MINUTES OF SPECIAL REGIONAL MEETING
MARCH 10, 2001
The East Ohio Regional meeting was called to order by RE, Norb Huner, at 10:15, at Six Flags Aurora, Aurora, Ohio.
The following clubs and officers were represented:
Alan Moore, RCD &Tiretown Corv. Aurel Ouellette, Fun Center,
Gov.& RMD.
Chuck Heretta, Buckeye Corvettes, Gov. Mike Workman, Mound City, Gov
Bob Kuty, Mahoning Valley, Gov Bob Thomsen, Corvette Cleveland,
Gov
Clarence Brown, Medina Corv. Gov. DeVaughn Rader, Pioneer Corv.
Gov.
Norb Huner, RE, CBCA, Gov. Bob Schneider, Lake Shore. Gov.
Debbie Murphy, Tiretown C.C., Gov. Bob Fultz, Competition C.C., Gov.
Bob Kirsch, Northeast Ohio Vette, Gov. Elaine Heretta, EOCS
Since so many were in attendance, Norb asked that we do introductions.
Chuck Heretta made a motion to accept the secretary’s report, Bob Fultz seconded, Deb Murphy asked if we were approving as corrected, Chuck Heretta said yes. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report was read and approved.
REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Aurel Ouellette
Copies of the East Ohio Membership report, NCCC membership report, active club member list, and FCOA member report were handed out.
There are currently 18 clubs in the region with 913 members. This is 49 ahead of this time last year, we need 138 more to reach our year end 2001 goal. East Ohio region lost 154 members on the December renewal. The RMD suggest you contact some of these members to see if there may still be an interest in re-joining a club.
The top member clubs in the region are: Tiretown 104, Competition 102, NEOVC 96, Lakeshore 89, Buckeye 78, Mahoning Valley 77, and Corvette Cleveland 72.
Just as a reminder spouse, (significant other) membership is less than 30% of total, it only cost $10.00 for them to join.
The special award to the club for the most new members between October 7, and December 2, 2000, went to Capital City Corvette Club.
At the February 23, 2001 NCCC meeting in St. Louis, National membership was 14,004, with East Ohio being 7th largest out of 16 regions.
The new VP Membership, Paul Bohannon, has proposed to establish a master membership database that would place information on an excel floppy. The intent would be to save paper, right now the VP of membership has to make nine copies of the membership report for all of National Council, this requires 250 pounds of paper to be brought to the National meeting. This would not only save paper but is expected to be a faster turn around. Right now the master paper log is being done by VP membership and database input is being done by Gail Dawley. PLEASE check the membership list given to you and verify the addresses for members are correct.
The intent on the new membership card was to have each member’s name embossed on the front of the card. They ran into a major glitch with the printer/factory on this and dropped the idea in order to get the cards out in a timely manner. This year they are looking at another printer who can handle our database.
Another idea Paul Bohannon suggested was to enhance the image of National Council, he would like to project an image of a more well rounded organization. He would like to show we are not just involved in competition, but we are involved in the community, charity and other aspects of member activities. He has asked the membership directors to work on this in the coming year. Aurel asked the governors to give him feedback on what they thought could be done to enhance the image of National Council.
Future Corvette Owners Asso. has 1250 members, and East Ohio Region has 91 members. Contact Aurel if you need FCOA membership forms.
The NCCC officers up for election this year are: VP Competition, Business Manager, Sgt. of Arms, Secretary,. If you would like more information or a nomination form contact Aurel.
See cover sheet for meeting dates this year.
In 2000 a procedure was instituted whereby the RMD issued a welcome letter and temporary membership card, this process will be continued this year. They will be mailed out within 5 days of receipt of membership application.
There were 3 clarifications at the last NCCC meeting the first was a 3 parter:
1. Concerning C5, can you install rear air ducts in Group I or IS from a Z06 on to a standard C5. Answer NO, because would have to modify the car, rule says can modify body of car. Can you put air ducts on Group I or IS. Answer Yes, cause there is a rule that says you can add air ducts. Could you install air ducts on the body and not make the functional? Answer NO.
2. On a Group II C4, there is a compartment, behind the passengers seat that has a door on it and is sealed off and can be locked. On a Group II C4 can you mount the battery in that tray? Answer, Yes as long as securely mounted and has ventilation. Second part, If you use a battery box can you mount battery anyplace in the interior? Answer NO, always the chance of battery coming loose.
3. On a Group II car, post-84, can the air box be modified in any way, shape or form? The specific question was can you cut a hole in the lid of airbox in Group II?, Yes you can.
