Suggestions for the DSCC ??? Long but needed.

[Engineer Ed]

Fello DSCC Members,

It's obvious that some things in the DSCC may need to change this year.
Most significantly, do we hold together as a large group, or split into separate states? I am all for remaining together, but how do we improve on what we have?
Do we continue to have a single club president and area (State) coordinators for FL, GA, AL…etc?
But if we remain this big, how do we host annual meetings?
Does each state conduct its own annual meeting and then the state representatives meet to discuss club business?
What do we do to promote the club and provide “fun” things for its members?
I.e., the “Reptile Roundup”, Cobra Dan’s bar-b-que, Willis 100, Frank and Sons bash, etc…

Suggestions are needed so we can put it to a vote this weekend.
I know I'm rather late in starting this topic and we may just vote to have a forum participation poll to be held in a week or so.

Elections will also be conducted this weekend and we would like your input if you are unable to make the meeting.
Perhaps Dan can post the names of those nominated for office.

Dues:
Some of us feel like they are necessary to conduct club business.
Postage is not free and it may be the only means of contacting some of our members.
Also, too many of our members fail to notify the club if their contact information changes. If your contact info needs correction, please contact Ruble or the DSCC secretary. (I don’t foresee a change; Ruble has done an excellent job).
I feel dues are also needed to reserve and prepare for the Annual meeting.
Dan, how much of your own cash have you put into the meeting?
I know the fact that instilling dues may cause some members to leave, but seriously, how many "ACTIVE" members to we have at this point anyway?
Those people who are active (and the ones I've talked to) all have agreed to the fact that dues (in the $20-$25 range) wouldnt kill anyone.
This money would need to be accountable for and financial information available for every member.
This money will be used to send mailings about comapny events, deposits for meetings, etc.

This is a big step and needs to be discussed by all the members.
Additionally, perhaps having a "financial" interest in the club might make some members commit a bit more time and effort into the club (if they are paying to be a member). Paying for part of the Annual meeting in advance will definitely make planning much easier. These days, deposits are needed for almost everything.
T-shirt money, trophies, etc…..
If it weren’t for Enzo and Paula, we wouldn’t have door prizes either.

Gainesville and other track events promoted by the DSCC can include a membership fee if you are not a DSCC member to participate. I just attended the SVTOA Sebring event and had to pay an additional $30 to become a SVTOA member just to attend their school.
The same should hold true for Gainesville. I believe since our club promotes it, therefore it should benefit from it.
The “racing” group would like to purchase tents, timers and other materials to improve the events.
T-shirt sales and bake sales are not generating enough money to promote this club.

I / we need your thoughts and ideas so we can bring them up at the meeting on Saturday.
Please make your voice heard.
Again, we hope to see you at the meeting, but if you cannot attend, we would like to at least hear from you.

Ed
FFR1997K