"And how about this:
As we grow should we to consider hiring first a part time than a
full time executive officer to take some of the burden off of the
volunteers?

The club is doing great but we have to look to the future." Jim E.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT!
The day the club has to hire an Executive Officer will be the beginning of the demise of the club, IMHO. The elected President IS the "Executive Officer". If the elected President does not wish to perform in that role, than he/she should not run for the office. I've seen too many volunteer organizations lose their "volunteerism" efforts once someone gets paid for doing a particular task. Then the Editor wants to get paid; the Convention Chairman wants to get paid, the Secretary wants to get paid, then the Treasurer wants to get paid.... and it becomes a slippery downhill slope after that.

As for a proposed dues increase.... is it really needed? If so, show me the numbers. If the convention becomes too costly, then those who participate at the convention and who are having all the fun as attendees ... and others who are making considerable amounts of money at their table sales, should pony up any increased expenses. Those who do not attend conventions should not be burdened with the expense. Frankly, I'm surprised that some of the candidates are announcing a potntial dues increase as part of their campaign platform. Who likes increased taxes? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Why tamper with success??