BFG has given the RCD a proposal on a contingency program, they want to provide 2 sets of tires in each region for the man and woman that accumulate the most points using KD street tires. This would be primarily Group I and Group IS, But if someone wanted to run them on a Group II car they would be qualified for them. They cannot be R1’s because they are no longer being produced. RCD’s do not want to start the program till tires are readily available to everyone all year long. They have given BFG some questions and they want answers first before starting program. They also asked that no other National Council program be affected, that they are now funding be affected by cuts, to subsidize this program. If BFG is willing to go along with all this, RCD’s will do the program, the program would not start till everyone is notified and then probably 30 days after in order to give everyone time to get tires.
If this program is implemented it will require more paperwork, the entrant would have to notify the event chairman that they are in the program. Then the event chairman will be responsible to see the person keeps the tires on all day long for all events. There was some discussion on this, they still want to implement this year. The comment was made that maybe the competitor should be responsible for keeping paper work and turn into the RCD, not the event chairperson. They are hoping to get into effect before May, at this time there is no location of availability or price. Some made the comment it was a way to sell tires.
The top club in the nation for 2000 season was Tiretown Corvette Club, this is there 7th national championship.
At convention this year there will be an overall competitor award, in order to qualify you will need to enter the concourse, rally, funkhana, low speed, high speed and one of the two drags.
Presently people are being told to bring their mufflers because Deb has not heard back from Nashville yet. There is no problem with Beach Bend you will not need your mufflers there. She will keep the web site updated and will post information there as she receives it.
Packets were given out to everyone. In this packet was information on awards being given out at events. Awards shall be given at all events unless it is stated on the flyer “no awards to be given”. A club can use a 2 tier pricing system, one that states for an award and one that states without awards. ( example only, $10.00 with trophy, $5.00 without trophy.) You can also put a fee on the flyer then at the event tell the people you will take less money if they were willing to run with no chance of winning an award. You would announce this at drivers meeting but you would still have to have trophies available. Question was asked, what constitutes a trophy or award? Per Alan anything there is no definition. It can be a computer-generated certificate. Alan said to keep in mind that a displeasure has been expressed at T-shirts for awards. He has also received a displeasure for certificates. He asked you keep this in mind, but that they are allowed. He says you have to think of the new people coming in, be reasonable. He is still working on a lower price trophy. He said there has been concern on the two tier price system, be reasonable on this, don’t put $50.00 if run for trophy and $10.00 if don’t want trophy. Separate awards for each event on a weekend are not needed, you can give one award for the weekend and then something showing where finished after that. Question was asked was there a separate fee for each event, Alan said Yes. Per national council rules can charge separate fee for each event but do not have to give an award for each event.
The RCD’s are asking that clubs try to give 3 runs per event, instead of the 2 runs, so many clubs are now doing. Per RCD’s if you feel you cannot give 3 run because of the events being run per day, maybe you are asking for too many events in one day. The national rulebook says you only have to give a minimum of 2 runs per event, so a 3rd run cannot be required.
Alan has been looking into a more economical trophy, he has come up with a trophy size of 7 x 9 for about $6.00. This price is if he can buy by bulk. The $6.00 would include a club logo. You would be able to put the trophy together during your event, not all would have to be alike. He asked how many would be interested, right now about 3 clubs are interested. Right now it would include a club logo, a printed tag that states what the event is and the date of event, and tags of 1st, 2nd etc. Then there would be various other emblems to chose from. All material would have to be acquired up front.
If the region agrees a fund would be set up to buy all the materials and then each club would pay for number of plaques used after each event. Not all clubs would want to do this so it would be on a voluntary basis. If enough clubs want to do this he is looking at buying 3 different kinds of wood.
People have asked cost of event per person, he calculated on a per person basis, including sanction fee, porta pot, free parking lot, mailings and misc. expenses, based on 30 to 35 people per event, he came up with $2.50 per person if no award, with trophy $7.00 per entrant, ($8.50 if champ series). The more event per day the less the cost. These cost are based on $6.00 trophy, he will send out information on the trophy and include these prices.
There was more discussion on giving 3 runs per event, Denny Murphy said can’t get set of competition tires for under $1000.00. Two people in a car can go through set of tires in no time. The more runs the longer you spend putting on an event, you could possibly spend 8 hours doing events in one day. National had the opportunity to reduce the number of events per day and chose not to because competitors said no. Question was asked what was the problem if we as competitors are doing what we want to do. Comments made that clubs have gone to putting on numerous events for the points chasers.
A suggestion was made that clubs should try to start their events on time.
Denny Murphy announced that on April 28, 2001 Tiretown will be putting on a driving school at Firestone. As many runs as you want for $5.00.
