December 2002, page 6

Secretary's End of Year Report
By Bob Swenson, Secretary

The job as secretary of a barbershop chapter encompasses many facets that are both necessary and interesting. The chapter secretary is known as the "legal officer" of the corporation because it is his responsibility to make sure that the chapter functions as a legal entity and that the proper records are maintained to support that entity.

The Manhattan Chapter operates as a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the state of Kansas. Our original charter was applied for in 1977 when the chapter was organized. We have maintained our existence as a legal corporation by filing the appropriate reports with both the federal and state governing agencies that recognize our continued existence as a corporation.

As a legal entity, we carry insurance which may limit the personal liability of our officers should some accident or misfortune befall us. The not-for-profit status that we enjoy also benefits us financially in that we do not have to pay taxes on our income. If we were not established in this manner, our chapter would need to file tax returns as a business entity that could possibly create a considerable amount of tax liability.

Besides maintaining the legal status of your chap

ter, the secretary is responsible for ordering supplies for the chapter, processing membership applications, and maintaining the membership database to assure that all of our performers are members of the chapter. The chapter secretary maintains and takes control of the chapter's official records so that our "proof of existence" can be determined if and when necessary.

The chapter secretary is also responsible for recording the actions of the board through the publishing of the minutes that are approved at each successive meeting of the board. The chapter secretary is definitely involved in the day-to-day operations of the chapter and serves an important role in assuring that we operate properly under the laws of the state of Kansas and the nation.

I know from experience over many years that the Manhattan Chapter has enjoyed the services of many fine chapter secretaries. These predecessors have maintained the records necessary to assure our continued proper existence. I feel confident that our "legal operation" is as good if not superior to the best chapters within the district and society. I feel confident in reporting to you that from a legal standpoint, the Manhattan Chapter is in great shape. It is my personal hope to continue this tradition of excellent service that our chapter has enjoyed over its 26 years of existence.

Every Night is Guest Night

The saying, "Every Night is Guest Night," continues to have meaning as our Chapter has guests at almost every chapter meeting. Pictured to the left are the six guests who joined us for our meeting on December 12. Kneeling is Will Long, from Leonardville, who was invited by our President, Mike Shepherd. Standing are five members of the Salina Crossroads Barbershop Chapter: (Left to right) Jim Byers, Gary O'Hara, Tony Claus, Gary Montre and Steve Jennings who just "dropped in" to see a neighbor chapter.