Treasurer’s Annual Report for 2011

It was a privilege to serve as your treasurer for 2011. I am grateful for your confidence in allowing me to serve a second term in 2012. In 2011, ASHI had a deficit of $50,000, mainly due to a shortfall in membership.

I would like to explain the process of setting the budget. Around the end of May, staff reviews the previous budget in preparation for the budget in the year to come. They review the expenditures from the past year to see where we can improve or cut for the upcoming year. Once they have a rough draft of the budget set up, it is sent to the Finance Committee for review and comments. The Finance Committee and staff meet several times discussing, changing and reworking the budget for the best use of the money available for the membership. Once the Finance Committee is satisfied, the proposed budget is presented to the ASHI Board of Directors. Once again, there is discussion and changes, if necessary. Once the ASHI Board is satisfied, it votes to accept the proposed/revised budget for the upcoming year. Once we have an accepted budget, it is the responsibility of the Finance Committee and staff to follow the budget.

Last year, our projected membership fell short by 125 members, which equaled $50,000 anticipated revenue toward the budget. In 2010/2011, we had 120 members or $48,000 above the budget. The good news is that this year, as of Dec. 20, we have 5,478 members, which is an increase of 96 from our total of 5,382 members in 2010/2011.

In this economy, it is difficult to predict the future in this large country. Licensing also has an effect on membership. In some states, once licensing is mandatory, some inspectors believe they have no need for ASHI or just can’t afford both ASHI dues and licensing. I would like to put out a challenge to all members to recruit at least one new member in your area for 2012. Take advantage of our Member-get-a-Member program and receive $50 from ASHI for every new member you sign up.

Our Executive Director has worked very hard over the past four years to manage the finances by reducing staff and offering other suggestions to the Finance Committee and ASHI Board on ways to reduce expenses. We are continually looking at the finances and adjusting when possible.

Our goal is to maintain a high quality of service for the membership with the money received through membership without raising the current dues.

Fortunately, we have a healthy reserve fund to fall back on.