Open Letter to American Glass Expo (2)

[edjones]

Sorry, my real name is not Ed Jones. I was unaware of someone in our industry using that name. I am not him yet I wish to remain anonymous.

The previous thread stated that I deleted the documents posted, I did not. The letter and screen shots of the search I performed must have been flagged and deleted (like the post I made on facebook as well)

Here is my original letter and the only other items were screen shots of AGE's updated 'About Us' portion (7/2014 update you can view by going to their site) and a screen of the charity research tool... http://oag.ca.gov/charities/charity-research-tool#Location:Default You can go there and type American Glass Expo and the first search button and it will return the same data. I don't think that site will get deleted.

I just want clarification of the non profit nature of AGE.

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An open letter to the American Glass Expo:

We have a few statements and questions for you and hope that you will take some time to view / respond to them.

Your site states in the 'about us' portion on your site that you function as a non-profit show since you began and even became non-profit 4 years ago; donating to charities each and every show. (see photo below)

The State of California Attorney General's website has indicated that:

a) American Glass Expo registered as a non-profit as of 06/2012. (2 yrs ago, not 4yrs as you have stated on your website)

b) American Glass Expo has not filed any 990 tax forms detailing financial breakdowns including which charities you have donated to.

(see photo below)

According to the IRS, non-profit charitable organizations that are not required to file a Form 990 or 990-EZ are as follows:

a) Organizations with annual incomes of $25,000 or less
b) Most faith-based organizations, regardless of size
c) Subsidiary organizations whose parent organization or national headquarters files a 990 for the entire organization
d) Nonprofits that have not applied to the IRS for exemption from federal income tax
(again, see photo below)

This leaves questions on the table.

Please take the opportunity to resolve the discrepancy between AGE website claims as quoted above and the records on file with the State of California.

-Anon

[Greymatter Glass]

I take issue with this on a few points, but first let me make it clear these are my personal opinions, and may not reflect the opinions of the forum staff in whole or part. Also, while I have met Ellen and attended and even sold glass at AGE in the past, I have no relationship with the show now, and I don't really KNOW Ellen, I certainly cannot speak for her. She is, however, active on Facebook why not go there?

You wish to remain anonymous yet speak for a group as "We" - Other than wanting to avoid equal scrutiny for yourself do you have any valid reason to be anonymous? It's really easy to muckrake and stir the pot - I do not like seeing that happen in my neighborhood. I feel there are valid reasons for some whistle blowers to seek protection from the people they accuse - I cannot fathom a world in which Ellen or anyone from AGE would seek to do you any physical harm or imprison you. If you can't speak your mind as who you are you only harm your position by hiding your identity. No one here is really anonymous, and generally I don't see an anonymous rally call going the way you think it should - to borrow a phrase - we're not your personal army.

What is your motive here? Are you looking to initiate a lawsuit? discredit AGE or Ellen? Stir up drama for personal reasons? If I were to suspect the latter (which I do), and not knowing who you are, I would dismiss any of your concern as hyperbolic sour grapes and suggest that you find a better use of your time, and to stop using our forum as a venue to air your grievances anonymously. There are other websites for that, I would suggest you go to Facebook, Reddit, or even 4chan.
To the matter of your letter, in the interest of just hearing myself type, if I may opine from my little soap box (really it's a box of expired baked beans I found out back of the grocery store, I think one of them popped open, so I keep it outside now on account of the smell, but anyways... I wrote "SOAP" on it in magic marker, so call it what you will, it's my soap box)

A) I don't think a discrepancy of a few years time on a filing date vs. a statement to the contrary has much meaning. Filing for and being granted non-profit status is a process that I can easily see taking 18-24 months which would explain the statement that they were operating as a non-profit for a period of time before being granted their exemption.

B) On the form 990 issue, the 2012 filings for AGE declared all zeros. They were not required to file a 990 for FY2012. Who knows why, but to speculate is unfair and potentially a liability you really shouldn't burden yourself with. Their 2013 filings may not be due until Nov 13, 2014.


Thanks you, please come again.

-Doug

[Greymatter Glass]

Also, (and now I AM posting as staff) while this post may seem inflammatory, and you may not agree with the poster, it's content, or the general manner in which it's been presented please respect the forum TOS and remain civil. If you have nothing to add but angry/vulgar drivel your post will be deleted. this edjones guy, for all that is being said, is at least able to express his concerns in a civil manner without resorting to angry rhetoric and name calling. Please follow suit guys (and girls)



-Doug/staff