Delegate’s Report to Area Assembly, February 14, 2021
Wow what a fantastic month this has been. I have a longer report today that I would have thought but there is allot of information coming to me.
I was asked to speak at the HMB new panel Orientation and had a grand time. Of course, I did this on Zoom. I also had the opportunity to speak at the Lockport #1 meeting out in Lockport.
One of the coolest things I got to do was to participate in a poll with the Trustees Committee to vote on if we should move a motion to the GSC. It was really cool to participate and I will talk about the motion later when I talk about the final agenda topics. Yup I got the final list, no background yet but that will come soon.
Now what has been going on. 2020 contributions revenue reached an all-time high of $10,304,185, which is $417,930 greater than the reforecast. Of this amount, approximately 21% (or $2.16 million were received online). We are grateful to the fellowship for contributing $1,442,421 in December to propel us past the $10 million mark for the year. As near as anyone knows, the December 2020 total of $1.44 million is the highest single month of 7th Tradition voluntary contributions ever!
To facilitate calculating the preliminary bottom line, our GSO “soft closed” the books for December, 2020 on January 15, 2021. This means that any invoices received after that date for goods or services provided in 2020 will be counted in 2021 unless the invoice is material (i.e., so large it would result in a significant change in expenses). As of the soft close, we have a modest 2020 surplus of $210,917 before depreciation. This surplus could decrease if any unexpectedly large invoices for 2020 activities are received between now and completion of the audit.
Revenue:
- Gross literature sales revenue is $9,098,578 compared to a reforecast amount of $9,856,109, for an unfavorable difference of $757,531. Although gross sales did not reach the reforecast amount, our cost of goods sold was only 28% of gross sales as compared to a reforecast 35%. Therefore, gross literature profit has exceeded reforecast by $113,607.
- The revenue split between gross profit on literature sales and contributions in 2020 is about 37% literature & 63% contributions (compared to the historical split of 58% literature & 42% contributions). The significance of this split/shift highlights, in a favorable way, the full extent of the “Fellowship Rally” (i.e., unprecedented increase in 7th Tradition voluntary contributions to cover the services provided by our GSO, see attached.
Expense:
- Payroll and benefits expense is $11,329,538, which is $374,429 less than the reforecast amount of $11,703,967.
- Total expenses are $16,667,870, which is $45,195 less than the reforecast amount of $16,713,065.
Francis let us know his concerns about the steps we are taking (or plan to take) to address workplace safety at our General Service Office. Greg, Stephanie and Francis shared their understanding of several matters, including:
* The HVAC (i.e., air circulation system) filters have been upgraded to “hospital grade.” Although I do not have the specific title of the Riverside Building Manager, I was informed that our GSO has voluntarily participated in pre-opening discussions – and inspections – with our landlord. We passed. Our GSO meets or exceeds all current guidelines.
* The Riverside Building Management plans on implementing a system of “wireless” temperature taking, insisting on facemasks, providing hand sanitizers in the building lobby, and the like, before anyone may enter the building.
* During this time, when the office is largely unoccupied, several other measures are being taken, including: carpeting is being replaced in some areas, several cubicles are being converted from two-person to one-person occupancy, there is even the possibility/likelihood of addressing some minor touch-up painting around the office, and such.
* Our GSO lobby on the 11th Floor is being measured and outfitted with PPE (Plastic Process Equipment). No one knows how long the PPE will be in place. This decision will likely be a factor of New York State requirements (for lack of a better term), Riverside Management, Epidemiologist’s recommendations, and Employee feedback, no doubt. At present, only a handful of people are permitted in the building at all. One of whom is Michelle Mirza, our Non-Alcoholic Archivist (more about that, below).
* At present, our GSO employees remain gainfully employed in a telework environment i.e., work from home). Our AA Grapevine and La Vina haven’t missed an issue. GSO is sensitive to the fact that many of our Staff and employees commute to 475 Riverside Drive by public transportation, such as commuter rail, subway and bus. Employee Safety is a priority. As an aside, there has been an understandable uptick in purchasing office equipment to maintain connectivity and productivity.
* One other thing, regarding the 8th Floor utilization, some have inquired whether the office space is sitting idle. It is not. For example, the contents from at least one of our offsite Archival storage units has been relocated to the 8th Floor. Although this was not the original intention of obtaining such office space on the 8th Floor, under the supervision of our Archivist, this space now houses some Archival material – as a result, we there are immediate cost savings attributed to less offsite warehouse space. Interestingly, this behind-the-scenes success story remains largely unsung. I apologize for not reporting this to you immediately; however, I do not have auditable information, such as: estimated square footage, cost comparison per square ft., relocation/moving costs, etc. What I can say, is that we are definitely saving money by
reducing our offsite warehouse rental (and, based on ongoing discussions with our Archivist, Michelle mirza is satisfied that there will be no adverse impact to the material temporarily stored on the 8th Floor).
Below is a letter sent on behalf of the Trustees Literature Committee, General Service Board, and the G.S.O. General Manager. About the big book, it was quite good.
Announcement – Availability of Downloadable Presentation Video for Fellowship Distribution
The actual video is in the letter or https://vimeopro.com/user112910871/big-book-riptab/video/500617913.
I also received word that the US/CAN Treatment Forum will meet again on February 27.
I believe the login information will be the same.
Meeting ID: 720 323 0527
Password: 417
Next here is a job for you. AA is looking to hire a new General Manager and if you want information about how to apply, I will be glad to get it to you.
Now as was previously announced, Albin Z. is on a medical leave of absence. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts. In the meantime, Chris C. will serve as Acting Publisher, effective January 29, 2021.
Chris has been in the publications business for his entire career including working as our Publications Director at GSO from 2002-2009. He has also worked on several freelance projects for AAWS and AAGV over the years. He is happy to be helping the AAGV as well as Albin in the current circumstances.
GSO is confident in Chris’s leadership abilities and experience. As Acting Publisher, Chris will have the same management and signing authority as the Publisher, but he will not serve as a member of the AAGV Board or a member of the General Service Conference. We look forward to supporting Chris in his role during Albin’s absence.
