I have received an email from one Director stating that, while he understands the need for employee confidentiality, he is seeking some guidance on how to respond to members who ask that, as a result of the resignation of the MSD Manager, are we dropping LoTW, suggesting we no longer care about DXCC or other MSD specific areas.

Responses to those types of questions are very easy to address. First, the Membership Services Manager, the Chief Operating Officer nor the CEO determines whether we retain or eliminate any of these programs. The Board would make that decision.

Have you heard of any proposal to drop these programs?? Absolutely not!

Are we supportive of LoTW and DXCC? Absolutely! Granted, LoTW is not where we had all hoped it would be right now and because of its design nature has taken more staff time to oversee but that in no way whatsoever suggests we’re dropping it just because the Membership Services Manager resigned.

A little history is in order since many of you were not on the board at the time, but when John Lindholm was Membership Services Manager and resigned we heard the exact same questions and comments. Sure, LoTW was not around then but the same concerns were expressed by many members for DXCC and contests. We moved on from there, Bill Kennemer was hired and resigned a few years down the road and then we hired Wayne Mills. In each and every situation we heard the exact same questions. That is understandable. The people that hold Manager positions at HQ are usually high profile radio amateurs prior to coming on board and when a resignation occurs our members who are active in LoTW, DXCC or contests want to be reassured their area of interest in going to continue to be supported by their organization. My position is it will.

We also hear these same questions from members when employees resign in other areas. In FSD we have received the same inquires related to that area. Again, understandable questions from our members.

So, while we cannot discuss with our members the specifics of an employee’s situation we are very free to discuss the various services and programs that we provide and that are controlled by you as a Director.

I have heard no one on the board say they want to eliminate LoTW or DXCC, therefore as the group that makes those decisions you can confidently respond to members that this situation in no way places any of those programs in jeopardy and they are fully supported by their League.

73 Joel W5ZN