WHAT: RMGA Membership Meeting -- Tour Guides/Directors as Independent Contractors
WHEN: January 14, 2019 , 6:00pm – Networking; 6:30pm – Short Meeting; 6:45pm - Program
WHERE: Lakewood Library, 10200 W 20th Av, Lakewood, CO 80215.
PROGRAM: The originally plannedBLM speaker wasn’t able to attend because of the government shutdown. As a substitute, Sherry Moon and Director at Large Mike Pearl prepared a Program describing the many avenues of participation that members could engage in – “Independent Contractor Status Defined” – what are our rights and responsibilities. .
Tour Guides/Directors as Independent Contractors
RMGA Membership Meeting Review
Tour Guides/Directors as Independent Contractors
Membership Program January 14, 2019
The January membership meeting was held at the Lakewood library. President Sherry Moon introduced the 2019 Board and then introduced herself and her background to the membership. She also reminded the membership that the Board and the various committees are composed of volunteers. Program Chair, Dawn Nelsen, also brought a camera to record the entire proceedings which will be put on the website by Tom Jensen. This is a brand-new procedure and RMGA hopes to be able to record all future programs so that all members will have access to information regarding the program if they are unable to attend.
Newsletter editor, Eileen Pearl, mentioned that she has received many more photos and contributions and to continue to forward these items for inclusion in upcoming newsletters.
Sherry noted that many people will pay you to do various tourism things – not just lead tours or plan tours – things such as: courier, hospital courier, M&G at various venues, traffic and parking assistance.
Sherry also mentioned Enos Mills – interpretive guide from Fort Collins and that she is planning to take a course in interpretive guiding ($400). FYI – member Steve Kaverman is a registered interpretive guide.
Sherry also asked the membership what they are interested in, what would they like to see or hear about. She mentioned the survey that would be sent to the membership to determine their interest in various types of programs.
Carol Carder, Certification Chair, reminded all of the $10 fee for certification and $40 to take the test. She also noted that several already certified members have not yet submitted their 2018 activities so that they can be recertified.
Education Chair, Mike Dulude said he had a few openings for the Stock Show FAM on Wednesday, January 16th. Education Committee person, Tom Jensen, also said that he has a few openings for the DAM FAM on January 29th.
The program chair, Dawn Nelsen, planned for the BLM to speak about what they do – the BLM does many things at National Parks – ground (National parks are approved by Congress, national monuments are approved by the President). Each designation must meet certain parameters to be named either a national monument or national park. The BLM also participates in and manages the wild horse roundup, national grasslands and national forests. The West is treated differently than the East – more than 33% of Colorado is public land, Utah is even more public land than Colorado.
Due to the government shutdown, the BLM speaker wasn’t able to attend. So President Sherry Moon and Director at Large Mike Pearl prepared a Program describing the many avenues of participation that members could engage in – “Independent Contractor Status Defined” – what are our rights and responsibilities.
The State of Colorado lists members as Independent Contractors (IC), not employees – in other words, a W-9 person who receives a 1099 at year’s end. We are not eligible for Workmen’s’ Comp (Pinnacol Colorado insurance website form) because we are not employees. This form has several questions for each IC and Policy Holder (PH) to answer in verifying an independent contractor’s status. RMGA’s liability insurance through NFTGA covers you as an IC. DMCs in Colorado have few employees that would be covered by Workmen’s’ Comp.
Your rate of pay is a contract rate (not hourly or salary). If you wear their shirts or are on their timesheet, you may become an employee. You should submit an invoice from your business to request payment for hours worked.
An example: if you are a tour manager for Colette you probably would receive a 1099. If you work for YMT – you are an employee and would receive a W2.
You can set up a tour itinerary, but you can’t make an IC follow that itinerary – circumstances alter cases – traffic, road closures, timing, etc. Also, the contract allows for “no more than minimal training”. As Mike put it – “we each are in the business of selling your business” – “you” being whoever we are working for.
Tour guides should have an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) to limit one’s personal liability, not a personal company. Christin Grover of Colorado Sightseer commented that we can deduct expenses for water bottles, clothes, shoes, etc. required for your business. Each of us needs to meet with your accountant to make sure you are in the proper category for your business.
Mike said that he would forward his agenda and websites he used for research to the membership – and that it would be on the website.
From this came a suggestion that RMGA have a future program with an accountant, attorney, and tax person to go over this further. RMGA’s seminar in May will likely well cover this suggestion, according to Education Committee Chair Mike Dulude.
Another question to the membership: would you prefer to pay by credit card, PayPal, Vinmo? This question refers to future membership forms and/or future FAMs. Wendy Pickering, RMGA Treasurer, is researching the question with the RMGA banker.
February’s program will be at the Englewood Library – 6-8 pm, Monday, February 11, 2019.
Written by Nancy Brueggeman