General News Item Title

Promotion Administrator

The Budgerigar Society are delighted to announce the appointment of Mat Ackers as the new Promotion Administrator.

Following the creation of the new role by the General Council, the position was advertised within the fancy and attracted a high number of applicants. The selection was narrowed down so that interviews could be held at the BS offices in Northampton under the scrutiny of the Board of the GC. After much consideration by the panel, it was felt that the person most suitable for conducting marketing and promotion on behalf of the Society with reference to the job description outlined was Novice breeder and exhibitor, Mat Ackers.

BS Chairman and President, Maurice Roberts commented: “The GC are thrilled to have found an individual with the experience and obvious capabilities that Mat has to be able to take on this role and deliver a much needed kick start to the new era of enhanced communication regarding our wonderful hobby with both existing enthusiasts and untapped potential new target groups.”

Publicity Officer for the BS, Richard Miller also stated: “What helped Mat stand out from the other candidates was his marketing experience within his current employment and his role within the evolution of the Exhibition Budgerigar Forum (“EBF”). I have every confidence that Mat will be able to deploy a team that can deliver upon the objectives to be set by the GC.”

Mat is employed as a senior technical officer in public health services and has extensive knowledge of marketing and public relations. He will officially start in his new role on 1 June in anticipation of the 2013 Show Season. Mat commented on his appointment: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity of working with the BS within the new structure. My appointment and ability to fulfill this role would not be possible without the experience gained working with the EBF”.

The BS is committed to increasing membership numbers and bringing the hobby to the attention of new audiences. In addition, the manner in which the Society keeps its current membership informed is a priority for Mat to address. The soon-to-be Society Administrator and current Vice-Chairman, Grant Findlay stated: “One comment made during the interview really showed that the demographic of the BS membership was fully appreciated. The recognition that in a world that has been overcome by the establishment of everything online, there are many of our members who do not own a computer or have access to the internet and therefore the new PA will need to be able to deliver effective communication with those individuals as well as the online generation.”

Decisions made at the BS GC meeting 2 February 2013

1. Consultation paper to be issued for proposed changes to classification for 2014 show season

2. Approval of GC Board proposals re division of Secretary roles.

3. GC is to explore letting opportunities of BS office (not to be sold)

4. Grant Findlay to step down as Vice Chairman on commencement of role as Society Administrator.

5. New Vice Chairman appointed effective from April 2013 – Ghalib Al-Nasser

6. New pro-forma document to be introduced for judges to be proposed by societies/individuals for BS World Championship Show

7. 2015 convention to be organised by Terry & Linda Jukes and John Cosby in the vicinity of Stoke-on-Trent

8. Proposed rule change for members to decide upon for 2015 – reduction to 4 show status by removing Intermediate status.

9. New BS Stand to be commissioned by kind donation to the Society with the theme of promoting the hobby.

10. To review the BS website and investigate the possibility of BS Intranet

11. Grant Findlay and Michael Chapman – GC unanimous support for them to remain as Council members in their roles from April 2013

BS GENERAL SECRETARY & TREASURER

The General Secretary & Treasurer, Dave Whittaker will retire from his duties after 18 years service on 28^th March 2013.

The General Council wish to thank Dave for all his sterling work for the Society over these years and wish him a long, happy and relaxing retirement in the years ahead.

The General Council have examined the best way forward in anticipation of the Secretary’s retirement and elected to split the existing duties into 3 distinct roles. It is hoped that the separation of these duties will ensure that BS members receive the best service possible and that the hobby is actively promoted by all means available. The anticipated functions associated with these positions is summarised below

SOCIETY ADMINISTRATOR – conduct Membership Subscriptions, Ring Orders, all Correspondence (including email), Sale of Promotional items, Web site supervision, Rules, Meeting Minute taker & Treasurer duties.

PATRONAGE ADMINISTRATOR – Applications for Patronage, all Patronage correspondence, distribution of Patronage and receiving returns, collating & tabulating Patronage results for publication on BS Website & Magazine.

PROMOTION ADMINISTRATOR – attend key events as specified by the General Council, Promotion of the Society & Hobby, Sponsorship & Advertising, Media Liaison & Publicity, Management of Publicity Channels such as the BS website, Facebook & Twitter.

Given the immediate need to ensure the continuing functionality of the Society from the end of March, the General Council are delighted to announce that the appointment of Grant Findlay (current Vice Chairman and former Chairman) as Society Administrator following his recent early retirement from work.

The General Council are also delighted to announce that Michael Chapman (General Council member) has been appointed as Patronage Administrator in readiness for the preparations ahead of the 2013 show season.

The exciting new role of Promotional Administrator will be advertised immediately (see Advert below) and it is hoped that the new person will commence their duties on 3^rd June, 2013.