APS Branch Offices ?

I agree with you, Floortrader in that there needs to be a change in the social engagement of philately in general and philatelists in particular, and one that is accessible to the youth of the country.

I also think that there are a number of regional philatelic libraries which could use support.

The future of the APS depends on expanding its digital footprint. The United States Philatelic Classics Society recently experienced a surge in new membership applications after placing significant amounts of reference information in addition to "The Chronicle" on line. Much of the APS roadmap to move membership services on-line was anticipated in the 2008 Long Range Plan and the report of the 2013 Retreat. Both are available on the APS web site. Perhaps not enough emphasis was placed on the general need for philatelic information, especially on the Internet.

I believe that maintaining and growing APS membership will depend on how much and how successfully the APS enables access to philatelic information through its web site. It is clear that specialty brick and mortar businesses are having difficulty staying relevant and cost effective in the Internet age. There is no reason to believe that the APS would be successful attempting to counter the trend given that most stamp stores have already disappeared. The future is the Internet and the Cloud. Why create a distraction by proposing branch offices?

Clark