Yesterday, the American Philatelic Society (APS) released the results of its first-ever Dealer Advisory Council election.
The APS board of directors created the council at its Dec. 6 meeting to “serve as an advisory group to the APS Board of Directors and staff on matters that impact the dealer community, including show locations, membership initiatives, and growth of the hobby.”
The council will consist of APS Vice President Trish Kaufmann; APS Dealer Representative Eric Jackson; Kim Kellerman, of Rasdale Stamps; Roy DeLafosse, of Roy E. DeLafosse, Ltd.; Irving Miller, of Miller’s Stamp Company; Telah Smith, of Telah W. Smith; Bob Sazama, of Robert M. Sazama; and Jim Dempsey, of A&D Stamp & Coins.
“As a dealer, I want to thank the APS Board for taking several great steps to bring dealers to the table. It won’t be easy work, but I’m sure dealers are ready and able to do their part,” said Jackson.
Canada was represented by St. Catharines, Ont.’s Roy Houtby, owner of Roy’s Stamps, who was one vote shy of being elected as one of two at-large council members.
Mark Reasoner, president of the American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA), and Dick Kostka, president of the National Stamp Dealers Association (NSDA), will also serve as ex officio members of the council.
“Stamp dealers have a unique view within our hobby from recognizing market trends to building personal relationships with collectors of all walks,” said APS President Mick Zais. “They have invested in the long-term health of the hobby and on behalf of the Board, we thank the candidates for their leadership.”
Kaufmann—the only dealer serving on the APS board—will be chair of the Dealer Advisory Council.
“The APS and its membership is one of the strongest forces in the health of the hobby. The Council will work to identify, prioritize, and offer specific recommendations to the Board to help improve the market,” said Kaufmann.
The first meeting of the council will be in May. Date and call-in information will be provided along with an agenda and meeting minutes for APS members.
For more information, contact APS Executive Director Scott English at scott@stamps.org or 814-933-3814.
NOMINEES & RESULTS
Ballots were sent electronically to every APS dealer member and 36 paper ballots were mailed to dealers who rely on traditional mail. The APS received 81 ballots in response.
St. Catharines, Ont.’s Roy Houtby, owner of Roy’s Stamps, was one vote shy of being elected as one of two at-large members of the newly formed Dealer Advisory Council.