Hello, Navy Leaguers! Please contact the Member Service Center at service@navyleague.org or 800.356.5760, with any questions, comments, concerns or requests. Thanks! Bill Waylett

Featured Sections:

I. Correcting IRS Non-profit Records
II. Navy League 2007 Convention
III. Public Relations
IV. Membership
V. Legislative Affairs
VI. Corporate Affairs
VII. Development
VIII. Announcements

I. Correcting IRS Non-profit Records

Several council leaders have asked “whom to call” if they have questions about their non-profit status. IRS procedures under paragraph 25.7.6.3 state (Cumulative List is IRS Publication 78):

" 25.7.6.3 (09-20-2006)
Processing Cumulative List Inquiries
Inquiries regarding omissions, coding errors, etc. should be referred to the Cincinnati Area Office Customer Service Unit. If a special listing is requested or a systemic problem is suspected, refer to TE/GE HQ (SE:T:BSP).

Inquiries received at service centers must be forwarded to the Cincinnati AO for resolution and response."

And finally, the Cincinnati Area Office info is as follows:

"Charities & Non-Profits

You may direct your technical and procedural questions concerning charities and other non-profit organizations to IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Customer Account Services at (877) 829-5500 (toll-free number). Direct questions about employment taxes to the Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 (toll-free).

If you prefer to write, you may write us at:

Internal Revenue Service
Exempt Organizations Determinations
P.O. Box 2508
Cincinnati, OH 45201

The EO Determinations office may also issue a determination letter applying the principles and precedents previously announced to a specific set of facts. If you wish to obtain a determination letter, or need to transmit copies of amended documents, you should write to EO Determinations."

The IRS admits Publication 78 is a partial list (it doesn't include group exemptions, for example); they publish an Addendum listing recently issued Determination Letters (issued within the past 18 months). As long as you have your Determination Letter (the Customer Service office will likely ask for the date of the letter), you can prove you are a non-profit if someone asks for proof. The IRS does cancel entities non-profit status for various reasons, but you can appeal the decision if you discover your exemption has been revoked (usually by correcting the deficiency, such as filing the overdue IRS Form 990, a typical reason for revocation). Better yet, switch to the NLUS Group Exemption!

II. Navy League 2007 Convention

Plan now to attend the Navy League’s National Convention in Palm Desert, California, October 30 - November 4, 2007. Go to www.navyleague.org <http://www.navyleague.org> and click on the convention icon for information and to register. Register for multiple events in advance and receive a discount. You must register no later than September 30 to be eligible for the discounted package. Hotel reservations must be made by October 3 to ensure you receive the Navy League rate.

III. Public Relations

Public Relations Recognition Program

Thank you for submitting your Council’s PR Recognition Awards Reporting Form by the August 31 deadline. Winners will be announced and posted on the NLUS website within the month.

The Public Relations Recognition Program Awards are presented annually at the National Convention to councils in their respective size categories with the highest accumulated Public Relations activity points for the previous year, based on criteria outlined in the Operations Manual, pp. 158-160, “Report for Council for Public Relations Activities”. Reports are evaluated on the honor system at National Headquarters. For award purposes, councils are judged in three divisions, identical to those used for the Mackie Awards selections: i.e., small (fewer than 250 members), medium (251 to 499 members), and large (more than 500 members). The awards presented to the winners in each division are identical. Thank you for your participation!

Call for council stories, photos and video

Please keep sending your stories, videos and photos to publicrelations@navyleague.org. The Communications Department is working with a video production vendor to update the Navy League's promotional video. Councils with high quality video footage of Navy League mission-oriented council activities should contact Tiffany Anzalone, Dir. of Public Relations at 703-312-1557 or tanzalone@navyleague.org. We are also looking for high-resolution photos. You’re help is greatly appreciated.

IV. Membership

Deputy Director of Membership Announced

Please welcome Salvador Chairez who has taken over as the new Deputy Director of Membership. Salvador comes to us from the American Health Lawyers Association and brings considerable experience in member servicing. Salvador can be reached at schairez@navyleague.org or (703) 312-1569.

2006 Top Recruiters Announced

Recruiter, Council, Number of New Members
Henry “Jim” Bedinger, San Diego 312
Jackson Stevens, St Maarten 93
Phelps Hobart, Sacramento 84
Suzy Williams, Corpus Christi 65
Richard Terwilliger, Honolulu 55
Dick Messbarger, Kingsville 49
Thomas Hoffman, St Thomas/St John 47
Robert Schlick, Palm Springs 45
Francis Reilly, Space Coast 38
Grant Ivey, Santa Barbara 36
Sheila McNeill, Camden-Kings Bay 33
Connie Los, Santa Barbara 31
John Spittler, Greater Chattanooga 29
Frederick Orton, San Diego 27
Roger Ponto, Lake Washington 25
Roland Guilbault, Treasure Coast 24
Kerry O’Brien, Pacific Merchant Marine 22
Linda Ashbey, Lakehurst 22
John Flanagan, Honolulu 22
Karen Crawford, Santa Barbara 20
Stephen Russo, Northern Virginia 20

Congratulations and thank you to these recruiters, who are working to keep the Navy League strong. Who is doing the recruiting in your council? Please call one of these successful recruiters to find our “how they do it”! We need your support.

