Page 29 - September October 2016

Atlantic Director’s Report from Kathy Millatt
2nd July 16 Indianapolis
This is a brief overview of the main topics of discussion at the National BOD meeting.
The social media push over the last few months has resulted in increased followers across both the NMRA Facebook page and group with the highest demographic being the 44-51 age group. If you aren’t on Facebook then please check it out.
The CFO presented his financial report which shows that, at the half year, the NMRA is in a good position for spend for the year.
The Gallery exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) is still continuing slowly. The Director at the CSRM was recently reassigned for two years and was not replaced hence stalling the process. Discussions are about to begin again with the new acting Director.
The member discount programme is now rolling out to include hobby shops. If you are visiting the USA then you can find the current discounts on: http://nmra.org/member-discount-program. Model railroad registry programme now has two elements. You can register your layout name with the NMRA to get a framed certificate. The programme is also pulling together a list of layouts that would be open to visit by NMRA members.
There was a discussion on recruitment and retention with a new handbook available. This will be issued for use by Membership and Recruitment Division volunteers and a trifold with 21 easy tips for recruitment and retention will be sent out to Regions and Divisions. There’s a great recruitment video for use at exhibition stands (http://nmra.org/members/promotional-materials).
Charlie Getz, President, is visiting Europe next month and will visit European President, Alain Kap, in Paris and perhaps visit Peter Briegel from MOROP to further ties.
NMRA Magazine subscriptions have increased for the US and
Canada but remain the same for the UK and Europe.
Both the British and Australian Regions presented convention bids for 2022. The British Region was awarded the bid. Thank you to the Convention Committee for all their hard work and especially to Chris Ibbotson who helped present the bid to the BOD in Indianapolis. Next up is the fun job of actually organising the convention.
The next round of elections in the US and Canada will be carried out electronically in 2017 (there are no candidates that the Atlantic District Regions can vote for coming up). There will be paper ballots available as well but the system being used is Election Buddy.
The magazine index (http://www.rrmagindex.org) was discussed. The Head of IT has unsuccessfully attempted to integrate the database and is investigating further. It was decided to bring in outside help to ensure this is completed in a timely manner
LCC has been adopted as a specification and the next step is for the manufacturers to start to create more products. At the moment, integration into JMRI is also being investigated to ensure that computer programming is easy for all modellers.
The BOD undertook a strategy workshop which looked both externally and internally at strengths and weaknesses and considered the top 3 strategic priorities. The current Long Range Plan will be reviewed in light of the comments and discussions to ensure that the NMRA is focussed on the correct strategic priorities over the next few years.
There was a wide ranging discussion on electronic communication, social media and how the NMRA should embrace the digital world. An action group was set up to implement an electronic strategy with focus and detailed actions.
The Board Meeting was adjourned in memory of Allan Dobson amongst others.
On Saturday 20th August, 17 members of the K&ES Group, Seaboard Southern and the Surrey Group spent the day in Bexhill on Ron Gager's Littleton & Humphrey Railroad (not forgetting also his Toon Valley UK GWR Branch line). A number also visited Derek Russel's Norfolk & Western loft layout. To add to the excitement Sue Mitchell, widow of dear departed Trevor (of Train Times in Eastbourne) held a sale of his extensive North American HO stock. Richard Heymer, having re-focussed his model rail plans, also held a smaller sale of unwanted items. A lot of locos and stock on two 20' tables changed hands at reasonable prices. So, a meeting turned into more of a meet, against the background sound of much steam ascending the Lickey incline; one in 37 if my memory is correct. Sue, from Polegate, still has lots of stock including sound locos to sell. So, if you care to invite her to your meeting please get in touch via Ron Gager 01424 224 797. So, Sharing Knowhow turned into sharing stock today. Earlier in the week, Chris James our esteemed treasurer kindly came down to Bexhill from Epsom to educate Derek Russell and myself in the, up to then, mysteries of DecoderPro, JMRI, Java 8, and Sprog, leaving us both "pretty darned happy bunnies!"
Our heartfelt thanks to all concerned with these activities.
Long may this wonderful spirit reign within NMRABR.
Ron Gager
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