More than 30 AIJP members and friends attended the congress. The meeting began with official business, the chairman’s report, a financial review, and the auditor’s statement.
There was only one candidate for the chairmanship, Ari Muhonen from Finland. He was unanimously elected as the new chair of the association.
The congress was also tasked with electing the AIJP board. Vice-chair Vincent Schouberechts from Belgium, secretary general Rainer von Scharpen from Germany, and treasurer Hans Schwarz from Switzerland will continue in their roles. Abhishek Buwalka from India was elected to the vacant position of vice-chairman and Pol Wijnants from Belgium was elected as director. All elections were unanimous.
“I am humbled and grateful to have been elected as the new chair of the AIJP. It is easy to take on this role, as Wolfgang Maassen has made the association a significant advocate of philatelic literature,” Ari Muhonen said after the event. “On the other hand, I cannot possibly replace Wolfgang’s contribution; he has been exceptionally hard-working in leading the association. The entire board will have to work hard to achieve the same results.”
The first task of the new board will be to prepare the next issue of the association’s magazine, The Philatelic Journalist, and ensure its quality in the future, organize the board and agree on the division of labor, and draw up a new strategy. “The board must continue to develop its services for the association’s members. For example, the AIJP website could provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the written work of our members,” envisions Chairman Ari Muhonen.
“I would like to express my warmest thanks to the former president and honorary member of the association, Wolfgang Maassen, as well as vice-chair Marc Bottu and director Hans Dobiat. Their work provides an excellent foundation for the new board,” says Ari Muhonen.
The AIJP brings together individuals and institutions working in the fields of philatelic journalism, philatelic literature production, marketing and distribution, and philatelic communications. The association assists in organizing philatelic literary events, publishes The Philatelic Journalist magazine, advises on matters related to philatelic literature, and cooperates with similar associations and institutions around the world.
From left to right: Abhishek Bhuwalka, Hans Schwarz, Ari Muhonen, Vincent Schouberechts, Rainer von Scharpen, Pol Vijnants.
