By G. Mark Ray
One key component of ATRRM’s governance structure is the committee. ATRRM has two types of committees: The Standing Committees (Executive, Nominating, and Finance), which are required by our Bylaws, and the Select Committees (Awards, Advocacy, Marketing, Parts, and Regulatory). Each committee has a defined function and its workload is determined by action items assigned through ATRRM’s Strategic Planning process. Each committee is also responsible for submitting any budget needs as part of the ensuing year’s budget preparations and then managing their budget as approved by the Board.
The ATRRM Standing Committees, which consist only of Directors, and their functions are as follows:
Executive – Has all of the powers and authority of the Board in the intervals between meetings of the Board, except as provided by law or the Bylaws. Nominating –Responsible for recommending candidates for election to the Board of Directors.
Finance – Oversees financial procedures, the annual budget, financial reporting and investment and disbursement of association funds and makes recommendations on these matters to the Treasurer and to the Board. The Select Committees may include individuals representing either Full or Commercial members. Thus, there are opportunities for you to participate in a committee which may interest you. The Select Committees and their functions are as follows:
Awards – Responsible for selecting recipients for the association’s annual awards and the Stephen Patrick Scholarships.
Advocacy – Interfaces with the American Alliance of Museums, American Association of State and Local History, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is responsible for influencing public policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions.
Marketing – Responsible for generating and retaining potential and current member interest and fostering the support and awareness of the railway tourist and museum industry. The marketing committee is permitted to use a range of methods to communicate ATRRM’s mission including, but not limited to, newsletters, direct mail campaigns, electronic and social media.
Parts – Responsible for coordinating the bartering of items at the annual meeting, via the website, or other social media.
Regulatory – Interfaces with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee.
If you’re interested in becoming an active member of a Select Committee, then please let me know. I will be naming the 2015 Committee Memberships at the Fall Board of Directors Meeting.