Don Frieze, our esteemed Treasurer and financial advisor, asked if we should continue to pay insurance to cover an estimated $18,000 worth of equipment that is probably only worth $2,000. We seem to think that the list of covered equipment the insurance company has may be quite old. So we decided to reduce the amount covered to $5,000 because any equipment that we may acquire in the future will be far cheaper than what we had to pay for similar equipment in the past, as well as remaining suitable for our purposes.
An interesting situation has prompted quite a bit of debate. Microsoft apparently has a scheme whereby a Web site owner places a link to Microsoft's online shopping mall, and earns commissions on sales placed by visitors who arrive at the mall by way of that link. Well, until more information from Microsoft arrives, we know that part of their bookkeeping relies on the organization's tax number. Anytime sufficient funds change hands, an IRS Form 1099 must be issued. So, the Orangevale Chapter has requested the use of the SPCUG's tax number. They wish to associate with Microsoft's online shopping mall in this manner and hopefully earn a few commissions.
There are several problems with this. How would the Group share its tax number with other chapters, including Orangevale, or even the main group itself, who may also wish to involve themselves with Microsoft? What about the nature of the link itself? Would it be a simple inline textual link or a standard-sized banner ad? If not enough people complete transactions at the mall, the bottom line could be considered a free ad for Microsoft. Have there been any independent analyses of this arrangement by third parties? Because SPCUG is required by law to report all income on its tax returns, the question of who receives the funds and the Form 1099 create further complications. The Steering Committee has tabled this situation for further research and consideration.
The SPCUG is pleased to offer two $500 scholarships to seniors graduating from local high schools. Don Mongeau has been sifting through the applications and is pleased with the number of quality submissions. The Steering Committee extends its sincere gratitude to Don for chairing this worthwhile activity, but doesn't envy him his decision making duties. The winners of the scholarships will be chosen shortly and they will appear as guests at a future main meeting.