V. Legislative Affairs

Council leaders and members are asked to please take a moment to visit <http://www.capwiz.com/nl/home/> and send a constituent message of support for two Coast Guard programs now at stake in the Fiscal 2008 appropriations process. The National President recently wrote a similar letter to key congressional leaders. However, no voice is more important to your U.S. Representative than yours as a constituent - so please consider sending your message soon. Thanks for your support!

VI. Corporate Affairs

Corporate Affairs Manager Announced

Benjamin Lowe has been selected to serve as Manager of Corporate Affairs. Ben has been serving in this position provisionally for several months. Ben may be reached at blowe@navyleague.org or (703) 312-1556.

New Corporate Dues in Effect

Just a reminder for councils engaged in recruiting corporate members-the corporate dues increase went into effect on July 1, 2007. All applications dated before July 1, 2007 are now obsolete. New applications can be found under the corporate membership section of the website, or by clicking this link: http://www.navyleague.org/membership/corporate_benefits.php

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Ben Lowe, Corporate Affairs at (703) 312-1556, or blowe@navyleague.org.

VII. Development

Navy League 2007 National Tribute Dinner

In appreciation of your generosity and leadership, members of the Navy League President’s Circle are cordially invited to attend the 2007 National Tribute Dinner, September 25, 2007, at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The President’s Circle is a distinct group of member donors who pledge to financially support the Navy League with an annual donation of $1,000 or more. President’s Circle benefits include special invitations to exclusive member-and-guest-only events such as speaker luncheons and receptions with honored guests at our annual convention.

2007-2008 President’s Circle Members will be provided with 2 complimentary guest tickets to the Dinner.

For more information about the dinner, to join or renew your President’s Circle membership, please contact Ms. Cortney Pease at cpease@navyleague.org or 703.312.1587.

2007 Annual Fund Appeal

Navy League relies on the generosity of our members to pursue and excel in our mission to support the U.S. Sea Services. The largest, most important source of funds comes from your contributions to the Navy League Annual Fund. In the next several weeks, you'll be receiving a letter from National Vice President for Development, VADM Joe Donnell, USN (Ret). We sincerely hope you'll contribute, and here's why:

Everywhere we look, every time we turn on the news or read the newspaper, we are reminded of the perils our fighting men and women face every day. They put themselves in harm's way because they believe in something greater, something worth preserving. They do it because they know they are the first and last line of defense against forces that seek to destroy our way of life... our homes... our families.

Terrorism is a constant threat. It is irrational, persistent and wrong and we have been privileged to avoid the daily terror that affects many countries because of the role our Sailors, Coastguardsmen and Marines play in keeping us safe. Their daily and continuous sacrifice overseas keeps our homeland and maritime borders secure.

When they do so much, how can we not reciprocate just a little?

Your tax-deductible donation will make a difference. Please help us expand our support of the U.S. Sea Services in 2007. Your leadership makes all the difference.

VIII. Announcements

1. Council Rebates

Council rebates for the second quarter of 2007 have been mailed.

2. Region/Area Websites

As of September 1st, the Navy League now has TWO region websites – Pacific Southwest Region, www.navyleaguepswr.org, and European Region, www.nluseurope.org. Additionally, Philadelphia Council’s website, www.navyleaguephilly.org, has functioned for years as an Area website for the Pennsylvania Area. Councils and region/area leaders are encouraged to sponsor a website to improve communications with Navy Leaguers and the public at large. Assistance in creating a website is available from the NLUS IT Committee at http://navyleague-itc.nlus.us.

3. From the Internal Revenue Service

Recent notices from the IRS include the requirements for filing IRS Form 990N, an electronic form filed for tax year 2007 by non-profits with less than $25,000 annual gross receipts (see http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html), and IR-2007-117, June 14, 2007, announcing the comment period for a draft revision of Form 990 (see http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=171329,00.html and http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=171216,00.html), which is the first significant update of this form since 1979. Councils are encouraged to review these announcements and comment, as appropriate. The Form 990 comment period ends September 14, 2007.

4. Digital Edition of SeaPower

The digital edition of the September issue of SeaPower is now live. Check it out!
http://www.seapower-digital.com/seapower/sample/

5. America Supports You Freedom Walks

The nation’s first America Supports You (ASY) Freedom Walk was organized 2 years ago. In 2005, there was one ASY Freedom Walk and last year there were ASY Freedom Walks in every state in the country (actually over 130 walks).

The purpose of the ASY Freedom Walks is to commemorate 9-11. To remember the lives lost and to honor our veterans, past and present.

ASY Freedom Walks are not fundraisers, or 5ks. They are not political or pro-war. They are an opportunity for our country to come together and remember what happened that tragic day and to recommit ourselves to freedom.

We welcome ASY Freedom Walks in all shapes and sizes. Walks have been organized in local schools and at companies, while others have worked with local governments to create citywide walks. All ASY Freedom walks are important to us so please log on to www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil and click on the Freedom Walk button to register your local walk. You will also find a toolkit and logos.

Member Services
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www.navyleague.org