Updates from the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office

March 1, 2023

Jay Blumenthal  -  AFM International Secretary-Treasurer

The first quarterly AFM International Executive Board (IEB) meeting will take place the week of March 27. Since the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) will be meeting at our New York Office, the IEB will have an opportunity to meet with FIM in the morning on Tuesday, March 28. Over the years, the AFM has had an excellent working relationship with FIM. In fact, AFM President Ray Hair serves on the FIM Presidium.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss global issues concerning musicians, such as the latest information on traveling with musical instruments. At the November 2022 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CoP19 Conference, it was decided to keep Pernambuco—the wood of choice for bow making—on the less restrictive Appendix B, rather than moving it to the more restrictive Appendix A. This topic and others will be discussed at the FIM meeting.

In the afternoon on March 28, the IEB will review resolutions submitted for consideration at the 102nd AFM Convention. The IEB will also discuss and formulate recommendations to be submitted for consideration by the convention delegates. All this is in addition to the normal IEB business, including any case(s) that are ready for review by the IEB.

LM Reports

Again this year, I would like to remind US officers of AFM locals having a fiscal year that coincides with the calendar year, that LM-2, LM-3, or LM-4 reports covering 2022 are due no later than March 31. There is no grace period! Please upload your report on time. Each year you must get a new PIN from the Department of Labor. You will need this PIN (which is unique to your local), along with your ID and password to upload your report.

You will also need to indicate the amount for which your local is bonded. If you are unsure of the bonding amount the AFM has for your local, contact AFM Assistant Secretary Jonathan Ferrone at jferrone@afm.org. Also, please properly indicate on your LM report whether or not your constitution and bylaws have been updated since your last LM report. If they have been updated, you will need to attach the updated document(s) when filing your LM report. If you have any questions, please contact your AFM international representative.

102nd AFM Convention

The 102nd AFM Convention will be held June 26–29 at the Westgate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Convention registration will be held Sunday, June 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (PDT), and Monday, June 26, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (PDT).

This year’s Convention Gala will be held the evening of Sunday, June 25, and will include the awarding of the National Music Council’s American Eagle Awards to two deserving recipients. If you are coming to the AFM Convention, you won’t want to miss the gala!

The latest convention and delegate information can be found on the AFM website at www.afm.org/convention. If you have questions or need additional information, send an email to convention2023@afm.org.

ILCA Awards

The AFM’s International Musician magazine won six 2022 International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) awards for content. Month after month, the International Musician highlights the diversity and work of our members. We are pleased that ILCA has recognized the work of the writers and editors who endeavor to keep union musicians at the front and center of the labor community. See the award list on page 3 of this issue.

AFM Annual Audit

The AFM audit is currently underway. Upon completion, the Annual Report (which includes the AFM’s financials) will be made available on the AFM website in the Document Library.

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