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IPMS
IPMS/USA was chartered in 1964 as the American branch of the International Plastic Modellers' Society, which originated in Great Britain. President John Noack...
IPMS
IPMS/USA was chartered in 1964 as the American branch of the International Plastic Modellers' Society, which originated in Great Britain. President John Noack and Treasurer Mike Oberholtzer steward the organization's finances and executive direction from its Omaha, Nebraska base. The society's operational model is built on a federated network of over 215 active chapters, organized into 14 geographic regions across the United States. Chapter activities center on monthly meetings, build sessions, and local contests, while the national organization produces the IPMS/USA Journal and maintains a digital Box Art Gallery. Annual contest entries form a significant part of the society's recurring programming. IPMS/USA operates as a 501(c)(7) tax-exempt social and recreation club. Its outreach includes the Ralph Forehand IPMS/USA Scholarship Fund and a program called Models for Vets, which supplies kits and supplies to military veterans and active-duty service members. Structurally, IPMS/USA differs from commercial hobby manufacturers or retailers — it is a member-governed non-profit sustained by annual dues and event fees. This volunteer-driven architecture allows the national body to support local chapters without a profit motive, making it a genuine affinity group rather than a trade association or commercial enterprise.
General information
Firm type
Pension Fund
Year founded
1964
Location
Region
Latin America
Country
United States
City
Omaha
Corporate office
Omaha, NE, United States
Principals
John Noack
President
Mike Oberholtzer
Treasurer
Frequently asked questions
How is IPMS/USA governed?
IPMS/USA is governed by an Executive Board of elected volunteers, currently led by President John Noack and Treasurer Mike Oberholtzer. The national body operates from Omaha, Nebraska, while chapters elect their own local officers.
What is the relationship between IPMS/USA and the UK-based International Plastic Modellers' Society?
The original International Plastic Modellers' Society was founded in Great Britain. IPMS/USA was chartered in 1964 as the American branch, operating independently under its own executive board and tax-exempt structure while sharing the broader organization's mission.
Does IPMS/USA maintain any philanthropic or educational programs?
Yes. The Ralph Forehand IPMS/USA Scholarship Fund provides financial support for members pursuing higher education. Models for Vets supplies scale model kits and building supplies to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
What is IPMS/USA's tax status?
IPMS/USA is registered as a 501(c)(7) non-profit organization, a designation for social and recreation clubs. This structure reflects its purpose as a member-driven hobbyist society rather than a commercial entity or trade association.
What does membership in a local IPMS chapter involve?
Membership includes participation in monthly meetings, access to group build projects, and eligibility for local and national contests. Chapters operate autonomously within one of 14 geographic regions, with the national office providing administrative support, the IPMS/USA Journal, and event coordination.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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