IASIL Associations News - Reports 2004/2005

Note from Treasurer

As the incoming treasurer, I would like to formally thank Dr. Eugene O’Brien for handing over the accounts in such excellent condition. However, the fact that his office is just down the corridor from mine makes any difficulties easily rectifiable! I am also glad to announce that Lucy Imbusch has agreed to continue to act as a most efficient and competent overseer of the accounts and for that I am extremely grateful, and relieved!

The accounts of the association appear to be on a very sound footing. As of January 10, 2005, the current account registered strongly in the black, as did the deposit account. The independent auditors report from Aherne and Co. for the financial year 2003/4 was delivered on January 18th 2005 and this will be made available at the AGM in Prague. The audit highlighted the strong financial footing that the association is upon and any highlighted difficulties are currently being dealt with.

At the end of each week any new memberships or renewals received are processed and it is pleasing to see the expansion of IASIL membership continuing apace. 628 members were registered by September 17, 2004 and since then at least 30 new European and 6 new North American members have joined the association. As yet I do not have numbers for other membership areas but would be confident of continued expansion. At present new applications and renewals are flooding in so all appears healthy and full membership figures are regularly updated.

The option to pay by credit card is proving to be very popular and relatively smooth to operate, although it would certainly be appreciated if applicants could state what type of credit card they wish to use, be it Visa, Mastercard etc. This information can easily be given by simply ringing the appropriate card type on the downloaded form but alas many are omitting to do so and the bank will only process the card when they know the exact type. Equally important is the validity of the credit card itself. Over 20 vouchers were sent back to me by the bank as a result of an invalid number, either as the result of an old or inactive card or the misplacing of a digit. It is important for members who intend to renew by credit card (the majority!) to double check that not only the card is valid but that the number is correctly entered on the form.

If there are any queries members might have then I will be happy to deal with them so please do not hesitate to get in touch if there are any problems.

All the best,
John McDonagh