Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / August 2008

Executive Vice President Campaign statement

Mark T. Smith
Shawnee, Kansas

My name is Mark Smith and I'm running for the office of AMA Executive Vice
President.  I am currently the AMA District 9 VP, holding this position for
the last three years.  I have been active in model aviation most of my life
and held numerous leadership positions in clubs through the U.S.  I am
asking for your support because I believe I have the broad background needed
to meet and exceed our President's expectations as his Vice President.  The
past three years have been extremely busy and rewarding as depicted by the
following milestones:

District IX VP
2005-Present

·        Established a District IX web site

·        Held a Lawrence, KS District fly-in

·        Traveled to all six states to meet with modelers to encourage
continued open communications.

·        More than doubled the number of Leader Clubs in District

·        Brought Omahawks, with approximately 200 members, into the AMA as a
Chartered Club

·        Developed a strong AVP team which handles day-to- day AMA issues
within the District

MARKETING
2005-Present

Created, developed and implemented various Marketing programs to stimulate
membership growth.  Worked to educate staff and Executive Council (EC) on
Marketing strategies.  Explained the importance of product life cycles,
target markets and market segmentation, the importance of customer service
and product pricing.

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
2006

Worked with EC members to ascertain the value of purchasing an on-line
entity and presented facts to Board.

CREATING VALUE PROPOSITION AT MUNCIE FACILITY
2005-Present

Brought in Frank Tiano Enterprise to develop plan for Air Show America which
was estimated to render a positive financial and public relations return.
Continue to provide strategic support to XFC event.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
2008-Present

Researched and contracted PR firm J Walcher Communications who have been
extremely active in bringing media attention to AMA which includes:

·        Press releases

·        Articles in various on-line magazines including Forbes.com

·        Article in Newsweek magazine

·        In progress

o       ESPN coverage

o       Fox News-Chicago interview

o       Delta airlines article

o       Park flyers for sale in Holiday Gift Guides

AMA CONVENTION
2008

Headed committee to review applicants to manage 2009 convention.  Socialized
ideas with key EC members and came to consensus to present to Board which
was approved.

POSITIONING AMA
2005-Present

Developed and nurtured relationships with key industry stakeholders as
Hobbico, Horizon, Global and Hobby Lobby.

Clearly, these accomplishments are due in large part to my extraordinary
team of District 9 Associate Vice Presidents and the collective wisdom of
the EC.

For the past three years, I have developed a close and highly respected
working relationship with our AMA President, Dave Mathewson.  We communicate
on almost a daily basis to address AMA issues.  If elected as your Executive
Vice President, I would like to focus on the following over the next three
years:

·       Stimulate the growth of AMA by implementing various creative
marketing programs

·       Grow the number of Leader Clubs

·       Grow and aid in securing flying sites for our clubs through creative
financing of club-owned sites

·       Support the introduction and education of model aviation to our
youth

·       Provide leadership for the EC on financial matters

·       Push for EC term limits so that new, fresh and creative ideas can be
implemented which results in ensuring the longevity of a healthy AMA

I would like to continue this modeling journey and with your support, I
believe we can accomplish even more in the next three years.  Thank you!

Mark T. Smith