President's report.

Two score and seventeen years ago, our photographic fathers launched a new Society, dedicated to the art and science of photography and to the furtherance of public education therein. We, here at this yearly meeting, must acknowledge their contribution, for during the 57 years of it's existence, the Society has proved to be a haven for a good many persons to practice that art and science of this universal language, photography, and in many ways to bring it to the attention of the public.

To take just one area, the photographic print. Imagine, if you will, the total number of different images that have been photographed, processed, mounted and mailed to exhibitions that are operated under PSA guidelines. Not just the accepted prints, but the total number mailed. I would not even attempt to guess at what that number might be. That's a lot of sheets of photographic paper, mount boards, hypo, that is--fixer, down the drain and postage paid. Then consider, the number of people--the public, who have seen those accepted photographs displayed in all those exhibitions. Again, that must be an astronomical figure. Remember, we're considering only one division of PSA. The statistics for color slides, nature, photojournalism, phototravel, stereo and video/movies make an impressive total!

So you see that in one area, at least, we have and we are fulfilling the purpose as stated in Article I of the Constitution. But there are other ways the Society can be bringing education about photography to our members and to the public and I can tell you that there are plans afoot to do just that. One such plan that is being developed will sponsor seminars and workshops with the target audience not just PSA members, but the general public as well. Another thing we're involved with already is the use and planned use of the permanent collection. It is probably the finest collection of photographic pictorialism in the world. We have made a start toward bringing these images to the viewing public with a wonderful exhibit--"Remarkable Images from the PSA Collection." This consists of 60 photographs from our total of more than 3,500. It is available for showing at museums and galleries and I encourage you to contact your local establishments to arrange for it to be shown in your area. Here, in San Antonio, displayed along with the PSA print exhibit, are 25 exquisite images by one of the great pictorialists of all time; a man who developed new techniques and processes and shared them through his writings. I'm speaking of William Mortensen. These photographs, which were on display throughout the conference, came to the permanent collection thanks to the generosity of Col. Joe Kennedy, Hon. FPSA, a former president of the Society.

I've spoken before about the permanent collection; about the project of cataloging the print images. That has now been brought up to date, with a record form complete with a copy picture for every print. Storage cabinets have been custom constructed and the prints are now stored in order and easily accessible. Given the maker's name or the title, a computer listing will supply the print number and within a few seconds the print can be brought to light. Thanks must go to several members of the Oklahoma Camera Club for their assistance with this project. Keeping up with the cataloging process will be easily accomplished as new images are added to the collection.

It is becoming ever more important for PSA to require legal releases for the prints and slides that are accepted in the collection. They are essential for the Society to be able to use them for display, publications, etc.

Our library continues to grow and it certainly must now be considered a major source of photographic knowledge. It too is cataloged and new books, and many that may not be new but still valuable, are still being donated. There is room for more on the shelves and they will be welcomed.

Recently, in the PSA Journal, a warning was published regarding the use of copyrighted material; particularly the use of music as a part of photographic programs. That warning was the result of the news of increased enforcement by ASCAP and BMI, the two entertainment oriented organizations that collect the fees for music use. IT is a legal matter, since the law of the land is protective of copyright and it was apparent that our members could be at risk. Once we learned of the situation it was incumbent upon PSA to issue the warning. PSA will be paying the fees for all music used at this conference, but certainly that will not offer protection for other usage. Please contact your legal advisor or further investigate this to avoid what could be costly problems.

If you've ever looked carefully at the Services Directory which is published every other month in the PSA Journal, I'm sure you have become aware of the large number of services and activities that PSA makes available to its members, both individual members and club members. That is one of the real benefits of membership in our Society. Yet we know that a lot of our members never take advantage of any of the services. There is, really, something for everyone, but apparently the effort to make the first move is not forthcoming. I know how much enjoyment and knowledge has come my way through participation in the American Portfolios. It probably does not need to be mentioned again that being involved in one or more of PSA activities is a sure key to membership retention. I encourage you to be a promoter of PSA services! If you know of anyone, an old or new member, maybe even yourself, who is not participating in these opportunities please encourage them to get involved. During the past few days of our Executive Committee meetings we've heard reports of the new slides sets, video print programs and so forth that have added to the division's roster of services.

The PSA President hears from a lot of members each year. Most of the mail is "good stuff," but occasionally there is a letter with a complaint about someone failing to respond or about delay in a response. Sure, we depend on our many volunteers for much that we do, but please let's see that the new president doesn't have to get that kind of mail. He's too nice a fellow to have to worry about such things.

You will remember that last year, the Video & Motion Picture Division was having its problems and that William Ricks stepped up and was appointed the new Chairman of the Division with the charge to lead the Division back to its rightful place in the Society and to encourage the video aspect of the Division. It's been a difficult year for him because of the fact that he had little to work with in terms of dollars and a cadre of loyal members to call upon. But, he has managed to keep it alive and I'm sure you've noted that we have V/MPD programs on the schedule this year. I'm confident that given time and support that William will bring that Division back into the important place it deserves to have in our Society.

The Headquarters operation is going along smoothly with a dedicated staff. We owe a lot to Terry Stull, Operations Manager, and to the crew. Remember, you are welcome to visit Headquarters whenever you travel through Oklahoma City and you will be warmly welcomed.

In visiting recently with Dennis J. Ramsey, the Editor of the PSA Journal, he told me that there is always a need for more articles, particularly articles of a how to do it or technical nature. He will welcome submission of your writing efforts and you'll be building up points towards Journal Stars. Isn't it great to be getting the PSA Journal on tim!

Last year at the Opryland Conference, otherwise known as the Aerobics Conference because of the large distances we all walked each day, the Board of Directors of the Society had to act to withdraw the Charters of six PSA Chapters. An unpleasant task to say the least. These Chapters had declined to accept the fact that they were a part of PSA and thus comply with the reporting requirements that corporate law and the IRS require. We deeply regret the need for that action but it was necessary to protect the Society. The real losers were the many Chapter members who in some cases were not given the facts of the matter and who now have lost the opportunity to attend and participate in Chapter functions. However, since that time, the applications for two new Chapters have been approved and the charters presented. We would welcome new applications for Chapter activity anywhere.

Broadening the scope of this report, looking back upon the last four years brings a realization of what has been accomplished. At the time of my assuming the office of President of PSA, we were being told that the future of the Society was bleak, and it became apparent that the Society had been borrowing heavily from its reserves and restricted funds to the point where there was little left. Thanks to the courage of a concerned and dedicated management team, I've had the opportunity to help in leading the Society back into a sound and stable financial footing. We've learned that the management of the Society is not just a ceremonial perk, but that it takes vigilance and direct involvement. In short, just as in business, it takes work to make it successful. I believe we've learned a lesson and I sincerely hope that future leaders of the Society will continue to pay attention to the audit reports, the financial statements and to the goals and purposes of the Society and the services it provides to the members and the public.

I must say that I don't think it would have been possibile for me to have gotten through the last four years without the help and support of my wife, Georgia.

I leave the office of President knowing that the new management team under the leadership of Jim Turnbull, FPSA will continue the rebuilding process and knowing that the Photographic Society of America has a future -- a great future! Thank You.