Elaine handed out a schedule of Champ Series events, also indicates when flyer is due and when results are due to Elaine. Late results will be assessed a fee. There is an event check person list. Be sure to let her know who is the driver and who is the navigator. She only needs color, license plate and year for concourse and speed, rallye she must have driver and navigator. Also included is a set of rules.
The maximum price for Champ Series events this year will be: $10.00 for Low Speed and Rally
$12.00 for concours
$30.00 for high speed
Helmets: Jon Baer has been able to get a deal of 20% off on helmets for anyone with an NCCC number. There are a couple of models, a full-face helmet costing $160.00 would cost $128.00 and a open face helmet costing $120.00 at 20% off would be $96.00. These are Snell 2000 DOT rated, and are Kelvar material, made by HJC. These also come in colors. Contact Jon Baer if interested: 14606 Sprague, Middleburg Hts., Ohio, 44130.
If you buy a DOT rated helmet make sure the stamp is on the shell not on the lining. Chuck showed a helmet bought at a motorcycle shop for $59.95 that is NCCC approved.
Webmaster: Bob Kirsch
Bob sent information out to regional board of his website goals for this year.
He is starting to work on a job description for a regional webmaster, he will offer a basic simple page to all clubs interested. See attached sheet to be filled out if club is interested. If you already have a web page that is fine he will link out to it.
His goal is to get the regional website to be primary point for regional information. This will include competition points and Champ Series points.
When we started three years ago we went into cheapest way possible, now with all the new stuff out there he is looking to move our site and try to lower cost.
He has had external request to place stuff for sale on our site, governors decided at this time to just keep to the region and members get for free. Will look later to others and maybe charging a fee.
Advertising is being looked into to help offset cost, or maybe make money for region in the future.
The web address is: www.eornccc.org
The calendar format is changing, there will be a monthly update and links. Bob is also going to place pictures on the website of events he attends, if anyone wants to send him pictures of events they attend he will publish those also.
The idea of results being place on line is being looked into, suggestion was made to get e-mail addresses and state what date results will be posted. National still requires results be sent. No decision made at this time, but will continue studying the feasibility.
Our domain name will expire sometime this year, it will cost about $70.00 to renew.
He has another goal to double the hit count on the web site
The 2001 NCCC convention is in Bowling Green June 23 – 29, 2001. As of governors meeting that day 305 people had signed up so far. Norb then asked Deb Murphy if she had any input. Deb said she has sample of all t-shirts available. She has forms and you can do bulk orders to save shipping cost. The youth program is coming along. If you have youngsters 16 – 18 that would like to participate in some of the youth programs in the evening they just need to let someone know. Check the website for more information.
Presently the 2002 convention will be in Indianapolis July 6 through July 12. Some areas looking at entertaining bids for the future are 2003 East Region, Hagerstown. Maryland, and 2004 Midwest region, Minneapolis, Minn.
Norb received an inquiry from Long Island Corvette Association, they are asking for updated listing of all Corvette Clubs. After some discussion it was decided to just give them website address and let them get the information from there.
The deadline to enter the NCCC newsletter contest was March 15, 2001.
The new editors of the Blue Bars are Doug and Mary Hansen. They have asked that the RE be the funnel through person for anything going into the newsletter.
The scholarship applications are due May 1, 2001, to Rose Schmidt, at National Distribution Center. If you need an application contact Norb Huner. If you get your applications in early enough, and not all information required is on the application, they will send back to you and let you know they need more information.
Norb has NCCC tickets for the Silver, Z06 being raffled off this year. They are going to try and keep tab of tickets, so if you take a group of tickets your name will show up by the numbers you take. You will l be asked to return the ones you do not use.
The last thing he had was a letter from a regional member concerning profanity at events, and asking if there was something, as a region, we could do to police this. This is an area of legitimate concern and is detrimental to recruiting and keeping new members. Since the NCCC rulebook already addresses unsportsman like conduct it was felt that additional regional rules were not needed.
Committee Reports:
Banquet:
Bob Fultz gave an update on the 2001 banquet, 145 people had signed up. Due to a misunderstanding on the budget dollars for the banquet there was a shortfall. Deb Murphy made a motion to cover the shortfall, seconded by Bob Kuty, motion carried.
Budget Committee:
A proposed budget was presented, attached for those not present. Some proposals were thst instead of $20.00 per club dues, we do $2.00 per member per club. Sanction Fees would be increased to $20.00 per event for the competition fund and approximately $900.00 a year would come from NCCC trophy rebate. This would put $3140.00 in the competition fund.
