President’s Column, November 2005
by Bob MorinA lot has happened since my last column. First, we had our ’02 Fest East and once again Willy and jerri Wiley did a great job. We had 2002s come from as far away as Canada for the event, and roughly 60 2002s came out and another 30 or so cars full that came just to enjoy the day. Thanks go out to Willy and jerri for all the work they put into this event each year. Next up for some of us in the Chapter was Oktoberfest in Greensboro, NC. The whole week was terrific, beginning with the outstanding Driver’s School at VIR and finishing with the banquet on Friday night, everyone seemed to be enjoying every activity in which they participated. Hats off to the Tarheel Chapter and all the other volunteers who made it happen. Upon our return, the annual Humpa Picnic was the following weekend. BMW CCA unofficial historian Joe Chamberlain pointed out to me at Oktoberfest that he believes that the Humpa Picnic is the longest continuously running Chapter event in BMW CCA. We could not have asked for a better day weather-wise and there were plenty of wursts and hamburgers and hotdogs for the great crowd that turned out. Thanks to John and Barbara Bisset for organizing the event and making the arrangements with the Town of Glastonbury for Williams Park and thank you also to all the members of the board who brought all the meats, rolls, snacks, popcorn machine, beverages and more. We also appreciate the donation that Tony Oliviera makes to cover the cost of the beer for the day and to BMW of North America for donating several of the doorprizes that were given away. The following week, we had planned to hold a Fall Bike Trip, but CT was already in the midst of the rainy season that was October this year and many called to say that they would not be coming. Sheila drove down to Simsbury in case anyone decided to come, since it wasn’t really raining at the time, but the likelihood of more rain kept everyone away and the event was essentially canceled. We’re changing things around a bit this year for our holiday party, so check out the article in this issue for the December 3rd event. The Yankee Swap will still be part of the evening and we hope to see you all there. As the year winds down, we have to start thinking about the upcoming elections again. We’d love to attract some new blood to the board and if you have ever thought about having more say in the manner in which your Chapter is run, we’d love to speak with you about how you might be able to help. All positions are open for nominees, so contact me or any other board member if you would be interested in learning more about what is involved. Last month’s F1 comments ended off with the dismal Turkish Grand Prix. The next event was Italy. Monza has been good to the BMW Williams in the past, but that was the past. This year, Pizzonia managed a 7th while team #1, Mark Webber settled in at 14th. The Belgian Grand Prix was next and at Spa Webber actually finished 4th while Pizzonia was credited with 15th. Räikkönnen was trying very hard to make up ground and stay alive in the Driver’s Championship and was single-handedly keeping McLaren in the running for the Manufacturer’s Championship as Montoya, who won at Monza fell to 14th at Spa. Brazil finished out September and Montoya was back on top at what is as close to a home track as the Colombian has. Räikkönnen’s 2nd kept things tight for the Manufacturer’s title. The BMW boys were 17th and 19th. Boy are they pathetic! In News From National, membership came in at 75,193. This number is down a little over 2% from last year and that brings us to the announcement of the National Membership Drive. For every new member a current member recruits, the current member receives a one month extension on their current membership. In addition, that member will receive a ticket in a prize drawing. Chapters that attain a 4% growth and 60% retention will also receive CCA merchandise that can be used for doorprizes. Growth goals at the level of 10% or 20% will earn additional rewards. Ever been to a Gateway Tech? Next year’s 25th Anniversary event will return to its roots in St. Louis and the dates have been set for March 23 – 26. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and to your families. Be safe over the holiday. Bob Morin
|
