Annunciator A monthly news update from the FSSA Issue 51, November 2012   Lenmark Receives FSSA Leadership Award On November 17, 2012, during a retirement party, Voigt “V2” Lenmark Jr was presented with the FSSA Leadership Award. The award is generally presented at the Fire Suppression Systems Association's Annual Meeting, but since Voigt and Mary Jean will be vacationing in Maui during the meeting, the FSSA Board of Directors voted unanimously to present this special award during his retirement party. V2 is the fourth recipient in the fire suppression industry to receive this award. The FSSA Leadership Award recognizes those individuals who have displayed leadership and dedication to the industry. Voigt was a founder of FSSA and served in several positions including president in 1992. His steadfastness and business acumen helped not only his company but FSSA as well, especially during the formative years of the association. Voigt led by example and blazed a trail for FSSA when times were difficult. He proved that the association was indeed a valuable entity, and today FSSA is stronger and more vital than ever. After 43 years in the fire protection business, FSSA congratulates V2 and wishes both him and Mary Jean a happy retirement! V2 will officially retire at the end of this year, December 2012. Well wishes can be emailed to V2 at lenmark2@volco.net or to Mary Jean at mlenmark@gmail.com, or by mail to: Voigt and Mary Jean Lenmark Volco Company 7505 Highway 7 Minneapolis, MN 55426 Kidd Named FSSA Honorary Member Jim Kidd, one of FSSA’s founding members, joined the prestigious list of Honorary members. The FSSA board of directors approved Kidd as a honorary membership at its recent meeting. Jim Kidd, now retired, had served in several capacities including the FSSA Board of Directors and the original Technical Committee. Other FSSA honorary members include: George Krabbe, Carl Jewell, Charles B. Ford, Marv Charney, Daniel Moore, George Grabowski, Harry Newell, Lee Applegate, Charles Willms, Bob Yellin, and Jim Suarez. FSSA grants honorary membership to an individual whose contribution to the fire suppression and protection industry including having served in an official capacity with FSSA as a board member, committee chairperson. The person must have been an active member in FSSA committees and conferences for at least ten years. In addition, the individual must display a reputation that upholds the principals on which FSSA was founded and continues to operate. This reputation is to include issues such as honesty, passion for the industry and a promoter of the FSSA. An honorary member should also display a desire to continue to actively participate in promoting FSSA and its causes, as well as an intention to be active at the FSSA conferences. IRS Issues New Milage Rates for 2013 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this week issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning January 1, 2013 the standard mileage rate for using a car for business will be 56.5 cents per mile. The standard mileage rate for using a car in service of charitable organizations is 14 cents per mile. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. USPS Outlines New Plan for Financial Survival Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said the Postal Service could greatly enhance its financial picture if Congress eased the terms of pre-payments into a retiree health care fund and allowed the agency to eliminate mail delivery on Saturdays. Donahoe appeared on “CBS This Morning” and said the Postal Service isn’t asking Congress for a bailout. The Service just needs to refinance retiree’s future health benefits to $1 billion a year instead of $5 billion, he said. He also said the USPS could continue package delivery on Saturdays and keep post offices open. Earlier this month, the Postal Service reported losing a record $15.9 billion in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. The Senate passed a bill in April that would allow the struggling Postal Service to restructure, shutter unnecessary mail distribution centers, and offer buyouts and early retirement incentives to long-time postal workers. The House has yet to pass its own postal reform bill. 2013 Annual Forum Registration Have you registered yet?  The FSSA Annual Forum is only four months away.  Take advantage of the early bird registration savings and register online now.  Visit the FSSA website for more details. FSSA's LinkedIn Group Page FSSA's group page on LinkedIn has almost 2,300 participants.  Be sure to add FSSA to your LinkedIn profile.  Participate in discussions.  Show the world that FSSA members are "Best in Class" for the industry.   Please note the group rules prior to participating and also note that FSSA will not allow job posting messages on the group page. Compressed Gas Association’s 100th Annual Meeting April 7-12, 2013 Scottsdale, Arizona CGA will hold its 100th Annual Meeting, April 7-12, 2013, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Visit www.cganet.com for details.   Are You an FSSA Ambassador? Interested in passing along information on FSSA to prospective members? FSSA has printed cards proclaiming “WHY Join the FSSA” with information on member benefits. If you would like a stack of cards mailed to you so that you can distribute them to your colleagues, please contact FSSA Headquarters.   Connect with FSSA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter!   Did You Miss an Annunciator? The complete archive of The Annunciator is available on the FSSA website. Click here to view. Please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA Headquarters if you would like to have a colleague added to the mailing list. FSSA Staff is Here to Assist You . . . Crista LeGrand, CAE, CMP - Executive Director Cal Clemons, CAE, CMP - Managing Director  Vince Mullhausen - Meetings & Member Services Donna Liberto - Financial Manager Jason Dumm - Financial Coordinator (contact Jason for all membership dues & meeting registration payments or invoicing)

FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION 5024 Campbell Blvd., Suite R, Baltimore, MD 21236-5974 P: (410) 931-8100 F: (410) 931-8111 http://www.fssa.net

 

Today we are Thankful for our wonderful employees.

To show our appreciation we celebrated with a Thanksgiving Luncheon.

 We will be Closed Thursday and Friday to allow our employees some time at home with their families. But, as always, if you need an Emergency Recharge please call 419-466-6238.  

 

From all of us at A-Gas RemTec, Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

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