It was broke down as follows: Team 200, 35 x $25.00 $ 875.00
Worker Awards 15 x $15.00 225.00
MVP 2x $75.00 150.00
1st place club 75.00
Jackets
10 @ $50.00 500.00
RCD expenses $575.00
$24.00.00
This leaves $740.00 in competition fund, committee recommends $500.00 be placed in banquet fund and the remaining $240.00 be placed in a fund to be considered for purchasing computer/timing equipment. Remember these are proposals and/or recommendations. These have not been voted on yet. Discussion followed about the $2.00 per member fee, Bill Quine explained this is in lieu of the $20.00 per club, the region does need operating money. There was also discussion about the purchase of timing/computer equipment. The computer/timing is just to see if there is interest and what the feasibility would be. A committee may need to be set up to investigate this.
Deb Murphy asked the question, Do we have guidelines of what can be spent without budget committee approval? Yes, It is in the by-laws. If there is a request for an off budget item, does it get presented to the budget committee or the board of governors. Norb stated any request for an off budget item needs presented to the board of governors. This is in the by-laws.
Hall of Fame:
Two people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame tonight, see addendum to minutes.
Year 2002 will be the tenth anniversary of the Hall of Fame and Don would like to do something special next year.
NCCC Charity Committee:
The raffle car tickets can be sold at 3 for $25.00. Also if you are a primary member and there is a spousal member in your household, you can make a copy of the green sheet of 5 for $25.00 for them. Or you can purchase and just fill out one green sheet.
OLD BUSINESS:
Norb asked if it would be beneficial to have a type of committee, not necessarily a steering committee, to help guide clubs through doing a banquet. He is asking for feedback, governor’s thought was a good idea. Norb asked for volunteers to be on this committee. If he gets no volunteers he will appoint someone at next meeting.
Norb asked for 2002 banquet bids, none were presented. The budget for next year is $200.00 for beverage. LakeShore will look at the possibility.
Comment was made need to look at subsidizing the banquet in order to keep cost down. No club should have a financial risk, it is a regional banquet.
Chuck asked to give some input on the computer/timing idea. One of the reasons the suggestion come about was a lot of the clubs have computer equipment that if it gets run over cannot be repaired. There are numerous systems and they would need to be investigated, it would have to be something universal.
On the question of how it would be transported about the region, he explained that if someone wants to borrow something from someone, they go get it. He would expect that if Mahoning Valley needs it and Competition Corvette Club has it, someone from Mahoning Valley would go get it. As far as maintenance, general maintenance would be done by region. Before we do anything we need to set up a committee to investigate feasibility and then to set up guidelines. Chuck was asked to be on this committee, he was OK with this.
In November by-laws were approved, copies were in the room to be picked up.
Enclosed with these minutes are Standing Rules and Operating Procedures, please go over and come to May meeting with suggestions and/or revisions.
Mickey had 2 corrections on e-mail addresses: On Norb Huner his email is all small letters, norb@colsequipment.com and on Bob Kirsch his e-mail is underscore not a dash, NCS_BOBK@Yahoo.com.
LakeShore had to make a correction to flyer they handed out, the flyer shows 2 car shows but there is only one.
Also on the event sheet that went out on July 21 under LakeShore it shows a car show, but LakeShore had scheduled a rally. Alan will fix this.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bob Kirsch brought up a proposal for a raffle that evening, he had brought in a Dale Earnhart #3 car and two pictures. He asked if they could be raffled off and the proceeds donated to Harvest for Hunger. The governors decided to do this and sell the tickets for $5.00 each. See addendum to minutes.
Bill Quine suggested the region look into a standing registration form to be used. It could save a lot of time at registration. Alan said he would pursue this, suggestion was made what was wrong with the one in the rulebook.
Deb Murphy asked if East Ohio was a member of the Corvette Museum, Mickey answered yes, #16, Lifetime member.
Alan will be placing stickers on helmets again this year. Chuck commented we need more concrete definition from Roger Mitchell, of what is DOT and what is Snell rating, the rulebook is much too vague? Bill Quine brought up that the sticker Alan places on helmets is good only in East Ohio region, other regions can determine is not a good helmet.
Meeting adjourned at 2:00PM.
Respectively submitted
Mickey Ouellette
Secretary/Treasurer
Addendum to minutes:
Bob and Judy Creasman were inducted into the East Ohio Hall of Fame
At the banquet after the raffle dollars for the Dale Earnhardt car were sold $770.00 was raised. Norb asked if the members would motion for the region to add money to the raffle dollars, for Harvest for Hunger, to bring up to $1000.00 motion carried.
At the banquet Buckeye Corvette Club gave drawing tickets as door prizes, the envelope said compliments of Buckeye Corvettes, only one set of tickets was returned, whoever won these tickets please fill out and return to Chuck Heretta, otherwise they are not good to you.