Board of Directors Meetings

Board Meeting Minutes

April 9, 2002

Offices of Ledgewood, Inc.

Previous BOD Meeting Minutes

Present:    Steve Atwell, Russ Radcliffe, Glenn Hill, Don McGilvery, Jerry Giordano (Guest), Sally Sprafka

Meeting convened 7:00 p.m.

Minutes approved as written from the February meeting were approved as submitted.  There were no minutes for March, as the meeting was conducted in conjunction with the banquet. 

Old Business:   In reviewing the Banquet it was noted that it cost us more than we anticipated.  Whereas we had hoped to break even, s it turned out, there were extra unanticipated charges.   The Country Club added on some charges we had not discussed; the price of the meals was higher than we thought it was going to be, and we had to purchase all of the wine to make it legal for the Club to serve it at the wine tasting presentation. 

We discussed other options such as Val Hala where we have been before, and Sable Oaks (where we have also been) or another golf course location where there is space to accommodate our group.  Apparently the price at Val Hala has increased considerably.  Steve Atwell agreed to look into a couple of other places for next year.   

Gerry Giordano has some ideas for different types of meetings.  He was a member of the Riverside (Cal.) region before joining DER.  He indicated Saturday breakfast meetings and monthly dinners had been a hit with that region.  Maybe such concepts would be of interest here, since many of our members seem to be interested in the more social events rather than the more competitive things such as concours, rallies, and track events.   

Membership:  Rod was not able to join us this evening.  The Discussion/report was deferred. 

Upcoming events:           

 The Spring Kickoff at Morong will be on Sunday April 21.  There is an announcement in the newsletter and on the website.  The plan is to start about 10:00 a.m., and serve coffee and doughnuts, and hove some sodas available.  Last year we sprang on a deli tray, which went wanting.  Maximum cost to the club (especially since our checkbook is feeling a little thin right now) should be $25.00 

The Bonny Eagle Auto Show is on May 19 this year at the same place.  We hope to have our own Porsche corral as we did last year.  Last year our group was right in front of the entrance.  We'll see where we are assigned this year.  Last year we had over 20 Porches participate.

 The Midcoast Mountain Ramble is Saturday May 18.  As last year, it will be in the Camden area.  Dave Getchell will help coordinate.  Glen will put an announcement in the upcoming newsletter, and send out reminder cards.  Actually, since the newsletter will be coming out less than two weeks before (around May 5) the reminder will probably be included in the newsletter.  Folks seemed interested in visiting the antique tool shop we went to two years ago. And they enjoyed eating at the Lincolnville Lobster Pot where we had lunch last year.

Ice Cream Run June 21:  Joe Thrift will coordinate.  Let's hope the weather is better than last year.   

October 26:  Ellen Back is already starting to plan for the Taste of the Track event, and has discussed our participation with Don.

Web Page review:   Our web page has now been completely converted over to the new site.  We are only paying for one site now.  Steve Atwell noted we have not received a bill for the last couple of months.  Not sure what is going on there.  Apparently there is a PCA National Website Contest (sort of analogous to the newsletter contest).  However, unlike the newsletter contest, regions do not choose whether to submit.  All regions that have websites are automatically entered in the contest.  There has apparently been some undercurrent of disagreement regarding regions' use of the Porsche logo on their webpages.  Not sure what the status of that is. 

Newsletter update:   Both Glen and Don had several ideas. 

1.  Do we want to consider an office of DER photographer?  We need more pictures of our events.  There is at least one digital camera available.  We could use it, and turn photos around quickly.  Also, Glen would like to include a picture of the author with every newsletter article.  And Glen requested that is we do write an article (like about the Bonny Eagle car show) that we include 5-6 pictures.  There will be a picture of Don and Glen in every one of our newsletters from now on.  

2.  Appreciation for people who write articles for the newsletter:  Glen understands how hard it can be to inveigle (that's a fancy word for persuade) people into writing newsletter articles.  He would like to provide a token of appreciation to all who do (like a mug or key fob or something).  They could be handed out at the Banquet, so other people could see who does all the work, and show their appreciation. Brian and Ingrid Poulin will contribute something to our next newsletter. 

3.   We could have a page dedicated to little "We love your Car" cards that members could clip out and put under windshield wipers of P-cars they see out and about (e.g. in parking lots).  Put Rod's contact information on the card, or direct them to the website.  Be careful you don't make them mad by touching their car! 

4.  Glen would like to include a tear-out post card for all upcoming events.  It is perforated, and you tear it out of the newsletter and post it on your refrigerator door. 

5.   Up 'N Maine:  At the Presidents meeting Don got to discuss this issue with Bob Miller (PCA President) and Henry Hoeh was present as well.  Don reported they will do what they can to help get those people back into our club/region.  The plan is to leave it with Henry to contact all of the Up 'N Maine members and notify them of the situation with their club, and give them the option to come back to DER.  In the meanwhile their newsletter rebate dollars are in escrow, so they are not being misdirected.  

6.   Communications from National:  Don made it be known that there is a banner that regions are welcome to buy and display to honor 25, 40, and 50-year anniversaries of a club's founding.  They are reasonably attractive.  They cost $160.  We thought we would pass for now. 

7.   Communications from Zone 1:   The Fall Presidents Meeting will be on November 22-24 (weekend before Thanksgiving).  In a national membership contest Zone was found to have the largest percentage of the national membership, and to be the most organized in its communications and functioning.  Zone 1 also comprises the largest geographic area.  The 48 Hours of Watkins Glen is the weekend of June 28.  The Zone is in need of a chief instructor and safety chair for the 48 hours.  Snell '95 helmets are now required.  One can become a member of PCA if you are on a waiting list to buy a Porsche.  There is now a PCA watch available for $85.  Don has the paperwork for the Parade awards. 

8.  Other:   Don announced that North Country Region is nominating Ellen Beck for the Enthusiast of the Year award, and wanted to know if we would like to support the nomination with a letter from the Board.  We concurred, and Don will draft something. 

9.  Other:   Idea for the winter doldrums...a January or February event:  Model car concours and dinner.  Tables could be set up to display members' die cast models collections, and judging would be peoples choice. 

Next Meeting:      Wednesday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. at Ledgewood, Inc. 

Adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Sally Sprafka

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