 Ray Grenier, K9KHW (right), of AES presents the first membership check from AES to AARE President Ray Novak, KC7JPA. Looking on are (left to right) AARE Board Member at Large Randy Gawtry, K0CBH; AARE Vice President Rick Ruhl, W4PC; and Secretary-Treasurer Evelyn Garrison, WS7A. |
NEWINGTON, CT, Apr 18, 2002--A new organization, the American Association of Radio Enthusiasts (AARE), has been formed to promote Amateur Radio and emergency communications outside traditional amateur circles. The nonprofit corporation also hopes to serve as a conduit for ham radio equipment dealers and manufacturers to exchange ideas and work together on projects. Its stated goal is to help ham radio grow and to double the number of hams in five years.
"We look forward to encompassing all aspects of the Amateur Radio Industry--retail dealers, manufacturers and distributors," said ICOM's Ray Novak, KC7JPA, who was chosen to serve as AARE's first president. "This umbrella organization will provide an important focal point leading to a great future."
Members of the Amateur Radio industry decided to create the trade group for dealers and manufacturers during an informal annual meeting of Amateur Radio manufacturers held April 5 in Milwaukee in conjunction with AES Superfest 2002. The organization says it hopes to serve as "the voice of the manufacturers and dealers in radio," much as ARRL speaks for Amateur Radio operators.
AARE members will include the manufacturers and dealers of radio and emergency products. Companies who join in the first six months will be charter members of the group.
In addition to Novak, an executive team representing many facets of the ham radio industry was chosen to lead AARE's debut year. Other officers include Vice President Rick Ruhl, W4PC, of Creative Services Software, and Secretary-Treasurer Evelyn Garrison, WS7A, who represents Alinco. Gordon West, WB6NOA, of Gordon West Radio School; Bob Heil, K9EID, of Heil Sound; and Randy Gawtry, K0CBH, of Timewave Technology will serve on the Board of Directors.
The AARE Web site, now under
construction, will provide additional information. Dealers and manufacturers of radio products interested in joining AARE
may contact Evelyn Garrison, evelyn@aaregroup.org,
for details.
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