Hello from the AOS

[bswanson]

Originally Posted by orchideric

Brian,

A question that keeps coming up is who pays for the "retreats" the AOS Trustees have been taking. Does the AOS pick up the tab or do the Trustees pay their own way? The AOS states that there have been 4 retreats in 2008 in addition to the 2 Trustees Meetings.

Eric

Eric,

The Trustees are responsible for paying their own way to the retreats and board meetings.

As mentioned in the President's Message this month, these meeting have been extremely beneficial to the organization.

Hope that help.

Brian

[tuvoc]

Welcome aboard, Brian. Your newness to orchids isn't going to last long, even with a cat. I have four, and they manage to get along. You'll find a way to grow a couple yourself in no time. Between everyone here, and the folks at the AOS, you're in good hands.

Kim

[susiep]

Brian, welcome to OB! I also plan on attending the orchid and craft show this month. Perhaps I will see you there!

[Chubidubi]

Brian to the OB

[orchideric]

Thank you Brian.

Next question: How many people pay to visit the AOS gardens each year not including special events like weddings? How much revenue do the grounds bring in each year through visitors (not special events)? The AOS promotes the gardens in theirpublicity but never gives a clue about the financial benefits to the organization.

Eric

[cb977]

Originally Posted by orchideric

Thank you Brian.

Next question: How many people pay to visit the AOS gardens each year not including special events like weddings? How much revenue do the grounds bring in each year through visitors (not special events)? The AOS promotes the gardens in theirpublicity but never gives a clue about the financial benefits to the organization.

Eric

Hi Eric

These aren't the types of questions that should be getting asked here at Orchidboard. It's wonderful to have Brian joining us but let's not have Orchidboard turning into the AOS forum

Thanks

[cowboy51278]

no questions from me. just a warm welcome and may the orchid bug bite you right in the bum.......just like the rest of us

[nodosakid]

AOS Trustees are volunteers and pay for every and all parts of travel and work concerning AOS. The AOS did not pay for any meals or rooms for the retreats. Same goes for trustee meetings.

[orchideric]

Dear Susanne,

Just asking a legitimate question. The AOS keeps asking for money and is rumored to be in serious financial problem. So some of us wonder why it has just bought more land at headquarters. Is the expense justified by visitor income?

You can't even ask simple questions like this on the AOS Forum because of their Draconian censorship. That is why the OrchidBoard has +/- 70 postings a day while the AOS Forum has maybe 3 on a good day.

Some of us don't want to see the AOS close its doors but are frustrated by their elitism and secrecy.

Eric

[cb977]

Originally Posted by orchideric

Dear Susanne,

Just asking a legitimate question. The AOS keeps asking for money and is rumored to be in serious financial problem. So some of us wonder why it has just bought more land at headquarters. Is the expense justified by visitor income?

You can't even ask simple questions like this on the AOS Forum because of their Draconian censorship. That is why the OrchidBoard has +/- 70 postings a day while the AOS Forum has maybe 3 on a good day.

Some of us don't want to see the AOS close its doors but are frustrated by their elitism and secrecy.

Eric

Hi Eric

I understand your frustration...but this is not the place for AOS financials to be questioned. Questions such as those should be put in writing and mailed directly to the AOS headquarters if there is no place on their site to ask them.

Thank you for understanding,
Sue