Benefits of joining the American Bamboo Society

[cngodles]

Hey Mark,
Are you a member of the ABS (dumb question I'm betting), and would it be worth it for someone like me to look into joining?

Clint

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Clint, I would definitely recommend joining the American Bamboo Society.
$40 Membership includes ...
- A subscription to a newsletter of a primary selected chapter
- 6 issues of Bamboo a magazine of the American Bamboo Society
- An annual edition of the ABS Journal: Bamboo Science and Culture
- The ABS Bamboo Source List
- The Annual Membership list

For an additional $15 per Chapter one can subscribe to each of the 12 Chapters.
I should note that this year was the first year that I subscribed to all ABS Chapters and for a number of Chapters I did not receive any newsletters or any info whatsoever.
I will be reviewing this soon and posting recommendations and benefits on which Chapters it is worthwhile to join.

FYI the Northeast Chapter which covers your area mailed timely newsletters, and I should also note that they are hosting the 2007 Annual American Bamboo Society Conference at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on the weekend of November 2nd, 2007.
As it has been some years since it has been hosted in the northeast, this would also be a great opportunity to meet others interesed in bamboo.

Mark

[cngodles]

The bamboo magazine, how many pages/how interesting is it?

Also, that's $40.00 per year, correct? Is there a lifetime?

The magazine should be printed on bamboo paper.

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi Clint,
The Bamboo magazine is usually about 28 pages.

Lifetime memberships are currently $600 and includes ABS membership only.

American Bamboo Society membership info is posted here:
http://www.americanbamboo.org/About.html#Membership

The ABS has just switched over to having a "central administrator" handle memberships so the new address to mail your application to is:

American Bamboo Society
315 S Coast Highway 101 Ste U
PMB 212
Encinitas, CA 92024-3555

When you join, I suggest that you also contact the local chapter to let them know, so that you can be added to the local mailing list quickly.

Carole