Feb 2, 2023
Dear Colleagues:
First, thank you for electing me as AAEC president. I feel a bit like Joe Biden: bring in the old guy!
As some of you recall, I was president of the AAEC several years ago, and remain committed to making sure that we have a functioning group for years to come, and that all members feel welcome.
Some good news: Matt Wuerker has secured $30,000 for the AAEC from the Mott Foundation. The bad news is this will be their final donation. Matt has been instrumental in these donations, and has helped secure well over $100,000 for the AAEC. We all owe Matt our profound thanks.
Going forward, I noted at the last convention that we will begin exploratory talks with Jason Chatfield, the president of the National Cartoonists Society, about entering into some sort of alliance. I will report on these conversations after we talk. The ever-indispensible Scott Burns helps both NCS and us, and he’ll make sure we cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s.
In my view, it is important for us to retain our AAEC identity in any future arrangements, and an AAEC/NCS alliance is probably going to look more like a joint convention effort more than anything else.
With regard to the 2023 AAEC joint convention with our Canadian comrades at ACC, I have spoken with ACC president Wes Tyrell about doing a stripped-down version in Canada in 2023 in the fall. Wes’s academic partner for the original incarnation of the ACC/AAEC convention became seriously ill, and consequently the original plan for this spring has fallen by the wayside.
I know we can find a good location shortly, but we’ll be a little light on formal activities. As most members seem to simply enjoy seeing each other (OK, in the bar), we will find a hotel, show up, and socialize in September or October.
If this plan doesn’t work, we have other similar options, including SPX, and we will all meet regardless. [Update: There is a convention happening, and it is now happening in San Francisco from Oct. 5-8. Click on the box in column to the left for details and registration.]
The retool of the website continues apace, and the board had approved a final payment to complete the redesign. I am confident this will be completed soon.
Finally, thank you to Kevin Necessary, who served ably as acting AAEC president last year, and has graciously agreed to continue as vice president. Thanks also to Jape and Kelsey for doing the usual yeoman’s work serving our group. If there was something bigger than the Ink Bottle, I’d give it to them. Our board members are terrific, and Ed Hall and Monte Wolverton in particular are so important to the AAEC.
The mission of AAEC is to fight for cartoonists, communicate to our members, and have a good convention. I know I will call upon all of you for help as well. Thank you again.
Cordially,
Jack
Jack Ohman, AAEC President 2023-2024
