AIS DEALING WITH A DEFICIT BUDGET Vaughn
Sayles
At the November 2009 Board Meeting in
AIS’ primary means of eliminating this shortfall is a request for donations. Donations helped AIS
survive an unexpected budget increase a few years ago that was precipitated by a dramatic increase in the cost of securing insurance
for our activities. Donations are to be made to the AIS General Fund and should be sent to Lynn Williams, AIS Donations
Secretary, with the designation of being Unrestricted Donations to the General Fund.
A second
approach that is being utilized by a number of other plant/garden societies to generate extra revenue is a new one for AIS. The program is called “Bloomin’ Buck$” with Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. AIS registered with Brent and Becky’s Bulbs to be part
of this program. Go to the website, www.bloominbucks.com, and select AIS from the pull down menu. Anything that
you order will generate a percentage contribution to AIS. This contribution to AIS only applies to on-line orders and orders
through “Bloomin’ Buck$” are not qualified for additional discounting. We are all gardeners so check it out. You may find some books, bulbs, tools, supplements, gift certificates or other items that you are looking for and your purchase would
help AIS.
The AIS Board of Directions is making a courageous effort to keep membership dues frozen while meeting increasing costs
that the AIS is facing each year. Any help that we as members can provide individually, as Affiliates and as Regions will be
greatly appreciated. The financial burden of providing insurance alone for our activities is a heavy one and one that
is necessary for any viable organization today. The American Iris Society is our organization and it needs our support.