The issuance of this newsletter concludes an era in WINS history. The first post-Bylaws Board of Directors will complete their two-year terms of office this month, and a new Board will assume office. Of the seven Board seats, at least three - and possibly four - will have new occupants effective October 16, 2005.

Ray Larson, our Vice President, has decided to retire from the WINS Board for now. He has been elected as President of his local coin club and believes he'll have a pretty full plate for the foreseeable future. Ray will be missed in his current Board capacity. The Vice President has one of the tougher jobs. In addition to filling in for the President during short-term absences, the Vice President is the Chairman of all WINS committees.

Anyone who has served on a committee knows that committee work is usually very time-consuming and sometimes pretty frustrating. Ray has chaired numerous committees for us over the last two years, and I thank him for his patience and endurance. His expertise will be missed. That is, until he decides to run again for a WINS office. Thanks a lot, Ray, for everything you've contributed to the Board over the last two years.

The Vice President's position is a contested race and the post will be filled by a member who is new to that capacity. Mike Doran WINS #335 and Jason Craton WINS #5 are both vying for the office. Jason is a founding member of WINS and contributes very regularly to the WINS lists. Mike brings to the table a plethora of experience in current and former numismatic offices outside of WINS. I know that each of these members has a lot to contribute to our club. Thanks a lot for running for office, guys, and good luck to both of you in the election.

Doug Prather, our Newsletter Editor, has also decided to retire from the WINS Board for now. He's extremely busy in his personal-business life and needs to give it a rest for awhile. Doug has had one of the busiest jobs on the Board in preparing a monthly Newsletter for our enjoyment. It's tough to fill those newsletter pages month after month and arrange everything for publication. And it's especially tough on the Editor when his regular contributors are always late getting their submissions to him. I know first hand. Over the last two years, Doug has had to send more reminders my way than I'd like to admit.

Doug is a great writer. His knowledge and expertise in numismatics are virtually unsurpassed. And though, as Newsletter Editor, his writing has taken a back seat to his publishing, I'm hoping we'll see an occasional newsletter article from him. Thanks a lot, Doug, for everything you've contributed to the Board over the last two years.

The Newsletter Editor's position is an uncontested race, and the post will be filled by a member who is new to that capacity. Susan Thornton WINS #482 is the sole member vying for this office. Susan and her husband run a coin business via the internet, and she also runs a couple of numismatic coin forums. Susan will bring a lot of experience and expertise to her Newsletter Editor capacity and also has a lot to contribute to the Board. Thanks a lot for running for office, Susan, and good luck in your new position.

Josh Moran, our Librarian, has opted to not run again for office. Since last elections two years ago, Josh's coin shop has become his focal point. That venture has apparently proved to be a success for him and his partner. I can imagine how much time and effort must be devoted to a store-front operation in today's world. Josh has found many a coin for collectors among our membership, and his reputation as a coin dealer is outstanding. Josh also devotes regular time to archeological digs overseas. I, for one, am jealous of these ventures, but I also recognize how time-consuming they must be.

We wish Josh the best of luck in his coin business and world travels, and we can hope that he'll continue to find that perfect coin for many WINS collectors. Maybe Josh will consider writing about his most recent archeological expeditions for the WINS Newsletter sometime. Thanks a lot, Josh, for everything you've contributed to the Board over the last two years.

The Librarian's position is also an uncontested race, and the post will be filled by a member who is new to that capacity. Frank Tucker WINS #341 is the sole member vying for this office. Frank is a regular contributor to the WINS Talk List and the WINS Auctions. Frank is looking forward to his newly-elected office and feels he has a lot to contribute to our numismatic library and to the Board. Thanks a lot for running for office, Frank, and good luck in your new position.

The position of Treasurer is the only other office that is contested in the current elections. Ken Hughes WINS #112, the incumbent, is facing newcomer Rick Engstrom WINS #483. Ken has done a great job of tracking our treasury and paying our bills during his term in office. He has also contributed immensely to the work of the Board of Directors, including sitting on several committees. Thanks a lot Ken for all of your hard work.

Rick believes he'd like to have a go at making a contribution as Treasurer. And it sounds like he, too, has the background and experience to do a great job. I know that both of these members have a lot to contribute to our club and that either of them will be fiscally responsible. Thanks a lot for running for office, guys, and good luck to both of you in the election.

Rounding out the seven Board of Directors offices are three more uncontested races. I am seeking a second term as your President, Dave Noble is seeking a second term as your Secretary, and JD White is seeking a second term as your Operations Administrator.

Dave's capacity as Secretary is a very tedious one. He maintains all of the club's records, including all of the minutes from our Board meetings. This is a time-consuming and thankless job. Dave has fulfilled these duties in an exemplary manner. I'm glad that he feels he has more to contribute to the Board and has decided to remain in this capacity. Thanks a lot for running for office, Dave, and good luck in your continuing capacity as Secretary.

JD's position as Operations Administrator is probably the most time-consuming and most thankless job on the Board of Directors. JD wears many hats in his capacity - Web Master, Auctioneer, List Mommy, and Membership Coordinator to name a few. He is the adhesive that melds all of the club's various components. His day-to-day rigors keep us up and running, and his experience and expertise are always hard at work finding a better way to do things. You won't find anyone more dedicated to this club than JD White. We're lucky to have him aboard and, with him at the IT helm, our club will continue to be the best internet coin club on the planet. Thanks a lot for running again for office, JD, and good luck in your continuing capacity as Operations Administrator.

As for me, I'm proud to have been nominated for a second term as your President. And I'm extremely proud to have served on the Board with the other excellent officers. I look forward to another two years of accomplishments and friendships. We've had some challenging times over the past two years. But with the dedication and expertise of our Board, and with the patience and understanding of our membership, we've pulled through them.

Though we'll adjust and evolve as needed, expect very few changes over the next two years. We will continue our growth. We will continue to share our knowledge. We will continue our daily camaraderie. We will continue our regular activities (along with a few new ones). And best of all, we'll continue to be a caring and sharing family-oriented club. I look forward to working closely with the new Board of Directors. And I thank all of our members for your support and contributions.

Best Regards,

Ralph J. Huntzinger
WINS President