charitable contributions on the donor’s federal income tax return provided appropriate rules are followed. This is not the case with the current 501(c)5 status. Among the numerous other advantages is a provision for volunteers to write off mileage and the possibility of opening new doors through grant opportunities. Most, if not all, of the processes and costs currently being incurred by the Joint Committee would be necessary if either organization, individually, were to try to make this conversion on their own accord.
www.BeeComeOneClub.com Newsletter Insert created by the Joint Committee
July 1, 2015
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REDUCE CONFUSION MINIMIZE EXPENSES MAXIMIZE VOLUNTEER TIME IMPROVE MEMBER BENEFITS MODERNIZE INFRASTRUCTURE INCREASE FUNDING OPPORTUNITITES
www.BeeComeOneClub.com Newsletter Insert created by the Joint Committee
July 1, 2015
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