1. Post Commander Training Program
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Post Commander Training Program
AMVETS Department of Florida
March 2017

2. POST COMMANDER
The Commander, as the Senior Executive Officer of the Post, shall:
Preside at all meetings of the post and executive committee.
Is an ex officio member of all committees.
Directs and supervises the activities of all elected and appointed officers and committees.
Together with the adjutant and finance officer, is responsible for all monies received by the post.
Ensures that the post meets regularly on the designated time and date.
Disseminates all pertinent information .
Carries out the wishes of the membership.

3. Discussion Items Introduction Managing the Business Meetings
Constitution and Bylaws
Membership
Programs
Discipline
Subordinate Organizations

4. Introduction Organizational Structure 1 AMVETS National Headquarters
6 AMVETS National Districts
We are in National District III
41 Departments
16 Department Districts (only 10 active)
81 Posts in Department of Florida

5. Managing the Business IRS 990 (Taxes) Articles of Incorporation
Expires every year December 31st (Canteen Operators
Can be done online
IRS 990 (Taxes)
IRS Form 990N – Gross receipts < $50K
IRS Form 990 EZ – Gross Receipts < $200K
IRS Form 990 – Gross Receipts exceed $200K and total assets are $500K or more
Filings due 15th day of the 5th month after close of financial year
Reference IRS Publication 3386 Tax Guide – Veterans Organization (google IRS Pub 3386)

6. Managing the Business Insurance Reporting
Posts without canteens single limit coverage of $300K
Posts operating canteens must carry workman’s compensation, public liability, product liability, liquor liability and personal injury with max single limit of $500K
Acord 25 must have statement “AMVETS National Headquarters and Department of Florida are additional insured”
Acord 25 due every time insurance is renewed

7. Managing the Business
Insurance Acord 25
Very Important

8. Managing the Business Revalidation
Annual meeting held May 1st – May 14th
Paperwork due Department 7 days after meeting
District Commanders ensure posts submit paperwork on time

9. Managing the Business Canteen Operations
Trustees Responsible for activities, operation and finances
SOP can make operation easier
Training Bartenders (Training for Intervention Procedures – TIPS)
Relationship between Bartenders, Bar Manager, Chairman of the Trustees, Executive Board and Commander
Internal Controls

10. Managing the Business Gaming
IRS Publication 3079 Tax Exempt Organizations and Gaming
Gambling machines, pull tabs, raffles, bingo regulations from IRS, ABT, Ordinances, State Statutes, Department of Agriculture
Accountability – Internal Controls

11. Managing the Business Dining Facility Operations
SOP will make operation more manageable
State Food License
EEOC required postings
Trained workers
Food Manger’s Certification
Food Handler’s Certification

12. Managing the Business Entertainment Who hires
Are they officers of the Post
IRS forms W-9 and IRS 1099

13. Managing the Business Finances
Commander and Finance Officer equally responsible
Bonded if handling over $5K
2 Signatures on each check
Finance Committee Responsibilities
GAAP
Tracking of licence and permits
Internal controls

14. Meetings
Commander’s job is to get information to the membership and carry out the wishes of the membership
Did you prepare an Agenda prior to the meeting (Sample on next slide)
Is your staff is in uniform
Do you have a quorum
Does the Judge Advocate have a copy of the CBL and Roberts Rules of Order
Executive Board handles business between meetings. If the issue can wait for the membership to decide – It Should!
Meeting should not last more than 1 hour

15. Meetings Agenda Posting the colors & Pledge of Allegiance Invocation
Preamble to the AMVETS Constitution
Roll Call of Officers
Minutes of the Previous Meeting and the Executive Committee Meeting
Bills and Communication
Introduction of Guests
Reports of Officers
Unfinished Business
New Business
Good & Welfare
Benediction
Retiring the colors
Adjournment

16. Constitution & Bylaws
Discipline Guide for Commanders and Judge Advocates
Guide only – cannot be used as a reference in a hearing
Is not all inclusive
Replacing Elected Officers
Unexcused absence for two consecutive regular meetings without prior consent shall be removed without any further action
Commander appoints member to a vacated officer position
Eboard recommends approval of membership at their next meeting
Membership approves at next regular meeting

17. Constitution & Bylaws Discipline Category A (Conduct Unbecoming)
Category B (Violation of house rules)
Notarized complaint received
Hearing notice in 5 days
Hearing no sooner than 30 days from mailing date
Executive Board hears Category A, (if complaint is against CDR it goes to Department Commander). Commander appoints grievance committee for Category B.
Always try arbitration in lieu of hearing

18. Managing the Business Discipline Continued
Appeal within 15 days of hearing
Cat B to Executive Board, Cat A to Department
Decision is final
Criminal Action
Do not set hearing date until local authorities are done with their action
Charges against a LAUX or Sons member
Cat A goes to Department CDR, Cat B handled locally.

19. Membership Processing membership online Make sure 1st Vice Reports
Post Roster versus Department Roster versus National Roster
Recruiting & Retention
Using the newspaper and radio stations
Open houses
When a member joins
Copy of CBL, Newsletter, Activity Calendar, Menu, Date and time of next meeting

20. Programs Programs is what we are all about
Make it easy for the member to record them
Ensure 2nd Vice Commander reports $ amount
Keep local media informed

21. Subordinate Organizations
Make them feel that they are a part of the organization -- THEY ARE!
Have joint meetings to plan activities and keep them informed on what AMVETS are doing
Stay in your own lane

22. Succession Planning Train your replacement Mentor your replacement
Support your replacement
Coach your staff
Plan your next position
Volunteer for Department Committees

23. Thumb Drive National, Department & Generic Post CBL
Generic Canteen & Kitchen SOP
Disciplinary Guide for Commanders & J.A.
Membership & Program Manual
Post Commander’s Training
Post Commander’s Presentation
IRS
Tax Guide Veterans’ Organization
Tax Exempt Organization and Gaming
Form 2024
Form 8718
Form

24. The End
Any Questions?
Commanders believe the weight of the post is on their shoulders