From DER Prez

New Opportunities for 2003

by Don McGilvery, aka NINE44T

          In this age of computers, Internet, and e-mail, I would like to suggest that the Down East Region should continue to explore and expand our use of these services for the benefit of the club.  You already know that our web site is filled with information about the history of the club, contact information for your board of directors, the calendar of events, articles, photos, etc.  Our webmaster strives to keep the schedule information current and accurate.  We welcome input from members and include information and links to other region and Zone events. It is also the best place for us to provide up-to-date or additional information about upcoming events at no additional cost to the club.

            Instead of costly and time consuming paper flyer mailings, I would like to suggest that e-mail become the tool/service of choice for timely, detailed notices from your club.  While I  realize that it isn’t likely that 100% of the DER members have or will have such services at their disposal, I can’t help but believe that the percentage is fairly high.  We have provided a place on the DER website under the “Members on Line” section for you to include and/or edit your e-mail address, and I encourage you to do so. If, in the near future, the percentage of e-mail addresses continues to grow to closely represent our membership as a whole, then I believe that we should start to use e-mail more regularly.  If we do so, I can assure you that it will be in a secure manner, and we will make all communications clear that they are from DER/PCA.  In the near term, we will continue to publish and mail the PORSCHEFORME quarterly, and we will continue to distribute it to the entire membership.  I would like to suggest that when the e-mail address list represents most of the club, then it would be possible that we could then simply send an e-mail notification that the newsletter section of the website has been updated. This would eliminate the need for a considerable portion of the current full-membership mailing. This would allow more of the club’s resources to be used for events.  If you agree, then sign in and check the website frequently. If you still want the hard copy notifications, drop me a line or call me and express your opinion.  So chime in and let me know what you think!

            Glenn Hill and I just got back from a very interesting and informative Zone One Presidents’ meeting. You should be familiar with the 4 events that the Zone “hosts” each year, but if you are not; they include a driver education event at Watkins Glen, a rally/concours, an auto cross, and a weekend of quest speakers, vendors and entertainment.  Well, to make a long story short, it was requested by several members of the zone that the Down East Region consider hosting a rally/concours here in Maine, perhaps in 2005.  When this idea was presented to your Board of Directors it was discussed and voted unanimously that we should participate in such a zone event.  The first steps include forming a committee to assist in the planning which will include securing a site for the concours and a host hotel.  The zone “runs” the events, provides all of the financial support, and handles all of the judging and awards. The DER will need to provide local contacts and volunteers for the rally checkpoints as well as assist in the parking of the cars at the rally.  You’ll be hearing more about this in the future, however, if this interests you please let me or one of the board members know.  This should be a lot of fun and provide DER with lots of exposure at the zone level.

            For those of you who missed our annual banquet, our Zone One Rep, Henry Hoeh, presented the Down East Region membership with a 30-year banner.  It was indeed in June of 1973 when we received our charter and we are one of the older regions in PCA.  Congratulations to all members past and present!

            Well, the clocks have been set forward, the snow is almost gone, the days are getting longer, the crocuses are poking their heads skyward, and its time to get the “P-cars” out of storage and on the roads. The Down East Region has a full calendar of events...including some fresh, new ideas...for all to enjoy. So put away the snow shovels, get out your funnel and check your fluids, and let’s get motoring – see you soon at a DER/PCA event!

              Don

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